The PAN Foundation Opens New Carcinoid Syndrome Patient Assistance Fund

The Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation today opened a new patient assistance program for people living with carcinoid syndrome. Carcinoid syndrome occurs when an underlying carcinoid tumor produces excessive amounts of serotonin, often due to liver metastases.

Carcinoid tumors are rare. The National Organization for Rare Disorders estimates 27 new cases per one million people are diagnosed in the U.S. each year—of which 10 percent develop into carcinoid syndrome. Qualifying patients are eligible to receive grants from PAN to pay for the deductibles, co-pays and coinsurance costs associated with their carcinoid syndrome treatment.

“High out-of-pocket costs present significant barriers to patient access and adherence to care—often forcing patients to forgo or delay treatment,” said PAN President and CEO Daniel Klein. “We strongly believe that high out-of-pocket costs should never prevent people from accessing the healthcare they need. Thanks to our generous donors, we are pleased to extend our assistance to people living with carcinoid syndrome, so that they can adhere to their treatments and better manage their conditions.”

Patients who qualify for the PAN Foundation’s Carcinoid Syndrome Assistance Program are eligible to receive $6,700 per year in financial assistance. Eligible patients must be getting treatment for carcinoid syndrome; must reside and receive treatment in the United States; must have Medicare health insurance; and the medication for which they seek assistance must be covered by their insurance and listed on PAN’s list of covered medications. In addition, patients’ income must fall at or below 500 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.

Patients, or advocates and caregivers applying on their behalf, can apply for assistance using the PAN Foundation’s online patient portal (www.panapply.org), or by calling 1-866-316-7263, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. To learn more about PAN’s nearly 70 disease-specific programs, visit panfoundation.org.

About the PAN Foundation:The PAN Foundation is an independent, nationwide 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing help and hope to underinsured patients who are unable to afford the out-of-pocket expenses for their prescribed medications. Since 2004, PAN has provided over $3 billion in financial assistance to nearly 1 million patients who would otherwise be unable to afford their medications. To learn more, visit www.panfoundation.org.