Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome

Fund Definition

Assistance with the prescription drugs and biologics used in the treatment of LEMS.

Grant Utilization

HealthWell estimates that patients use an average of $8,050 during their 12-month grant period for this disease area.

Consider Premium Assistance

Under this fund, HealthWell can assist with premium costs. Medicare supplemental policies can help with cost shares related to many aspects of your health care. Using a HealthWell grant to cover premiums may be a better option than treatment-specific cost shares.

Do I Qualify?

HealthWell bases eligibility on an individual’s medical, financial and insurance situation. To qualify for HealthWell’s assistance, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • 1. You are being treated for Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome.

    Please make sure that HealthWell currently has a fund for your diagnosis/indication and that your medication is covered under that fund by visiting our Diseases and Medications listing. If we do not have a fund that currently covers your diagnosis, please check back as we frequently open and reopen programs as funding becomes available. The Foundation is able to help patients receiving treatment for indications for which we currently have an open fund. We can only assist with medications that have been prescribed to treat the disease/covered diagnosis. You will be asked to provide the Foundation with the patient’s diagnosis, which must be verified by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant’s signature. The patient must receive treatment in the United States.

  • 2. You have insurance and it covers your medication.

    To qualify for assistance from HealthWell, you must have some form of health insurance (private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, etc.) that covers part of the cost of your treatment. The Foundation will refer patients without prescription insurance to other programs, such as manufacturer patient assistance programs.

  • 3. Your income falls within our guidelines.
    HealthWell assists individuals with incomes up to 400-500% of the Federal Poverty Level. The Foundation also considers the number in a household and cost of living in a particular city or state. If you believe you qualify for assistance, you may begin the application process here.
  • 4. You are receiving treatment in the United States.

    If you are receiving treatment in the U.S. and have met the eligibility criteria as listed, you are ready to apply! Please note that you will be asked to provide a Social Security Number in order to create a grant. This information is gathered to eliminate duplicate applications and is kept secure and confidential.

About Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome

According to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), LEMS is a rare neuromuscular disorder that weakens and fatigues the body’s voluntary muscles, usually causing weakness in the upper legs and hips. These proximal muscles (muscles closest to the body’s midline) are likely to fatigue with use, causing more prominent stiffness than actual weakness. As the legs are particularly affected, it may difficult to go climb stairs, run, walk or get out of a chair. Weakness and fatigue can fluctuate from day to day and stress, heat and lack of sleep make symptoms worse. Approximately 50 to 60 percent of LEMS cases are associated with an underlying disease, particularly small cell lung cancer. While the trigger for LEMS is unknown in people without cancer, it is estimated that about half of those with LEMS have or will develop cancer. People without cancer usually do well with treatment, but most continue to have symptoms. LEMS can be difficult to diagnosis since weakness in the legs, with or without arm weakness and fatigue, are common complaints in general. Source: Muscular Dystrophy Association

 

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