President's Message
Hello Friends,
As the long summer days turn into fall, I hope you are staying healthy and well. All of us at The Assistance Fund (TAF) continue to closely monitor the delta variant and coronavirus pandemic as we transition back to our physical offices. The health of the patients we serve and of our employees continues to be our number one priority.
With the return of fall comes the start of our annual Reenrollment period. Reenrollment for TAF assistance occurs in the last quarter of the year (November – December) and is disease-program-specific. Disease programs eligible for Reenrollment are divided into two groups: Purple and Teal. For 2022 Reenrollment, we are again teaming up with Lighthouse Works, an Orlando-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to create job opportunities for blind and visually impaired people in Central Florida. The partnership allows us to reduce hold times on the telephone, handle more calls, and improve our internal service levels while supporting an important Central Florida organization.
Finally, I hope you've had the chance to read our 2020 Impact Report. The 2020 Impact Report highlights TAF’s important moments and wins in the framework of our six core values: advocacy, excellence, innovation, passion, people, and transparency. I am tremendously proud of how the TAF team adapted to the rapidly changing circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they continued to serve you, our patients, without disruption.
Read more about the impact report, and additional TAF news and operations updates below.
Sincerely,
Mark McGreevy
President and CEO
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Apply for TAF 2022 Reenrollment
As in previous years, TAF Reenrollment is organized into two groups that are disease-program-specific: Purple and Teal. Purple Reenrollment takes place from November 3–19. Teal Reenrollment takes place from December 1–17. When your Reenrollment time period begins, you may apply for Reenrollment through one of the following methods:
Text: If we have your cell phone number on file, you will receive a text with your Reenrollment link on your Reenrollment date.
Email: If we have your email on file, you will receive an email with your Reenrollment link on your Reenrollment date.
Online: When Reenrollment for 2022 opens, you can apply for Reenrollment on our website through our Reenrollment Hub.
Paper: If you wish to complete a paper application, please call (833) 343-2148. Applications will not be mailed or emailed prior to Reenrollment dates. You must request a paper application once your Reenrollment period has opened.
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COVID-19 Update
As of October 5, 2021, more than 185 million Americans have been fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine. TAF programs and services continue to be fully operational as we transition back to our physical offices.
Every adult is eligible for a vaccine, and children ages 12–17 are eligible for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. To find information on your nearest vaccine location, text your ZIP code to 438829, or use CDC’s Vaccine Finder: Vaccines.Gov.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine who are aged 65 years and older, as well as people with underlying medical conditions, receive a booster shot six months after receiving their second dose.
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2020 Impact Report Highlights TAF Core Values
2020 was an incredibly memorable year that tested TAF's mettle as an organization. From launching disease program waitlists, to forging partnerships with patient organizations to advocate on behalf of our patients, to supporting crucial research on cell gene therapy, there is much to celebrate.
These milestones would not be possible without the strong commitment of our donors, healthcare providers, TAF staff, and of course, you, the patients we serve. Read the 2020 Impact Report here.
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TAF Enhances and Expands Patient Resources
At TAF, we are committed to putting patients at the center of everything we do. This fall, we added several features to our Patient Resources page. TAF's enhanced Patient Resources page has a wide range of resources, including:
- Patient support organizations
- Rare disease information
- Financial support and community-based resources
- Health insurance and government resources
- Caregiver and emotional support resources
- Aging resources
- Independent charitable patient assistance organizations
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Patient Profile: Geoff, Prostate Cancer Copay Assistance Program
Geoff has lived in the Chicagoland area most of his life and is the quintessential Midwestern man. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico, he came back to the North Shore. The cold winters could not keep him away.
“It amazes me when people who grew up in the Midwest still react poorly during the first few snowfalls—I mean, they should be used to it by now!” he said.
It was during his time as a Lobo at the University of New Mexico that Geoff met his wife, all thanks to the introduction from a friend. For decades they’ve been each other’s rocks. These days, Geoff and his wife put their energy toward their four young grandchildren, all under the age of 12.
“We’re not as active as we used to be,” Geoff said. “Though we still love to take our bikes out and go for a ride. Family is very important to us.”
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With the support of his family, Geoff stays diligent in tracking his health. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012, but thanks to a team of doctors and effective treatment, Geoff’s quality of life has improved.
“Thanks to my treatment, my prostate-specific antigen level is back down to almost negligible,” he said. “If I follow what the doctor says, I will continue to not have any problems.”
When Geoff was first diagnosed, the cost of treatment was just as frightening to him as cancer itself.
“When I saw the cost, I said, ‘we are going to need to skip that treatment,’” he said. “There was no way I had an extra $30,000 each year for a drug.”
Through the help of his doctor, Geoff found The Assistance Fund’s (TAF’s) Prostate Cancer Copay Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance for out-of-pocket costs for prescribed FDA-approved treatment, such as copays, deductibles, and coinsurance.
“I am grateful to have the assistance of an excellent doctor and TAF,” Geoff said. “I can’t change the fact that I have cancer, but what I can do is be positive and proactive.”
One thing cancer doesn’t impact is Geoff’s attitude. With the peace of mind that comes with knowing he can afford his critical treatment, Geoff can look ahead to watching his peewee players turn into star athletes.
“It doesn’t help to sit around and stew about it,” he said. “I might as well move forward.”
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Would you like to be featured in an upcoming newsletter? If you have received assistance from The Assistance Fund and would like to share your story, please contact Mark Meier, Manager of Communications, at Mark.Meier@tafcares.org.
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Leave a Legacy, Save a Life
Our planned giving website provides resources for you to plan a gift that fits your future retirement strategies.
You can:
- Find the right gift for you based on your age, assets, or the amount you would like to give.
- Learn about ways to give and how to fund your gift.
- Download brochures and watch videos on popular types of contributions.
- See your potential benefits with our Gift Illustrator.
- Get your plans in motion with our Personal Estate Planning Kit.
Visit our website today to start planning your legacy! |
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Upcoming Disease Awareness Months
October:
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Gaucher Disease Awareness Month
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November:
Alpha-1 Awareness Month
Epilepsy Awareness Month
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
National Family Caregivers Month
Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month
Stomach Cancer Awareness Month
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TAF staff wearing blue in recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. |
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TAF staff wearing lavender and orange in recognition of Psoriasis Awareness Month. |
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Purple Pro: Sam Caldwell, Patient Advocate |
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What is your favorite part about your job?
Meeting new individuals -- I hear or learn something every day. Everyone has a different story or background.
What are some of the most common questions you receive?
I am often asked, “Do I qualify?” and “Can you help me?”
What have you learned while working at TAF?
I’ve learned so much. I’ve focused on how to keep the patient at ease during waitlist periods and treat them like they are family.
What three words best describe how to be successful at your job?
Comprehension, compassion, and action.
How are you trying to improve patients’ experience?
During each interaction, I try to be proactive and advise on any misunderstandings. I review guidelines while maintaining compassion.
Describe what it’s like to work at TAF.
It’s especially rewarding when I hear the stress go away upon patients being approved. It’s a joy and a hope.
What is one fun fact about you?
I can’t stop talking. It’s my gift. I recently met a lady on the airplane, and we exchanged phone numbers. You never know who you will meet!
Which TAF value do you most identify with and why?
Passion. It’s all about caring for the patient and treating them like family.
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Operations Team Tips: Using TAF's Efficient Document Uploader
My name is Daniel Nieves, and I am the Operations Manager of TAF's Contact Center. At TAF, we are always here to help.
Whether you're new to TAF or have received assistance for several years, it's important to ensure you submit all proper documentation as required by your disease program. The most efficient way to submit documentation is through our electronic document uploader.
You will receive the following message that confirms your document upload has been successful:
"Success! Your documents have been received. Please note: It can take up to three business days to review your documentation. If you are requesting reimbursement, an additional three business days may be required."
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One-Pan Fish With Bacon and Sweet Corn
Makes: Four servings
Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 (6-ounce) fish fillets, such as tilapia, snapper, trout or striped bass, skin on or off
- Kosher salt
- 1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves and tender stems
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon chopped thyme leaves (from 5 to 6 sprigs)
- 1 lemon
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 bacon slices, chopped
- 2 small shallots, finely chopped
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (from 2 ears of corn)
Source: New York Times Cooking
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Preparation:
- Lightly season both sides of the fish fillets with salt. In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup parsley with the red-pepper flakes, garlic and thyme. Zest the lemon into the bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons olive oil. Transfer the fish to the bowl and turn to coat. Cover and marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes. (The fish can be covered tightly and refrigerated for up to 12 hours.) Cut the zested lemon into 8 wedges and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium. Add the bacon and cook, stirring frequently, until crispy, about 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel.
- Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the bacon drippings in the skillet. Lay the marinated fish fillets in an even layer (skin-side down if your fillets are skin-on) and cover fish with any leftover marinade from the bowl. Cook until the fish is firm, opaque, and flakes easily when poked with a fork, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer the fish to a serving platter; keep the skillet on the stove.
- Lower the heat to medium, and add the shallots and reserved bacon. Cook, stirring, until the shallots soften, about 2 minutes. Add the corn, stir and cook until just tender, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and squeeze in the juice from 3 lemon wedges. Add the remaining 1/4 cup chopped parsley, stir and spoon over the fish. Serve with the remaining lemon wedges for squeezing.
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TAF Is on Instagram
If you're on Instagram, follow @TheAssistanceFund for the latest news and updates, as well as a look at the people behind our best-in-class patient experience.
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The Assistance Fund Launches Advocacy Action Center
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At The Assistance Fund, we work tirelessly to help patients bridge the gap between what treatment costs and what they can afford. Advocating for public policies that ensure access to clinical care, diagnostic testing, therapy, and treatment at a cost within reach is critical to this effort.
Patients should be recognized and heard by policymakers in Washington. That’s why we are excited to announce the launch of our new Advocacy Action Center, which highlights important policy issues and gives patients the opportunity to contact their members of Congress about important policy issues, like Medicare Part D reform.
Many patients we serve are Medicare beneficiaries who depend on Medicare Part D to access critical treatment. Unlike other insurance programs, Medicare Part D puts no limit on the annual out-of-pocket costs older adults pay. It’s time for Congress to modernize Medicare Part D by capping annual out-of-pocket costs and allowing beneficiaries to evenly distribute these costs throughout the year.
Visit TAF’s Advocacy Action Center to learn more and send a message to your Congressional Representatives, urging them to modernize Medicare Part D to reduce burdensome cost-sharing.
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Conference Attendance
On the Road
The Assistance Fund is continuing to attend a range of virtual and in-person conferences in 2021. Here is a list of some of our recent and upcoming conferences:
- Global Genes Rare Patient Advocacy Virtual Summit (September 27–29)
- National Health Council Science of Patient Engagement Virtual Symposium (October 13)
- American Porphyria Foundation Heme Biosynthesis & the Porphyrias 2021 Scientific Virtual Symposium (October 15–17)
- Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers 2021 Annual Meeting (October 25–28)
- Asembia's Specialty Pharmacy Summit (October 26–29)
- BIO Patient and Health Advocacy Digital Summit (October 27–28)
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Get the Latest News From TAF
You don't want to miss TAF's updates and news! Be sure to add info@tafcares.org to your address book to receive our messages.
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Headquarters:
4700 Millenia Blvd., Suite 410
Orlando, FL 32839
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Washington, DC, Office:
655 15th St. NW, Suite 502
Washington, DC 20005
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