PAN Foundation

Our recent survey discovered that underrepresented groups are interested in clinical trials, but they aren’t being asked to join. We’re committed to opening doors to clinical trials by empowering patients and providers with comprehensive tools and resources to navigate the complexities of clinical trials. Visit the link in our comments to learn more about our clinical trials education campaign and our survey findings ⬇️

Save the date 📅 We’re excited to host a free webinar to explain how Medicare Part D plans will change in 2025 and how it could impact out-of-pocket costs for your patients. Learn more about the upcoming reforms on Tuesday, November 12, at 1 pm ET and register at the link in our comments ⬇️ 👉 Share this educational opportunity with your #healthcare colleagues and invite them to join this free event!

With open enrollment started, it’s crucial for Medicare beneficiaries to familiarize themselves with the upcoming Part D changes. Yet, our recent polling revealed that a majority (87%) of beneficiaries haven’t seen, read, or heard anything about the upcoming reforms. We’re working to lower that number and are grateful for MarketWatch’s recent mention of our polling findings in their recent article, “Medicare open enrollment will be a doozy this year. Here’s how to make smart choices.” Review our survey findings and read the full MarketWatch article: https://ow.ly/IaeX50TK2Tz

After Jeff Barrett’s polycythemia vera diagnosis progressed into myelofibrosis, he became eager to try any new treatment that came along. However, he has quickly encountered roadblocks while trying to access the best care possible. Every specialist visit requires prior authorization from his insurance company, even if the providers are in-network. For example, Jeff once needed a bone marrow biopsy and requested to go to one of the two regional cancer facilities that specialize in the procedure. Approval took months. Unfortunately, Jeff is just one example of a Medicare beneficiary impacted by the delays of prior authorization requirements. We need your help urging lawmakers to protect patients from these burdensome delays! Advocate for streamlined prior authorization protocols for Medicare Advantage plans with our easy-to-use tool at the link in our comments 📩

There are two key Medicare Part D reforms starting January 1, 2025: 1️⃣ A $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket prescription costs for all Medicare Part D covered medications 2️⃣ The voluntary Medicare Prescription Payment Plan to spread out-of-pocket drug payments These changes apply to anyone enrolled in traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage Part D plans, so it’s important to learn how they could impact patients! Learn more by visiting the link in our comments below ️⬇️

With today being World Mental Health Day, we’re reminded of our organization’s core belief that mental health services and treatments should be accessible to all. As an organization, we walk the walk by offering our staff mental health days, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to practice self-care. As a resource to patients, we have a web page dedicated to managing mental health. Visit the link in our comments for helpful links to: 🤝 Our partner national patient organizations that offer help with the complex physical, emotional, and practical realities of life-threatening, chronic, and rare diseases. 📝 External resources that offer educational resources, support tools, treatment finders, and more. 💜 Tips for managing your mental health, for patients by patients. We believe access to mental healthcare is a fundamental right, and we’ll continue to share resources and advocate for more affordable access to mental health services and treatment for not only our staff, but for the patients we serve.

With step therapy, also known as “fail first” policies, health plans require patients to try and “fail first” on one or more less expensive medications before they will cover the one initially prescribed by their doctor. The patients, and healthcare providers, must prove the less expensive medications aren’t effective before the patient’s health plan will cover the medication they really needed—delaying much needed care. We need your help asking Congress to put patients first! You can help us advocate against these restrictive utilization management policies by contacting your representatives with our easy-to-use tool at the link in our comments 📩

Mark your calendars! You’re invited to join our free family festival in Atlanta on November 9.   The PAN Foundation, alongside Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory Healthcare, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Wellstar Health System, proudly presents Stronger Together: A Journey to Wellness Family Festival—a celebration of health, wellness, and community. Over 40 local health organizations and community wellness groups will offer valuable resources and information to support your wellness goals. There will be local experts at the event offering free on-site application support for government and financial assistance programs.  The festival has something for everyone, from free health screenings to family-friendly activities. It’s a perfect opportunity for individuals, families, and caregivers to discover local resources and take charge of their health.      Register now to be part of this vibrant community event at the link in our comments ⬇️ Feel free to share this exciting event with patients, colleagues, and loved ones in the Atlanta area!   *Registration is preferred, but not required. We hope to see you there! 

Did you know that most Medicare beneficiaries (87%) have not seen, read, or heard anything about the new Medicare Part D reforms going into effect January 1, 2025? (Source: PAN Foundation) Now is the time for patients and healthcare providers to familiarize themselves with the upcoming reforms before open enrollment begins on October 15th! Watch this video about the 2025 Medicare changes and learn how they could impact patients’ out-of-pocket prescription costs. Want to dive deeper into the upcoming reforms? Visit our Medicare education hub at the link in our comments. 👉 Share this educational video with your #healthcare colleagues and invite them to learn more about these impending informs!

You’re invited to join the Partnership for Part D Access tomorrow for their webinar, “Helping Medicare Beneficiaries Pick the Right Part D Plan.”  One of the featured panelists is George Valentine, a member of our PAN Patient and Family Advisory Council and a chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) survivor. The panel will share helpful resources to assist Medicare Part D beneficiaries in choosing the right Part D plan for them during open enrollment, which starts October 15.  Register for this free informative webinar at the link in our comments! ⬇️   👉 Share this webinar with your #healthcare colleagues who would like to learn more about available Medicare Part D plans for patients!