PATIENT NAVIGATOR CORNER FEBRUARY 2023

The Patient Navigator program is funded in part by Aurinia Pharmaceuticals and an earmark from the State of Ohio and managed by the Ohio Department of Health.

The Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Ohio Chapter is always looking for ways to provide help and support to lupus warriors throughout the state so that they can live their best lives with lupus. Several years ago, we completed a needs assessment survey. The survey results showed that some lupus patients would benefit with some help with healthcare transportation, medical financial assistance, and mental health counseling. The chapter submitted grant proposals, and we were successful in receiving funding. We began enrolling patients into our Assistance Programs last year. Since October 2022, 29 lupians have participated in the programs.

We want to make sure that all lupus warriors know about and take advantage of these programs, if you qualify. In order to get started with any of these programs, you will need to complete the CASE SDOH Needs Assessment form (Case Assessment Systems Evaluation - Social Determinants of Health). This is an assessment that collects information about barriers to care that a lupus patient may have. You may participate in one, two or all three programs if you are interested and if you qualify.

Healthcare Transportation Program

This program provides transportation assistance to lupus patients who have difficulty getting to and from healthcare appointments. After the CASE SDOH Needs Assessment Form is completed, a patient navigator will contact you to discuss the program, our partnership with Uber Health rides. If this is a good fit for you, we may be able to schedule rides with Uber Health (while available funding lasts). If Uber Health is not a good fit, there may be other transportation options that could work for you.

Medical Assistance Program

This program provides financial assistance to lupus patients who have out-of-pocket medical expenses. After the CASE SDOH Needs Assessment Form is completed, a patient navigator will then contact you to discuss the program. The program can reimburse up to $200 of eligible out-of- pocket expenses within a 6-month period (while available funding lasts). Copies of receipts for current medical expenses are required. Some examples of covered expenses are doctor visit copays, medication copays, lab, procedure, hospital, therapy, dental, and vision care bills. There is no income eligibility requirement.

Mental Health Counseling Assistance Program with Signature Health

This program provides assistance for mental health counseling evaluation and therapy sessions. After the CASE SDOH Needs Assessment is completed, a patient navigator will then contact you to discuss the program. If you do not have a Medicaid or Medicare insurance plan that is accepted by Signature Health, the Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Ohio Chapter will cover the costs of the evaluation and up to 4 counseling sessions (while available funding lasts). There is no income eligibility requirement.

If you are interested in any of these programs, please complete the CASE SDOH Needs Assessment Form: https://forms.gle/FUG2oekFEhf4iuJu5. A Patient Navigator will then contact you.

For more information or to speak with a Patient Navigator, please call us at 1 (888) NO-LUPUS, (888) 665-8787, (440) 717-0183 or email us at info@lupusgreaterohio.org.