PATIENT NAVIGATOR CORNER DECEMBER 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.
Update: Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Ohio Chapter Assistance Programs In the February, 2023 issue of Living with Lupus Magazine, the Patient Navigator Corner presented the LFA, GOC’s Assistance Programs. These programs were created as a response to a needs assessment survey of lupus warriors in the state of Ohio. The results showed that lupians would benefit from some help with healthcare transportation, medical financial assistance, and mental health counseling. The Chapter submitted grant proposals and was successful in receiving funding for the programs. We want to share with you some of the data we collected from these programs. From October 2022 - June 2023: • 19 patients received an average of $191.18 assistance for out-of-pocket medical expenses 4
LIVING WITH LUPUS MAGAZINE
• 10 patients took 79 roundtrip and 3 single-trip Uber rides to healthcare appointments • 16 patients were referred for mental health counseling with Signature Health The majority of lupians who participated in and sent feedback about these programs were very satisfied with the help they received. We are happy that our funding has been continued for these programs, and we are also pleased to announce that we have received funding for a new Food Assistance Program. We want to make sure that all lupus warriors know about and take advantage of these programs if they 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. After the CASE SDOH Needs Assessment Form is completed, a patient navigator will contact you to discuss the program(s). Healthcare Transportation Program This program gives transportation assistance to lupus patients who have difficulty getting to and from healthcare appointments. We look to see if there are health transportation services in your area. If none exist or if the local services do not work for you, we have a partnership with Uber Health. If this is a good fit for you, we can schedule a ride with Uber Health to take you to and from your healthcare appointment. Medical Assistance Program This program supplies financial assistance to lupus patients who have out-of-pocket medical expenses. Copies of receipts
