CSL Behring recently announced the launch of a financial assistance program aimed to help cover high expenses of treating hereditary angioedema (HAE).
The co-pay assistance program will cover patients’ out-of-pocket expenses for Berinert, a C1 Esterase Inhibitor (Human), indicated for the treatment of acute laryngeal, facial and abdominal attacks of HAE. The Berinert Co-Pay BENefit is a new addition to the Berinert Expert Network (BEN), which is a full-service support program for healthcare providers and HAE patients and caregivers.
According to the company, CSL Behring will coordinate with the patient’s specialty pharmacy in order to cover up to $12,000 in out-of-pocket co-pay costs in eligible expenses per year. The program is available to insured US residents who are 12 years or older and who receive Berinert through a specialty pharmacy. The program excludes patients who are covered by state or federal funded programs including Medicare, Medicaid and Veterans Health Insurance.
“Berinert Co-Pay BENefit is the most recent example of CSL Behring’s commitment to provide HAE patients and healthcare providers with quality products and comprehensive service and support programs,” Lynne Powell, Sr. VP of North American Commercial Operations said. “For many hereditary angioedema patients, enrollment in this program will increase their access to Berinert and result in no out-of-pocket expenses related to treatment.”
Hereditary Angioedema is a rare genetic disorder resulting from a deficiency of C1-INH that occurs in about 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 50,000 people. It causes swelling in the face, abdomen, larynx and extremities of the body. HAE attacks in the face or throat can cause airway closure, asphyxiation and death if untreated.
“As a person with HAE, I understand first-hand the difficulties patients experience dealing with confusing insurance reimbursement issues,” Janet Long, HAE patients and Executive Vice President of the Hereditary Angioedema Association said in a press release. “As an organization, we are extremely grateful for programs that help ease the financial burden faced by HAE patients.”
Source: CSL Behring
Last Updated: 1/9/13; 3:55PM EST