The PAN Foundation and the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance join forces to expand financial and support services for people with bipolar disorder

The PAN Foundation announced a pivotal new program and partnership with the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance to help economically vulnerable people with bipolar disorder pay for their medications and connect with essential support services.

With the launch of PAN’s Bipolar Disorder Assistance Program, people struggling to afford the out-of-pocket medication costs for bipolar disorder can apply for a 12-month grant to help them pay for the prescriptions associated with their treatment.

Patients who apply for financial assistance can opt in to learn about resources offered by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, a national organization that provides vital support to people with mood disorders to help them manage their condition and improve their quality of life.

“People affected by bipolar disorder have nowhere to turn if they can’t afford the out-of-pocket costs for their medications. Yet going without treatment can pose life-threatening consequences,” says PAN Foundation President and CEO Dan Klein.

“During a time when COVID-19 is exacerbating access to mental health treatment, we are honored to offer these patients financial support and are grateful to our partners at the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance for connecting them with lifesaving resources and education.” 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people with bipolar disorder can experience intense shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels to the point where it affects their ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. These shifts in mood and energy levels are more severe than the usual ups and downs that others experience and can be debilitating. An estimated 5.7 million people in the United States live with bipolar disorder.

“Medication can be an essential component of treatment for bipolar disorder, yet there are not many resources for people who can’t afford the out-of-pocket prescription costs,” says Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance CEO Michael Pollock. “Thanks to our partnership with the PAN Foundation, not only will we be supporting people during a critical moment in their care journey, we’ll also stay with them to provide resources and support over the long term.”

Eligibility requirements
To receive financial assistance for bipolar disorder, patients must: 

• Be getting treatment for bipolar disorder.
• Have Medicare health insurance that covers the qualifying medication or product.
• Have an income that falls at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Patients who qualify are eligible to receive $2,700 per year in financial assistance to pay for the deductibles, copays, and coinsurance costs associated with their bipolar disorder treatment.

How to apply
Patients, caregivers, or advocates applying on their behalf can apply for assistance using the PAN Foundation’s online patient portal, or by calling 1-866-316-7263, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

About the PAN Foundation
The PAN Foundation is an independent, nationwide 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing help and hope to underinsured patients who are unable to afford the out-of-pocket expenses for their prescribed medications. Since 2004, PAN has provided over $3 billion in financial assistance to nearly one million patients who would otherwise be unable to afford their medications.

About the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is a national organization providing hope, help, support, and education for the 21 million people across the U.S. who live with mood disorders. Mood disorders are linked with 60% of the nation’s suicides and cost an estimated $23 billion in lost workdays and other workplace losses each year.

In all, DBSA reaches an estimated four million people each year with education, advocacy, resources, and support. Programs and resources are offered 24/7 through the DBSA website and through the organization’s 500+ support groups and 150+ chapters across the country. 

MEDIA CONTACT

Liz Eckert, Director of Marketing and Communications
Email: leckert@panfoundation.org