Important: Patient Advocate Foundation’s TotalAssist program launches on July 1. Whether you’re a new patient, or you’re currently receiving assistance from Patient Advocate Foundation or PAN Foundation, visit our TotalAssist.org website to learn more about next steps, get helpful information, and access your portal account. Starting July 1, the call center can be reached by calling toll free, 866-512-3861 from 8:30am to 5:30pm ET.

The PAN Foundation opens new spinal muscular atrophy patient assistance fund

Information about this website: Following the March 2026 merger of Patient Advocate Foundation and the PAN Foundation, this website is now a part of Patient Advocate Foundation and remains active during our website transition.

Where to find information during our transition:

The PAN Foundation today opened a new patient assistance program for people living with spinal muscular atrophy. Spinal muscular atrophy is a group of hereditary diseases that progressively destroy motor neurons that control essential muscle activity such as speaking, walking, breathing, and swallowing. It is a rare disease that affects the nervous system.

The Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation estimates that up to 20,000 Americans are living with spinal muscular atrophy.  

“We’re excited to help individuals with spinal muscular atrophy access new therapies to manage their symptoms and give them more time with their loved ones,” said PAN President and CEO Dan Klein. “We would like to see the pace of research and development continue to gain momentum, so more people can get the treatment they need.”

Patients who qualify are eligible to receive $6,500 per year in financial assistance to pay for the deductibles, copays, and coinsurance costs associated with their treatment for spinal muscular atrophy.
 
Eligibility requirements
To get financial assistance for spinal muscular atrophy, patients must:  

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

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.

MEDIA CONTACT

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