GETTING HELP WITH YOUR TREATMENT

Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) is committed to helping patients in need get access to their medications by providing co-payment assistance. Patients can submit their application online by answering basic questions. Please check the specific disease page to see if funding is currently available. Please note that only eligible patients will be able to proceed past Step 3.

RE: PARKINSON'S DISEASE Fund Status – Open – We are accepting applications for new and renewal patients. If your application for assistance is approved you can begin receiving funding immediately. Maximum Award Level $16,500 per year. Patients may apply for a second grant during their eligibility period subject to availability of funding. Eligibility criteria:

• Patient should be insured and insurance must cover the medication for which patient seeks assistance.
• The medication must treat the disease directly.
• Patient must reside and receive treatment in the United States.
• Patient’s income must fall below 500% of the Federal Poverty Level.

2015 Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia:  Persons in family/ Poverty Household guideline 1 $11,770 2 15,930 3 20,090 4 24,250 5 28,410 6 32,570 7 36,730 8 40,890 For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $4,160 for each additional person.

Information about the Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders, which are the result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. The four primary symptoms of PD are tremor, or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk; bradykinesia, or slowness of movement; and postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination. As these symptoms become more pronounced, patients may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks. PD usually affects people over the age of 50.  Early symptoms of PD are subtle and occur gradually.  In some people the disease progresses more quickly than in others.  As the disease progresses, the shaking, or tremor, which affects the majority of PD patients may begin to interfere with daily activities.

Other symptoms may include depression and other emotional changes; difficulty in swallowing, chewing, and speaking; urinary problems or constipation; skin problems; and sleep disruptions.  There are currently no blood or laboratory tests that have been proven to help in diagnosing sporadic PD.  Therefore the diagnosis is based on medical history and a neurological examination.  The disease can be difficult to diagnose accurately. Doctors may sometimes request brain scans or laboratory tests in order to rule out other diseases.

Apply Online https://www.panapply.org/  or call 1-866-316-PANF (7263)