Helping Hands
The financial burden of managing a bleeding disorder is enormous. HFA’s Helping Hands program is designed to establish a rapid, non-invasive source of relief for emergency situations or urgent needs to those persons who are affected by hemophilia or von Willebrand disease. Each year, Helping Hands aids hundreds of families with emergency/urgent funding to assist in crisis situations such as housing, transportation, and utility bills.
Eligibility
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Individuals with hemophilia or von Willebrand disease, and/or their “immediate” family of origin, caregiver, or domestic partner living in the applicant’s household are eligible.
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The applicant must not have applied within the last 365 days.
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The applicant must have a referral submitted to the Helping Hands Program Coordinator from a Helping Hands Eligible Referrer,* which could be from one of the following:
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Physician, Nurse, or Social Worker from a Hemophilia Treatment Center
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Private Physician
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Representative from a National, Regional, State, or Local Bleeding Disorder Organization
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Homecare Representative of the Applicant
*As of April 4, 2011, HFA Membership is required to be eligible to refer an individual or family to the Helping Hands Program (Please click here for more details)
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Please follow this link to the Referral Form to be submitted online.
Exclusions to the Helping Hands Program
- Medical insurance premiums
- Medical care expenses, including prescription medication
- International applications
Process
Once a referral is received, the Helping Hands Program Coordinator contacts the applicant within three business days to complete a phone interview. Applicants are eligible annually for a one-time emergency payment. Each applicant is asked a standard set of questions about monthly household income, expenses, and the situation causing the current need. The application is then submitted to the Helping Hands Committee who gives each applicant careful consideration in his/her personal circumstances while ensuring a minimum invasion of privacy. The applicant’s identification is not shared with the committee. If approved, the applicant is required to submit a written statement of need along with proof of the emergency or urgent situation prior to payment. Each application varies in length, but the process is generally completed in less than two weeks.
For additional information about this program, please contact the Helping Hands Program Coordinator at 1-800-230-9797.
Resources
Click here to view a listing of patient assistance programs and other financial assistance resources