Lupus Canada Advokit

Personal Assets*

You may have acquired financial resources that you had forgotten about or that you do not know how or when to use. Such resources maybe used to help reduce the financial burden in either the short- or long-term when living with a chronic disease like Lupus.

Resource persons, for example, a bank manager, investment planner, financial planner or credit counsellor can help you with your decisions regarding your assets. It may also be helpful to speak with others who have gone through a similar experience. One of the most important things to remember when considering your own assets is to review all of the terms, conditions and documents that describe each asset. This will give you the knowledge and the tools you need to best decide if and how to use any assets you may have.

Your assets may include stocks, bonds, GIC's, mutual funds and/or RRSP's. You may also have a life insurance policy, which may offer you some options as well.

If you have made any major purchases recently such as a house or a car, you may have purchased insurance and have coverage through a long-term disability premium or a wage-loss protection premium. You may also have credit cards that have disability insurance coverage. It is important that you review your contract(s) and policy(s) to find out if you have long-term disability insurance.

Contact the insurance company(s) to see if you qualify and what steps you must take to apply for benefits. Insurance companies will often deny benefits to applicants when they first apply. Don't be discouraged. Appeal their decision. Unfortunately the insurance companies may not provide you with information on appealing a claims denial.

You must research your particular insurance company yourself. Have the insurance company explain in writing why they have denied your claim. It is important to remember that most insurance companies have an OMBUDSMAN or CONSUMER RELATIONS OFFICE. A major role of the Ombudsman is to ensure that the process of assessing/evaluating your application is fair. It is your right to contact the Ombudsman's office and talk with them about your situation. Let them know that you are appealing the decision and that you would like to have them involved in the process. They will also be able to explain the process followed by that particular insurance company.

Send a letter to your claims adjudicator explaining why you are appealing the decision along with any relevant medical information and any other relevant documentation. Make sure you include your claim number and that you date and sign the letter. A copy should be sent to the Ombudsman's office if you have asked for their assistance.

Financial Resources for Prescription Drugs

Drug Assistance Programs

Most pharmaceutical companies run programs aimed patients who are having financial difficulties and are not eligible for any other private insurance or government assistance. Each company has different requirements and most if not all require a physician to register the patient. Many doctors are aware of these programs and will have no problem in writing to them on your behalf. You may call the company that makes the medication you need assistance on and inquire about the procedure necessary in your case. The programs run by the pharmaceutical companies should not be misused since this may be the only way for some people to receive life-saving medications.

Here are some web sites to help you locate the drug company and program that is offered:

http://www.cancersupportivecare.com/drug_assistance.html
http://www.needymeds.com/

To make it easier for physicians to identify programs available for needy patients the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) put together The Directory of Prescription Drug Patient Assistance Programs. This directory applies to Canadians as well and can be printed off and given to your doctor for reference.

http://www.helpingpatients.org/

Doctor's Assistance

Many doctors receive samples from drug companies or can request them. Most doctors will try to help their patients get the medication they need, so tell your doctor about your financial situation. Your doctor may supply you with free sample medications or help you work out a solution to your dilemma.

Government Sponsored Drug Programs

The provincial governments across Canada offer various programs for those who are having financial difficulties and are not eligible for any other private insurance. These programs are usually run along with the provincial welfare program so therefore the financial requirements differ. You may not need to be unemployed to qualify so check your provincial section of the AdvoKit for contact information about the agency closest to you.

Parking Permits

You may be eligible to apply for a disabled parking permit. Pick up an application form from your Provincial Driver and Vehicle Licence Office. Discuss this with your doctor who will have to complete some portion of the form or submit a letter supporting your application. If your doctor supports your application, complete the form and return it to your local Licencing Office.

Personal Care Resources

In some communities across Canada, opportunities to access personal care resources at reduced rates (hair styling, esthetics, dental care or chiropractic care) exist through schools, colleges or universities. Check the yellow pages in your telephone directory under such headings as Schools-Academic-Colleges or Universities to see if any of these resources are available in your area. If a community college or university is listed you may have to contact them by telephone or check out their web site to see if they have programs in your area such as dental hygiene or dentistry and if they offer these services at a reduced rate.