Treatment FAQ

how to get assistance to pay for lyme disease treatment

by Erna Wyman Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Without the help of insurance to pay for expensive treatments, thousands have turned to crowdfunding to offset Lyme disease costs and pay for out of pocket medical expenses. Crowdfunding allows people to tap into their network for support during difficult times. By launching an online fundraiser, you begin finding financial relief right away.

Lyme disease grants
The Lyme Test Access Program (Lyme-TAP) reimburses up to 75% of out-of-pocket expenses for Lyme disease tests. LymeAid 4 Kids is a grant program through the Lyme Disease Association and provides those under 21 up to $1,000 toward Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment.
May 4, 2021

Full Answer

Where can I get help with Lyme disease treatment?

LivLyme Foundation provides treatment grants for those under age 21. LymeAid 4 Kids provides up to $1000 for treatment of those under age 21. Ticked Off Foundation provides grants and counseling to Lyme patients in crisis. Age 26 and above.

How much does it cost to treat Lyme disease?

Fast forward to August 2019. The organization Wendy founded, the Lyme Treatment Foundation, is now accepting applications for treatment grants. Patients can receive up to $4000 towards treatment with a Lyme-literate doctor. There are no age restrictions.

Are there grants available for young people with Lyme disease?

The LymeLight Foundation provides treatment grants for young people, through age 25. Applications for the next round of grants are due August 23, 2019. LivLyme Foundation provides treatment grants for those under age 21. LymeAid 4 Kids provides up to $1000 for treatment of those under age 21.

Is there an alternative diagnosis for Lyme disease?

She saw many doctors, who assured her it couldn’t possibly be Lyme disease. (But they had no useful alternative diagnosis to propose.) Eventually, an ILADS-trained doctor diagnosed her with Lyme and Bartonella, and started treatment. As her health improved with treatment, she reports, life threw another curve ball.

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How much does it cost to treat Lyme disease?

An estimated 240,000 to 440,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year, with the an average of $3,000 spent annually per patient on treatment, according to the study, published online in PLOS ONE. Treating Lyme disease and its lingering symptoms can cost healthcare system up to $1.3 billion annually.

Is Lyme disease considered a Social Security disability?

Lyme disease has a complex set of symptoms that can become disabling. If you have Lyme disease and your symptoms significantly limit your ability to work you may file a claim for Social Security Disability benefits.

How much does Lyme disease antibiotics cost?

The retail price of doxycycline increased from about three cents per pill, to more than $5 per pill over the past 18 months, according to local doctors and pharmacists.

Does Medicare cover Lyme disease?

According to the Center for Beneficiary Services, Health Care Financing Administration (which administers the federal Medicare program), Medicare does not cover reimbursement for Lyme disease vaccinations. There are no plans at present to extend Medicare coverage to offer the reimbursement.

Can Lyme disease cripple you?

Over 40% of patients with chronic Lyme disease reported that they currently are unable to work because of Lyme disease and 24% report that they have received disability at some point in their illness.

Does Lyme disease qualify for FMLA?

In order to be qualified for FMLA leave you must (1) work for a covered employer and (2) be a covered employee with a covered condition. Flo likely satisfies #2 as she's worked (if you can call it that) more than 1250 hours in the previous year and because her Lyme disease amounts to a 'serious health condition.

Does insurance cover chronic Lyme disease?

Lyme disease financial assistance Because the CDC states that Lyme disease can be treated with 30 days of antibiotics, the majority of insurance companies do not recognize chronic Lyme disease as a legitimate illness and will not pay for long-term treatment.

What are the long term effects of Lyme disease?

Chronic symptoms of Lyme are a much longer list and may include vertigo, ringing in the ears, short-term memory loss, light and sound sensitivity, mood swings, anxiety, depression, heart palpitations, and serious cardiac problems.

Is Lyme disease curable?

Although most cases of Lyme disease can be cured with a 2- to 4-week course of oral antibiotics, patients can sometimes have symptoms of pain, fatigue, or difficulty thinking that last for more than 6 months after they finish treatment. This condition is called ”Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome” (PTLDS).

What will Medicare not pay for?

In general, Original Medicare does not cover: Long-term care (such as extended nursing home stays or custodial care) Hearing aids. Most vision care, notably eyeglasses and contacts. Most dental care, notably dentures.

How do you find out if Medicare will cover a procedure?

Ask the doctor or healthcare provider if they can tell you how much the surgery or procedure will cost and how much you'll have to pay. Learn how Medicare covers inpatient versus outpatient hospital services. Visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

What is the most accurate test for Lyme disease?

A blood test does not only detect Lyme disease; it is the most accurate and preferred test for diagnosing the disease. If a patient with Lyme disease shows signs that the central nervous system has been affected by the disease, western blot testing on the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can be performed.

What is Partnership for Prescription Assistance?

Partnership for Prescription Assistance. Helps qualifying patients get access to prescription assistance programs that offer free or low-cost medications.

Does insurance cover lyme disease?

Lyme Disease Financial Assistance. Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections can require expensive treatment and the cost is often not covered by insurance. Here are a few avenues for financial assistance: NeedyMeds.org.

Lyme Treatment Foundation

The Lyme Treatment Foundation provides medical treatment grants to people of all ages in the United States, Canada. the UK and Germany, to fund diagnostic testing and treatment of Lyme disease and the associated tick-borne illnesses.

LivLyme Foundation

The LivLyme Foundation awards grants to help pay for Lyme treatment for young people under age 21. The deadline for the current round of applications is October 31, 2021.

LymeLight Foundation

The LymeLight Foundation provides grants to children and young adults through age 25.

LymeAid4Kids

LymeAid4Kids was started by author Amy Tan, in conjunction with the Lyme Disease Association. It provides up to $1000 towards diagnosis and treatment of those under age 21.

LymeTAP

The Lyme Test Access Program (LymeTAP) is a nationwide (USA only) patient assistance program. It provides assistance for initial Lyme-related lab tests to patients who demonstrate true financial need. There are no age restrictions.

Federal and State Assistance Programs

Search online to easily access available government benefits information.

Transportation Assistance

Assists patients find free air transportation or aviation services for those in need who are need of medical support.

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