may 12, 2020

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NORD’s COVID-19 Premium & Medical Relief Program assists eligible rare disease patients facing financial challenges with out of pocket costs of health insurance premiums and limited medical assistance. 

Washington, DC, May 12, 2020— United with more than 25 million Americans living with rare diseases, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD®) today launched its COVID-19 Premium & Medical Relief Program to provide vital support to members of the rare disease community affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will assist those with a confirmed rare disease diagnosis who have been directly impacted by the pandemic through a job loss, reduced work hours, furlough, quarantine, etc.  

“COVID-19 poses significant threats to the rare disease community, given the susceptibility of those with chronic conditions and the economic challenges that affect their ability to weather this storm. We are hearing from patients who have been furloughed or laid off and desperately need financial support for insurance, COBRA payments, co-pays and medical expenses,” said Pamela Gavin, Chief Strategy Officer for NORD. “Through this new program, we are providing premium and limited medical assistance to rare patients who need it most during this crisis.” 

NORD recognizes the needs of the community and has developed this program to provide critical support. The COVID-19 Premium & Medical Relief Program helps with certain out-of-pocket costs associated with health insurance premiums, and supplies eligible uninsured and under-insured patients with support for limited medical expenses. These expenses include medical visits and telehealth consults, laboratory and diagnostic testing, physical therapy and medical equipment. 

We are grateful to Sanofi-Genzyme for their generous donation to this patient assistance program, which is available to all eligible rare disease patients affected by COVID-19. NORD has been proud to serve the rare disease community with assistance programs providing support to patients since 1987. In order to continue to meet the community’s needs during this unprecedented time, NORD is seeking additional donations to its COVID-19 relief programs. Please help us to help our rare community. 

For more information on NORD’s COVID-19 patient assistance programs, including eligibility requirements, please visit our website, contact NORD by telephone at 203.242.0497, or via email at COVID19assistance@rarediseases.org. 

To stay informed, the NORD COVID-19 resource center presents regularly updated information and vetted links relevant to the rare community during this pandemic.