Many retina patients rely on assistance programs to cover treatment costs for chronic retinal disease. Good Days (also known as the Chronic Disease Foundation or CDF) is a widely used independent charitable organization. These programs help patients facing financial hardship by covering some or all treatment costs when insurance is inadequate or unavailable. For retina patients, Good Days typically provides assistance to help cover coinsurance costs. 

Lumata Health anticipates that the lack of funding for Good Days may have a negative impact on treatment adherence, and therefore clinical outcomes, due to the unexpected financial burden for patients reliant on Good Days. 

Lumata Health’s mission is to promote and maintain patient adherence to medically necessary treatments, helping to prevent vision loss. We understand the stress caused by unforeseen financial barriers, and our team of Care Coaches is fully prepared to:

• Provide clear explanations for patients who inquire about the sudden change in Good Days funding.

• Listen actively to patients and offer support for concerns related to Good Days or other financial hardships.

• Connect patients with options and resources (e.g., alternative programs, hardship applications) to ease their cost burden.

• Collaborate closely with your practice to reduce the administrative workload around financial issues.

• Encourage continued care and motivate patients to stay on treatment, ensuring no one discontinues or misses appointments due to financial hardship.

We are here to help patients, staff, and physicians navigate these challenges effectively and compassionately.

How Lumata Health Can Assist

Below are the primary ways we can support your patients and help reduce the workload on physicians and staff:

1. Core Message to Patients
   

   • First and foremost, we will emphasize the importance of ongoing treatment. Our top priority is keeping patients engaged in their care and motivated to continue receiving injections, especially during financial uncertainty.

   • Overarching Theme/Message: Continue getting your treatment, we’ll work together to create a personalized plan to make preserving your vision affordable.

2. Proactive Education
   

   • We will proactively explain the Good Days funding situation, potential alternatives, and next steps.

   • Our goal is to minimize physician chair time by addressing routine questions and allowing patients to voice any frustrations with us instead of waiting until a clinic visit.

3. Identify Alternative Patient Support Programs
   

   • We are actively monitoring other available patient support programs that may help offset out-of-pocket costs.

   • We will guide patients in completing any necessary enrollment forms and follow through to see if they qualify.

4. Assist with Hardship Applications
   

   • When patients meet the criteria, we will help them complete hardship applications to reduce the overall cost of care or set up payment plans, consistent with practice policy. 

   • We will coordinate closely with practice staff to ensure applications are filled out correctly and submitted promptly.

5. Flag Potential Clinical Trial Candidates
   

   • If patients express interest in clinical trials as an alternative to current therapy, we flag them for the physician or staff to evaluate.

   • We will NOT proactively offer clinical trials as an option unless specifically directed by the physician and practice.

6. Explore Other Treatment Options with Patients
   

   • If we cannot reassure a patient about the importance of continuing their current treatment, we will encourage them to speak directly with their provider about other options, instead of forgoing care. 

   • Note: We will not mention any specific drugs (e.g., Avastin) by name; we will simply remind patients that any alternative treatment choices must be determined by the physician.