Total Assist Program: New Tool from PAN Foundation and Patient Advocate Foundation

Total Assist is a comprehensive patient financial assistance program set to launch on July 1, 2026, in collaboration between the PAN Foundation and the Patient Advocate Foundation. It serves as a centralized tool designed to consolidate hundreds of disease-specific financial assistance funds, supporting patients across a wide range of conditions, including cancer, rare diseases, and chronic illnesses.

Key features and benefits of the Total Assist Program

• Comprehensive Coverage: The program covers various out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, including medication copays, coinsurance, deductibles, health insurance premiums, office visit charges, and administrative treatment costs.
• Flexibility: Patients can apply their grants toward multiple types of healthcare expenses rather than being locked into a single category.
• Streamlined Access:
  • No Waitlists: Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Instant Decisions: The program provides eligibility decisions at the time of application.
  • Online Portal: A simple online portal is available for patients, healthcare professionals, pharmacies, and nonprofits to handle claims, which are processed in-house to reduce errors and processing times.
• Support & Communication:
  • Fund Notifications: Patients can receive notifications via text, email, or automated phone calls when a fund opens, allowing them to apply immediately.
  • Dedicated Support: Specialized patient support experts are available to guide patients through the enrollment process.
  • Six-Month Lookback: Eligible patients can apply grants to qualifying expenses incurred up to six months prior to enrollment.

The program also includes health equity funds specifically designed for socially vulnerable areas. Grants are guaranteed for FDA-approved treatments that are listed in official compendia and published in evidence-based guidelines.