Hope Charities Receives Favorable OIG Opinion to Expand Patient Assistance
The U.S. Office of Inspector General (OIG) has issued a favorable advisory opinion to Hope Charities, allowing the organization to expand its patient assistance program for federal healthcare beneficiaries.
Hope Charities, a non-profit organization serving individuals with rare and chronic illnesses, has received a favorable advisory opinion from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG). The opinion, numbered 26-17, permits the organization to expand its patient assistance program to cover beneficiaries of federal healthcare programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE.
Under the favorable opinion, Hope Charities can now provide assistance with copayments, coinsurance, and health insurance premiums through independently administered, diagnosis-specific disease funds. These initiatives will adhere to the safeguards outlined by the OIG. Founded in 2009 and previously focused on bleeding disorders, Hope Charities can now broaden its support to include both public and private grants for health insurance premiums and costs.
"This opinion represents a significant milestone for our organization by expanding this important safety net for the patients we serve," said Jonathan James, CEO of Hope Charities. He emphasized that the organization aims to reduce the financial burden on patients, enabling them to prioritize their health. The organization plans to secure funding to open new, disease-specific funds.
As funding becomes available, Hope Charities will announce details on the new funds, including eligibility criteria and application processes. Further information can be found on the organization's website.