Patient Assistance Programs Boost Vision Gains
- WAIKOLOA,Hawaii - Patients with retinal diseases who were treated with anti-VEGF therapies through manufacturer patient assistance programs showed sustained vision gains and central subfield thickness reduction.
- During a presentation at Retina 2026, Murtaza Adam, MD, FASRS, stressed that patients who are uninsured or underinsured often lack access to necessary anti-VEGF treatments
- Patient assistance programs (PAP) provide more than temporary relief for those struggling to afford treatment; they represent a vital, ongoing care pathway for underinsured and uninsured individuals, according...
Key takeaways:
- The programs are designed to provide anti-VEGF treatment for patients who are uninsured or underinsured.
- Enrolled patients experienced sustained vision gains and central subfield thickness reduction.
WAIKOLOA,Hawaii – Patients with retinal diseases who were treated with anti-VEGF therapies through manufacturer patient assistance programs showed sustained vision gains and central subfield thickness reduction.
During a presentation at Retina 2026, Murtaza Adam, MD, FASRS, stressed that patients who are uninsured or underinsured often lack access to necessary anti-VEGF treatments
Patient Assistance Programs Offer Sustained Care for Underinsured
Patient assistance programs (PAP) provide more than temporary relief for those struggling to afford treatment; they represent a vital, ongoing care pathway for underinsured and uninsured individuals, according to a recent study. Researchers found these programs significantly impact patient outcomes, particularly for those facing socioeconomic barriers to healthcare.
The study, discussed in an exclusive Healio Video by Murtaza Adam, MD, FASRS, analyzed the effects of PAPs on patient care. However, the data had limitations. Researchers noted a lack of detailed demographic and economic information about patients, a relatively small patient sample size which limited more in-depth analysis, and inconsistencies in treatment approaches across different conditions. Follow-up was also hindered for some patients who were denied by PAPs, encountered payment difficulties, or didn’t complete applications.
“These PAP programs have a lot of questions about income, insurance status, residency, etc., and so there can be a lot of hoops to jump through,” Adam explained to Healio.
Adam stressed that PAPs aren’t simply a temporary fix. They offer a sustainable model for delivering care to patients who lack adequate insurance coverage.
“I encourage you to look into the PAP programs in your local area and to try to help these patients as best you can,” Adam said.