Patient Assistance team members, from left: Yenelsy Nin, Mary Rodriguez, Jessica Poon, and Mayra Puchuela
The Mount Sinai Health System’s Patient Assistance Program can be a lifesaver for patients who have cancer or other conditions requiring infusions but cannot afford their medications.
The team—part of the Patient Financial Services Department—is led by Mary Rodriguez and works to connect patients with payment options, including co-pay and free drug programs, Medicaid, or Mount Sinai Charity Care. Located at Water Street, the team assists an average of 500 patients monthly.
Julieann Bilotta has multiple sclerosis and requires regular infusions of a medication that costs thousands of dollars per treatment. She was referred to Mary’s team to see if she could be enrolled in a co-pay assistance program. As a Medicare beneficiary, Julieann was not eligible for such a program, and independent foundation funds were not available either. After exploring many options, the team arranged for the Mount Sinai Charity Care Program to help reduce the costs for Julieann’s past treatments and a free drug program to cover upcoming infusions.
”It has been a wonderful experience working with Mary,” says Julieann. “She helped me both financially and personally, easing my stress considerably.” Mary replies, “My team wants patients to know that Finance cares. We are delighted when we hear the joy in their voices, knowing they won’t lose access to medicine that keeps them healthy.”