Helping Hands: Items Assistance

Items Assistance helps individuals in the bleeding disorders community with the cost of medically necessary items that are not covered by insurance or affordable out-of-pocket. HFA understands the enormous financial impact of managing a bleeding disorder. Helping Hands can assist with the cost of durable medical equipment and items medically recommended to community members, including:
• Protective Gear (e.g. comfycaps, helmets, knee pads)
• Braces and Supports
• Mobility Supports (e.g. crutches, wheelchair)
• Heating/Cooling Items (e.g. Cryocuff)
• Medical ID jewelry

Approved List of Items

Please read this page carefully before proceeding.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Eligible households must include at least one member with a diagnosed bleeding disorder
• Must have letter of medical recommendation stating the requested item is medically necessary for the care or management of diagnosed bleeding disorder
• Must demonstrate financial need (cannot afford the item without assistance)

NOTE: Items Assistance cannot cover any legal expenses or medical expenses including medical bills, dental bills, insurance premiums, co-payments, deductibles, medications, factor, etc. Visit HFA’s Patient Assistance Portal to find other assistance resources.

Steps To Apply:

1. Complete a Helping Hands referral online (click red button below).
   -Referrals can be submitted by the applicant or a professional representative**  in the bleeding disorders community (healthcare provider, social worker, homecare/specialty pharmacy, local bleeding disorder organization).
   -If the need is time-sensitive, please specify why and when needed.
2. Obtain written documentation from a healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, physical therapist) in the form of a letter, medical visit notes, or this medical verification form. Documentation can be  uploaded in the referral portal or emailed to helpinghands@hemophiliafed.org. Documentation must:
   A. confirm diagnosed bleeding disorder
   B. state the specific request and how it will support the patient’s bleeding disorder treatment.
3. Provide item specifics or receipt in your referral or email to helpinghands@hemophiliafed.org:
   A. If requesting reimbursement, provide a detailed receipt.
   B. If the applicant cannot afford to purchase the item upfront, provide a description as specific as possible about the item needed, including link for online purchase, order form, size, measurements, etc.
   NOTE: We cannot purchase medical ID jewelry upfront. We will reimburse $45 + shipping for eligible medical ID jewelry. We do not provide assistance for medic alert services unless specifically recommended by a medical provider for special circumstances.
4. Complete application phone call.
   -Once the referral and documentation are received, a Helping Hands staff member will contact the applicant to collect/confirm application information and make an approval decision.
   -Referrals are reviewed in order received unless a time-sensitive need/deadline is specified in the referral. Applicants are usually contacted within 30 days of referral.

HELPING HANDS REFERRAL FORM 

*Please contact HFA at 202-675-6984 or helpinghands@hemophiliafed.org with any questions.
**A referral indicates permission to contact both the applicant and the referrer. We will be in touch with the referrer or a local professional about any safety issues raised in our phone interview.