Cushing's Disease or Cushing's Syndrome Fund Grant

Cushing's Disease or Cushing's Syndrome Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Healthwell Foundation
Amount: Up to US $10,000
Last Updated: March 27, 2026

Summary

The Cushing's Disease or Cushing's Syndrome Fund, operated by the HealthWell Foundation, provides vital financial assistance to underinsured patients facing high medical costs associated with these conditions. The fund covers co-payments, insurance premiums, and necessary treatments, ensuring that patients receive the care they need without financial burden. With an average grant utilization of $3,000 over twelve months, this fund aims to alleviate the challenges of treatment accessibility, supporting both physical and mental health for those affected.

Overview

What We Do Our Mission: To reduce financial barriers to care for underinsured patients with chronic or life-altering diseases. The HealthWell Foundation is a leading independent non-profit dedicated to improving access to health care for America’s underinsured. When health insurance is not enough, we fill the gap by assisting with copays, premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. In 2024, we awarded more than $1.2 billion in grants through our Disease Funds, and since 2004 we have helped more than 1,100,000 patients afford essential treatments and medications. HealthWell is recognized as one of America’s most efficient charities — 100 percent of every dollar donated goes directly to patient grants and services. We provide financial assistance to help with: Prescription copaysHealth insurance premiums, deductibles and coinsurancePediatric treatment costsTravel costsBehavioral health services Our Vision: To ensure that no patient goes without health care because they cannot afford it. Cushing's Disease or Cushing's Syndrome About Cushing’s Disease or Cushing’s Syndrome Cushing’s Disease (a form of Cushing’s Syndrome) is caused by elevated levels of the hormone, cortisol, which helps maintain blood sugar levels, stops (suppresses) inflammation, and protects the body from stress. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands and is triggered by the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACHT) from the pituitary gland. Cushing’s disease occurs when a non-cancerous tumor forms in the pituitary gland, causing excessive release of ACHT and elevated production of cortisol. According to the National Institutes of Health, it is estimated that Cushing’s Disease occurs in 10 to 15 people per million worldwide and affects females more often than males. The condition usually occurs in adults between the ages of 20 and 50, but children may also be affected. Source: National Institutes of Health Cushing’s Syndrome is a disorder with physical and mental changes that result from too much cortisol in the blood for a long period of time. Cushing’s Syndrome can be caused by factors outside the body (exogenous), due to cortisol-like medications such as prednisone, or factors within the body (endogenous), most often caused by hormone-secreting (usually non-cancerous) tumors of the adrenal or pituitary glands. Treatment for Cushing’s Syndrome depends on the cause and can include stopping cortisol-like medications or surgery to remove the tumor that is causing the high cortisol levels. Fund Definition Co-payment or premium assistance for eligible beneficiaries to obtain prescription drug (or biologic) treatment for Cushing's Disease or Cushing's Syndrome. Grant Utilization HealthWell estimates that patients use an average of $3,000 during their 12-month grant period for this disease area. Assistance Type Prescription Drug CopayInsurance premium (Medicare Part B only) Maximum Award Level $10,000 Pharmacy Card Fund Yes Minimum Copay Reimbursement Amount None Minimum Premium Reimbursement Amount None Treatments Covered ActhrelCyproheptadineIsturisaKetoconazole (oral Formulations Only)KorlymLysodrenMetopironeRecorlevSigniforSignifor Lar

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Do I Qualify?HealthWell bases eligibility on an individual’s medical, financial and insurance situation. To qualify for HealthWell’s assistance, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:You are being treated for Cushing's Disease or Cushing's Syndrome.We can only assist with medications that have been prescribed to treat the disease/covered diagnosis. You will be asked to provide the Foundation with the patient’s diagnosis, which must be verified by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant’s signature. The patient must receive treatment in the United States.You have insurance and it covers your medication.To qualify for copayment assistance from HealthWell, you must have some form of health insurance (private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, etc.) that covers part of the cost of your treatment.Please note that in order to qualify for premium assistance through this fund, you must have Medicare Part B.Your income falls within our guidelines.HealthWell assists individuals with incomes up to 300-500% of the Federal Poverty Level.Household Income Limit500% of the Federal Poverty Level(adjusted for household size and high cost of living areas)The Foundation also considers the number in a household and cost of living in a particular city or state. If you believe you qualify for assistance, you may begin the application process here.You are receiving treatment in the United States.Please note that you will be asked to provide a Social Security Number in order to create a grant. This information is gathered to eliminate duplicate applications and is kept secure and confidential.

Ineligibility

The Foundation will refer patients without prescription insurance to other programs, such as manufacturer patient assistance programs.