By Andrea Brown
July 8, 2025 | VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2
The complex landscape of health care and insurance presents significant barriers for patients, particularly those facing pulmonary and critical care conditions. With an overwhelming system of premiums, co-pays, denials, and limited access to essential treatments, many patients find themselves in crisis.
However, advocacy organizations like the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) and the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) have emerged as champions, helping to bridge the gap and make care more accessible to these patients.
Addressing the challenges of insurance navigation
The PAF works to enhance access to care and affordability for individuals facing health crises. Their mission is clear: to assist anyone in the country who has a diagnosis and is receiving care, with a focus on helping patients overcome financial and administrative barriers.
“We directly help patients understand how insurance works and even assist in picking out better insurance plans during open enrollment,” said Caitlin Donovan, Senior Director of the PAF.
Caitlin Donovan
Senior Director
Patient Advocate Foundation
“We offer resources like form letters to help patients navigate the appeal and denial processes, which are crucial when they are denied coverage or face high premiums, deductibles, and co-pays,” she said.
The PAF also goes beyond insurance assistance, utilizing every available resource to support patients in need. “We help patients apply for [the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)], rental assistance, transportation aid—anything that can reduce their financial burden. If a patient doesn’t have to use their money for rent, they can redirect those funds toward their medical bills. We think outside the box because every little bit helps,” Donovan said.