Lupus Foundation of America, Wisconsin Chapter - Patient Assistance Fund

The Lupus Foundation of America, Wisconsin Chapter provides limited funding to assist people living with lupus throughout the state of Wisconsin. These funds are designed to provide temporary assistance to anyone with a confirmed diagnosis of lupus who can demonstrate true financial need associated with the effects of the disease. This application must be completed in full to be considered for funding.

We prefer the application be submitted electronically using the link below. If you need an application to be emailed or physically mailed to you, or you would like assistance completing the application, send a request to lupuswi@lupuswi.org or call (414) 443-6400.

What are the Program Goals?

The Patient Assistance Fund was developed with designated funds to provide limited financial assistance (up to $500) to as many people living with lupus in Wisconsin as possible, with emphasis on helping people maintain their independence, safety, health, and quality of life. We may be able to provide funding for the following types of requests:

• Durable medical equipment
• Transportation for medical appointments
• Critical short-term needs
• Health and wellness support
• Respite services such as short-term home care

Since resources vary by community, eligible items and services in a given area may differ.

What is the Patient Assistance Fund NOT Designed to do?

This program is not intended to support ongoing services in a role similar to that of an insurer, or to cover credit card bills, insurance premiums, or previously incurred expenses. Due to the timeline necessary to process applications, these funds may not be available in emergency situations. Payments will be made directly to vendors; no funds will be issued directly to individuals.

How do you Determine the Amount of Financial Assistance Available?

The amount of financial assistance available each year is determined by the LFA, WI Chapter Board of Directors. The amount available to an individual in one fiscal year (October – September) is based on:

• Available funds (maximum $500 per request, until available funds are exhausted)
• Personal resources of the person making the request
• Availability of other resources in the community
• Documentation of need
• Household income (per year): To qualify for funding through this program, the applicant’s household income must be lower than 500% above the current federal poverty level. This number is determined by the US Census Bureau and is dependent on the number of people in the household. 

A family or individual may receive assistance once per fiscal year. After a family or individual has received assistance three times, they will be required to wait one year before future assistance will be considered.

While we wish we could fund every request, please know that our funds are limited, and we may not be able to fund all requests or cover all expenses related to a needed service or item.

How do I get Started?

The first step is to complete the Application for Financial Assistance and return it to the Lupus Foundation of America, Wisconsin Chapter along with all the required items:

• Completed application
• Documentation of the cost of the item or service for which you are seeking assistance (invoice, estimate, etc.)
• Confirmation of lupus diagnosis (screenshot of healthcare portal showing diagnosis, completed Physician Verification Letter, or email from physician verifying diagnosis)
• Other items that may be asked for to confirm your request

Our application process and careful evaluation of each application will help ensure support for those whose needs are the greatest and where support can be most effectively leveraged. Please note that completing an application does not guarantee funding. Please continue to seek other assistance during our review process. When we are not able to fund specific needs through our own program resources, we will attempt to provide information and resources to help identify alternate solutions.

What is the Timeline for the Review Process?

All applications received in the previous month are reviewed by the Chapter program committee and staff within the first 14 days of the following month (i.e. if your application is submitted in January, it will be reviewed in the first two weeks of February). Approved payments will be disbursed the last week of that month. You will be notified by phone or email once your application has been reviewed. Do not proceed with a purchase until you hear from us. Approved funds are paid directly to the vendor or service provider. We will not reimburse you for items which have already been purchased.

Patient Assistance Fund ONLINE Application

For More Information - Contact the Lupus Foundation of America, Wisconsin Chapter at (414) 443-6400 or lupuswi@lupuswi.org