, /PRNewswire/ -- The HealthWell Foundation , an independent non-profit charitable organization that provides financial assistance for underinsured Americans, announced today the launch of a new fund to provide financial assistance for vitamins and supplements for patients with inborn metabolic or genetic bile acid deficiency. Through the fund, HealthWell will provide up to in copayment assistance to eligible patients with annual household incomes up to 500 percent of the federal poverty level for vitamins and supplements formulated to support the management of their condition. Bile acid disorders are a group of rare metabolic disorders characterized by defects in the creation of bile acids (chemical compounds found in the liver that promote the flow and excretion of bile and assist in intestinal absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins).
Accumulation of abnormal bile acids can damage certain organ systems. If untreated, some forms of the disorder can become life-threatening. "As we continue to identify and implement new programs to assist underinsured patients, we are excited to add this fund to our growing portfolio of vitamins and supplements assistance across multiple disease areas," said , HealthWell's Chief Development Officer.
"Patients living with inborn metabolic or genetic bile acid deficiency often experience malabsorption of nutrients and a buildup of toxins in the body. For some patients living with the disorder, access to and the ability to afford essential vi.