Accessing Interdisciplinary Treatment in Maine
GrantID: 11915
Grant Funding Amount Low: Open
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: Open
Summary
Grant Overview
Cost Constraints in Maine's Healthcare System
In Maine, healthcare costs pose a significant barrier for patients diagnosed with peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs). According to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the average cost of treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and rehabilitation, can exceed $300,000 annually. This financial burden disproportionately affects individuals residing in rural areas, where healthcare access is already limited. The geographical spread of resources further complicates the situation, as many residents must travel significant distances for specialized care.
Patients facing this barrier primarily include those from low-income backgrounds and rural communities, where healthcare facilities are sparse. More than 30% of Mainers live in rural areas, and approximately 12% are uninsured. Moreover, Maine's aging populationover 16% aged 65 and olderexperiences higher incidences of tumors, highlighting the urgency of addressing this problem. The financial strain often leads to patients forgoing necessary treatments or seeking care only when symptoms become severe.
The proposed funding initiative aims to solve these issues by establishing interdisciplinary treatment teams throughout Maine. This strategy will integrate various health professionals, including oncologists, surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists, to provide comprehensive care strategies for managing PNSTs. By improving collaborative practices and resource-sharing, the initiative plans to alleviate some of the financial pressures by ensuring that patients receive coordinated care in one location, minimizing travel and associated costs.
Further addressing these constraints, the initiative will create a support framework for patients navigating the financial complexities of treatment. This includes establishing a financial assistance program to help cover out-of-pocket expenses, promoting access to public and private insurance options, and enhancing awareness of available resources. By directly targeting the cost constraints that Mainers face, the proposed funding can significantly enhance the treatment landscape for patients with PNSTs in the state.
Conclusion
The Maine healthcare landscape is characterized by unique challenges, including extensive rural populations and high treatment costs. The funding initiative for interdisciplinary teams and patient financial support directly addresses these state-specific barriers, setting the stage for improved outcomes in managing peripheral nerve sheath tumors.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
