The average annual direct and indirect costs incurred by a person with lupus can exceed $30,000 per year, which is higher per person than those living with rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension or asthma.
The cost of prescription drugs used to treat lupus can be astronomical with additional insurance barriers. These costs and barriers add an extra unnecessary level of stress to an already stressful and unpredictable chronic condition.
Financial Resources for Those Living with Lupus
211 Assistance Line
Michigan 211 makes it easy to find the help you need. Whether that’s connecting people with food and shelter, finding childcare or elder care, or help for addiction or depression, the agents at 211 can tell you where to turn in a family crisis or natural disaster or help you search for a specific agency or resource. Whatever you need, help can be a call away.
Prescription Assistance
Prescription assistance programs are created by pharmaceutical companies to provide free or discounted medicines to people who are unable to afford certain medications. Each program has its own eligibility rules and procedures.
For Benlysta, call 877-423-6597 or visit www.benlysta.com/savings-and-support.html.
For Saphnelo, visit: https://www.saphnelo.com/support-and-affordability
Good RX: https://www.goodrx.com/
Additional Resources:
Lupus Research Alliance financial assistance: https://www.lupusresearch.org/understanding-lupus/resource-center/financial/
Lupus Foundation of America resources: https://www.lupus.org/resources/financial-assistance
PAN Foundation: https://www.panfoundation.org/disease-funds/systemic-lupus-erythematosus/
Lupus Love Project 💜 Financial Aid Program
The Lupus Love Project is an emergency financial assistance program administered by the Michigan Lupus Foundation to help individuals living with lupus manage unexpected expenses and financial hardships related to their disease. Assistance only supports the cost of lupus treatment needs or lupus-related financial emergencies that may impact a patient's health and well-being.
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must reside in Michigan.
Applicants must have a confirmed lupus diagnosis. Documentation is required and may include a physician’s letter verifying the diagnosis or a MyChart screenshot showing the lupus diagnosis.
Grant awards begin at $100 per patient.
Applicants are eligible to receive assistance from the Michigan Lupus Foundation no more than once within a 12-month period.
Assistance is available only for the benefit of an individual living with lupus.
Approved funds are paid directly to the vendor, provider or service organization on the patient’s behalf. Patients may get reimbursed for a bill with proper documentation.
Please note that grant review and payment processing times may be delayed due to the volume of applications received.
All requested information and supporting documentation must be submitted for an application to be reviewed.
Submission of an application does not guarantee funding. Grant approval is contingent upon eligibility requirements and the availability of funds through the Michigan Lupus Foundation.
We are grateful to Moe’s Warriors for helping fund the Lupus Love Project and making it possible to reinstate financial assistance for individuals living with lupus in 2026. 💜
Application Form: