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Living with a rheumatologic disease is hard enough. But when the cost of managing your health begins to feel heavier than the symptoms themselves, the burden becomes even more overwhelming.
For millions of Americans with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis, this is an everyday reality. Between high-priced medications, frequent doctor visits, lab work, and time away from work, the financial strain can become just as debilitating as the disease.
We’re exploring the sources of financial stress for rheumatology patients, how it compares to other chronic conditions, who is most vulnerable, and what can be done to lighten the load. If you’re feeling the weight of your diagnosis not just on your body but on your budget, too, you’re not alone.
The Financial Burden of Rheumatologic Diseases
Managing rheumatologic diseases comes with a price tag. Cost-related challenges include:
Specialist Visits and Testing
Regular appointments with rheumatologists, lab tests, and imaging like MRIs and ultrasounds are essential for monitoring autoimmune disease progression. These necessary visits can quickly add up — especially for those on a high-deductible insurance plan or paying out-of-pocket.1
Biologic and Specialty Medications
For some patients, advanced treatments such as biologics play a key role in controlling inflammation and preventing long-term damage. These medications can be costly, contributing to financial strain.2 That’s why we at IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center offer copay assistance to make them more accessible and affordable.
Time Off Work and Disability
Flares, fatigue, and joint pain often limit patients’ ability to work. Missed workdays or job loss due to disability reduces income as medical expenses continue climbing.1,3,4
Insurance Gaps and Copays
Even with good insurance, copays for medications and visits can add up fast. Many patients delay care or skip refills because the upfront costs are just too high.5,6
How Common Is Financial Hardship Among Rheumatology Patients?
According to a 2024 national survey by the American College of Rheumatology, 20% of adults with rheumatologic disease reported experiencing financial strain related to their care. For nearly half of respondents, that hardship led to delaying or forgoing essential treatment.7
Increased Risk Compared to Non-Rheumatologic Patients
Compared to patients with other chronic illnesses, those with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases shoulder a disproportionately high burden. One study calculated the healthcare costs to be 3 times higher than non-rhumatologic patients.8 Why?
Rheumatologic conditions are typically lifelong and progressive, demanding continuous care. Unlike a single surgery or short-term treatment plan, the costs are persistent.
Studies show that rheumatology patients are significantly more likely than non-rheumatology patients to skip medications or cancel appointments due to cost, which only worsens disease outcomes over time.1
Demographic Factors Influencing Financial Hardship
Financial strain isn’t evenly distributed — it hits some communities harder than others. Several demographic factors increase the risk of economic toxicity in rheumatology patients:
- Income Level: Patients from lower-income households are more likely to experience hardship due to out-of-pocket costs.9
- Race and Ethnicity: Black and Hispanic patients often face systemic barriers such as reduced access to specialists, delayed diagnoses, and lower-quality insurance plans.10
- Geographic Location: Rural areas tend to have lower average incomes, which means even modest medical bills can become unaffordable. When combined with high-deductible plans, these bills often go unpaid or force people to skip care.11
- Age: Younger patients may struggle to afford care while also paying off student loans, while older patients often live on fixed incomes.12,13
Food Insecurity and Medication Nonadherence
One of the most alarming outcomes of financial hardship is the trade-off patients make between medicine and meals. In a 2023 study, 17% of patients with rheumatologic conditions reported food insecurity, which is defined as lacking consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.14
When faced with choosing between groceries or prescriptions, many skip doses, split pills, or delay refills. This nonadherence not only impacts symptoms but it can also accelerate disease progression, increase hospitalizations, and diminish quality of life.
IDYLLIC Infusions Treatment Center Offers Copay Assistance
At IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center, we understand how challenging it can be to navigate both your health and your finances. That’s why we proudly offer copay assistance to help you access the treatments you need without the added stress of overwhelming costs.
Our team will walk you through the application process and help connect you to financial assistance organizations or drug manufacturers. Whether you’re just starting a new biologic or struggling with out-of-pocket costs, we’re here to help lighten the load.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You don’t have to go it alone. Your care team at IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center is here to support you with expert care and guidance every step of the way. If financial stress is making it hard to manage your condition, talk to us. We’ll work with you to find affordable infusion treatment options and connect you with helpful resources.
1https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article-abstract/39/1/28/1783791
3https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1521694215000649
5https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7654799/
6https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6667570/
8https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6649951/
10https://equityhealthj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12939-023-02093-0
12https://journals.publishing.umich.edu/sdi/article/id/3908/
