Resources

Publications

The Foundation has designed many ways for you to keep up-to-date with what’s happening in the LAM community.  We have several publications to help you stay abreast of the advances, activities, and current newsworthy events of the Foundation.

LAM Handbook

This handbook is a great resource for answering questions about living with LAM.  It was written by women with LAM so it is easy to read and understand. Chapters in the handbook include LAM Basics, Diagnostic & Routine Tests, Finding the Help You Need, Taking Care of Yourself, Potential Problems & Solutions, Supplemental Oxygen and Lung Transplantation. The LAM Handbook is sent (free of charge) to all newly diagnosed LAM patients.  It can also be purchased by family members and friends at a cost of $20.  Contact Sally Lamb at slamb@thelamfoundation.org to order a copy.

Click here to view an online version of the LAM Handbook.
Click here to view an online version of the LAM Handbook (Spanish Version).
*For information on the LAM Handbook in other languages, please contact us at info@thelamfoundation.org.

Personal Journeys with LAM

This publication, written and compiled by the LAM patients themselves, is a collection of biographical sketches and pictures of LAM patients.  These personal introductory stories allow LAM patients an opportunity to get to know one another and to gain insight into how others cope with the disease.  The inspiring stories allow women with LAM to become better acquainted with others who share the same problems and concerns.  The Foundation makes an effort to update the publication periodically.  This publication is available to LAM patients only. 
Contact Sally Lamb at slamb@thelamfoundation.org to request a copy.

Journeys Newsletter

Journeys is the official publication of The LAM Foundation.  This bi-annual newsletter is mailed to the entire LAM community—patients, families, friends, donors, health care providers, and researchers.  The goal of Journeys is to keep our entire network of contacts informed about the Foundation’s scientific advancements, patient support services, fundraising activities, and accomplishments.  If you want to know more about The LAM Foundation and its work, use the Stay Informed feature on the top right corner of the page to give us your mailing address.

Click here to see the latest issues of our Journeys newsletter.

Currents E-newsletter

Currents is a monthly online newsletter designed to provide time-sensitive information to the entire LAM community.  If you want to receive this e-newsletter, use the Stay Informed feature on the top right corner of the page to give us your email address.

Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan

The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan, established by the Affordable Care Act, is already changing—and saving--the lives of people who private insurance companies refuse to insure because they have a pre-existing condition.  New eligibility standards and lower premiums in many states, announced by the Department of Health and Human Services on May 31, 2011, now make it a lot easier and more affordable for people to enroll in this program.

The program provides comprehensive coverage at the same price that healthy people pay. Enrollees receive primary and specialty care, hospital care, prescription drugs, home health and hospice care, skilled nursing care, preventive health and maternity care.

These changes include:

Reduced Premiums: Premium prices were reduced up to 40% in some states effective July 1, 2011. Please visit www.pcip.gov and go to “State Plans” and click on your state of residence to see the current rates.

Simplifying Eligibility: Starting July 1, 2011, people applying for coverage in the federally-administered PCIP can demonstrate eligibility for PCIP simply by providing a letter from a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner dated within the past 12 months stating she has or, at any time in the past, had a medical condition, disability, or illness. This option became available to children under age 19 in February, and we are extending this pathway to all applicants regardless of age. In addition, a person applying for coverage must be a U.S. citizen or reside in the U.S. legally and have been without health coverage for at least 6 months.

Partnering with Agents and Brokers: Beginning in the fall of 2011, the Department of Health and Human Services will begin reimbursing agents and brokers for referrals to the PCIP program. This step will help reach those who are eligible but un-enrolled.

To qualify for this program and apply for coverage, you must: be a U.S. citizen or residing here legally; have been without health coverage for at least 6 months before applying; and have a pre-existing condition or have been denied health coverage because of a health condition. Eligibility is not based on income and enrollees are not charged a higher premium because of a medical condition.

If you know someone who you think might qualify for this program—available until 2014—please tell them to go to www.pcip.gov for more information or call a toll-free line at: 1-866-717-5826 (TTY 1-866-561-1604). The Call Center is open from 8 AM to 11 PM Eastern Time.