'Right to Try' Gives People Hope
"Right to Try" law is helping those with life-threatening health problems have access to experimental drugs and treatment not yet approved for general use.
The federal "Right to Try" law has opened a new pathway for terminally ill patients who have exhausted all other health treatment options and can't get into a clinical trial to access treatments.
The "Right to Try Act" was signed into law by former President Trump on May 30, 2018. This law is another way for patients diagnosed with life-threatening diseases or conditions to seek experimental treatment and medications when no other options are available.
Gravely Ill Now Have Some Hope
Those who are gravely ill now have the right to try an experimental drug that the Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved. Those suffering from grave health issues often don't have access to drugs being tested that could benefit them, but because they are still in the test stage, they have no access to these medications.
The drug companies were hesitant to offer experimental medications to desperate patients, even in the 41 states with their own Right-to-Try laws. The drug companies felt it would be too risky as it could slow down or even stop drug programs and FDA approvals for new medications if there was an adverse effect with one of these experimental medications.
Experimental Medications May Help When There is Little Hope
People suffering from life-threatening health circumstances can now request a medication approved for testing by the FDA but not yet approved for regular use. Many experts say this is a game-changer and last hope, giving people a chance at a treatment or a cure.
The law now gives those with little hope to improve their condition and perhaps extend their lives.
Read more about the FDA program.
The FDA had already operated an "expanded access" program where seriously ill patients can request experimental treatments. The FDA has now implemented the new expanded "Right-to-Try" program.
The Trump administration had pushed the FDA to be more aggressive in this area. The President wanted the FDA to speed up drug approvals, although FDA officials said it really couldn't get much faster than it was already. The next step was to give people access to experimental drugs when they had little hope for other treatments.
Eligibility for 'Right to Try'
According to the FDA, eligible patients must:
- Been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease or condition
- Exhausted approved treatment options and is unable to participate in a clinical trial involving the eligible investigational drug (this must be certified by a physician who is in good standing with their licensing organization or board and who will not be compensated directly by the manufacturer for certifying)
- And has provided, or their legally authorized representative has provided, written informed consent regarding the eligible investigational drug to the treating physician.
Health Care Advances Help Us Live Longer Lifes
Medical advances are being made every month. Better treatments, medications, and preventions help us live longer, better lives. The problem with longevity is long-term care. The longer we live, the more likely we will need help with daily living activities or supervision due to dementia.
Aging itself is a risk for long-term care. At some point, our bodies deteriorate, and our minds decline. Long-term health care is expensive and not covered by health insurance, including Medicare and supplements. Medicaid will pay for this type of care but only if you have little or no income or assets.
The solution for many American families is Long-Term Care Insurance. LTC Insurance will pay for your choice of quality care options, including care in your home. Because professional long-term care is expensive, LTC Insurance will protect your income and assets from these ever-increasing costs and burdens otherwise placed on family members.
There is no cure or treatment for aging or dementia. Aging happens. Being prepared for the costs and burdens of aging is a vital part of retirement planning. Most people obtain coverage in their 50s before their health starts to decline.
About the Author
An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.
James Kelly
Contributor since August 21st, 2017
Editor's Note
Being prepared for declining health and the consequences of aging should be a crucial part of your overall retirement plan. People need long-term care services due to an illness, accident, or the impact of aging. Health insurance and Medicare (including supplements) will not pay for most of these costs.
Family caregivers find it hard to juggle their careers and family responsibilities with that of a caregiver for an older parent. The burden is something most people have said in surveys that they don't want to place on their family.
The solution is affordable Long-Term Care Insurance. LTC Insurance provides guaranteed tax-free benefits to access your choice of quality care options, including care at home. You will protect your income and assets and reduce the stress and anxiety otherwise placed on loved ones.
Planning Tools and Resources on LTC NEWS
You can find many tools and resources on LTC NEWS to assist you in your research for a planning solution or help your family find the appropriate care for a loved one at the time of crisis.
To help you plan the costs and burdens of changing health and aging, LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:
- The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future cost of long-term health care services where you live. Plus, each state has vital state-specific information you should know - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News
- The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding read to help you get a good overview of the topic area.
- Compare the major insurance companies that offer Long-Term Care Insurance products here - Top Insurers for Long-Term Care Insurance | LTC News.
- A detailed tax guide that includes available tax incentives can be found by reviewing the Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide.
Find all the resources on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.
Seek Professional Guidance
Insurance rates are regulated, so no insurance agent, agency, or financial advisor can give you special deals. However, insurance companies' premiums vary over 100% for the same coverage.
Experts suggest using a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you navigate the many options available to you and your family.
A specialist who works with the top companies can match your age, health, family history, and other factors and find you the best coverage at the best value. A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.
Finding Quality Care for Mom or Dad
Start by reading our four guides -
- Finding Quality In-Home Care | LTC News
- Adult Day Care Centers (ADCCs) | LTC News
- Finding a Quality Nursing Home | LTC News
- Assisted Living and Memory Care Facilities | LTC News
If they are lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting on using available Long-Term Care Insurance benefits is not a wise idea.
Get Help in Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim
Quality care obtained early will help provide a better quality of life and reduce the risk of a deep decline and facility care. If you need help in starting the process of a Long-Term Care Insurance claim, LTC NEWS can help.
LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with a Long-Term Care Insurance policy. We have teamed up with Amada Senior Care, who will do all the work, free with no obligation.
You can also get support in finding quality caregivers and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy or not. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
Benefits of Reverse Mortgages
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
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You can write a story or ongoing column for LTC NEWS. You can write about many topics, including aging, caregiving, health, lifestyle, retirement planning, and long-term care, to name a few.
Be sure to write for our core target audience of adults aged 40 and older. Our audience is worldwide; however, our primary target is the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other English-speaking nations.
Improve your website or blog's SEO and gain exposure and traffic at the same time by being a contributor to LTC NEWS.
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Email your story idea or article: newsroom@ltcnews.com - LTC News Contributors | LTC News
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Learn more about how LTC NEWS can help you market your business, drive traffic, and improve SEO - Advertise With Us | LTC News.
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