How Patients Lose Access to Medication — The Hidden Impact of Alternative Funding Programs

How Patients Lose Access to Medication — The Hidden Impact of Alternative Funding Programs

Author: Jonathan James March 12, 2026 Duration: 54:22
Alternative funding programs are rapidly spreading across employer health plans—but many patients don’t understand how these programs can affect their access to medication. In this episode, William Sarraille, professor of practice and patient advocate, explains how AFPs work, why they’re expanding, and what they mean for patients who depend on high-cost therapies. Together we explore: • What alternative funding programs are • How some plans remove specialty drugs from coverage • Why patien...

Within the often overwhelming landscape of health and wellness, a distinct voice emerges, focusing on the lived experiences behind complex diagnoses. Hope Charries centers on honest conversations about bleeding disorders, rare diseases, and chronic illnesses, moving beyond clinical terminology to explore the human stories at their core. Each episode delves into the multifaceted reality of managing a long-term condition, where discussions might touch on the mental resilience required, the practical business of navigating healthcare systems, and the personal pursuit of fitness within individual limits. This podcast recognizes that health is not a single category but an intersection of medicine, personal well-being, and community support. You’ll hear from patients, caregivers, medical professionals, and advocates within the non-profit sector, all sharing insights that are as much about practical strategy as they are about finding strength. The dialogue is grounded in authenticity, offering listeners a sense of connection and understanding that can be hard to find elsewhere. Tuning in provides a space where the challenges are acknowledged without sugarcoating, yet the overarching narrative is one of shared knowledge and collective perseverance, making this an essential listen for anyone touched by these conditions.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 29

Hope Charities
Podcast Episodes
How to Become a Self-Learner: Life Experience From Jorge de la Riva [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:21
We explore how to become a self-learner in hemophilia, from adherence and refills to evaluating factor, non-factor, and gene therapies. Jorge shares candid lessons on transition to adulthood, community support, and choos…
What Does Patient Advocacy Look Like in 2026? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:07
We explore how HR1, a prolonged shutdown, and agency reshuffles affect access, affordability, and safety for people with rare and chronic conditions. With Dane Christensen and Jim Romano, we translate the DC process into…
Healthcare in Crisis: The Truth About PBMs with Dr. Madelaine Feldman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:04
Dr. Mattie Feldman, rheumatologist and healthcare policy expert, exposes how Pharmacy Benefit Managers have evolved from administrative entities into powerful forces that control medication access, often prioritizing pro…
Women with Bleeding Disorders: Empathy and Innovation in Patient Care [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:21
This episode focuses on the often-overlooked experiences of women with bleeding disorders. Dr. Akshat Jain discusses the importance of advocacy, the need for gender-sensitive healthcare approaches, and how quality of lif…