About
The HealthWell Foundation is a 501(c)(3) independent nonprofit that provides financial assistance to adults and children to cover the cost of prescription drug coinsurance, copayments, deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other selected out-of-pocket health care costs. Operating under the motto "When health insurance is not enough," HealthWell serves underinsured patients across the United States and has grown into one of the country's largest charities, awarding more than $1.1 billion in grants in 2025 alone.
Mission
HealthWell exists to help underinsured Americans afford the care they need. It provides financial assistance for prescription copays, insurance premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, pediatric treatment costs, travel expenses, and behavioral health services when health insurance is not enough.
What they do
- Operate disease-specific assistance funds covering a continuously expanding portfolio of conditions, each opening and closing based on available funding
- Award grants that cover copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, premiums, and other out-of-pocket costs
- Run dedicated portals for patients, providers, and pharmacies to submit and process assistance requests
- Maintain an application system, online and by automated phone line, that handles over 40,500 calls monthly
Scale and impact
Since 2004, HealthWell reports it has awarded over $5.2 billion in copayment assistance and helped more than 1,390,000 patients afford their medications. In 2025 the foundation awarded more than $1.1 billion in grants. HealthWell states that 100 percent of every dollar donated goes directly to patient grants and services, with all administrative and fundraising costs financed by the foundation itself. It ranked 17th on the 2025 Forbes list of The 100 Largest U.S. Charities, was recognized for 100 percent fundraising efficiency, holds a 100 out of 100 rating on Charity Navigator's Encompass system, and has earned Candid Platinum Transparency (2025) recognition.
Financials
Per its IRS filing for fiscal year 2024, the HealthWell Foundation (EIN 20-0413676) reported total revenue of $911,501,566, total expenses of $603,213,244, and total assets of $918,189,028, with contributions comprising 97.3% of revenue. Its IRS tax-exemption ruling dates to June 2005. The foundation publishes annual reports, IRS Form 990s, and audited financial statements dating back to 2012 on its website, along with OIG advisory opinions governing its assistance programs.
Governance
HealthWell is overseen by an independent Board of Directors composed of national experts, with a senior management team that includes a President and CEO, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Strategy Officer. The foundation is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland.