Managing Healthcare Expenses
What have been some of the financial struggles you have faced due to your multiple sclerosis?
Have you experienced difficulty with the costs of medicines, testing, copays, travel, insurance, and more?
What have your experiences been like?
We have resources to manage those healthcare expenses here: https://multiplesclerosis.net/resources-cost
Not all applies, as I am in Canada. But even with our health care system there are more and more out of pocket expenses as well. Dmt isn't covered well and very complicated. I person I know is now on a wheelchair, despite a drug that was working. As the insurance refused to pay and they couldn't afford it. How sad if it's preventable. I am now of work for 6 month, possibly longer if there is no recovery. So in the process of applying for disability. And if they accept the claim, still decrease in income. So time will tell. But try to keep positive and keep looking for more assistance! Great info👍
Hi @tuppense. In the United States, an MS diagnosis in itself does not prohibit you from driving. Many people decide to give up driving because their symptoms worsen and make it too dangerous. Others have their licenses revoked by doctors who determine it is no longer safe for them to drive. Most everyone I know with MS still drives. Have you double-checked with the authorities where you live? Best wishes! - Lori (Team Member)
Except I work in the health care system, or at least used to. I see to many people "falling through the cracks". And some of that applies to MS patients. Drugs were not covered anymore after a brief period. And they had tried all options. Also your "free services" are limited, at least here in Alberta. The employer insurance plan (mine is a government plan), does only pay for basic MRI for example. To get the Tesla 3, I have to pay out of pocket (over $1000). To get a full brain/spinal cors MRI I have to go on a years wait list, or pay private. However, they paid my cancer surgery and I know that is different in the US. While we do have a reasonable health care system, more and more a two tier system and only for the rich. Being on disabilities now means I can not afford a lot of things. But than I know a lot of people are in the same position.
Well for the most part we can't complain, at least not with a work related benefits plan. But there are many hidden road blocks and crazy long wait times. You typically wait month to get into any specialist or get an MRI and so on. But the one thing here, you are usually not financially bancrupt after. However, waiting for month even with confirmed cancer or in this case waiting on getting onto dmt is a test in patients, to say the least 😊 Trusting in God it all gets worked out in a timely fashion. And seeing Dr Boster from Ohio next week as telehealth visit will be a big help!
Hi
! Definitely better to wait than go bankrupt, though I imagine that wait can be difficult at times. Please keep up posted about your telehealth appointment next week if you feel comfortable doing so. Thinking of you! - Lori (Team Member)
Although my anxiety was through the roof, since the last neurologist appointment was very bad. I fully appreciate Dr Boster, he is great to work with and really knows his work! So another MRI for the spinal cord needed, OCT and a spinal tap and he is in support of a referal to the local MS clinic. This means a while before I get to worry about a dmt.
Hi @Hamaara! I hope the wait is worth it and that you get the best possible treatment because of it. Sending you the best of all wishes! - Lori (Team Member)
MRI was done, but not all, the referral was incorrect. Waiting on the rest. But my short term disability was approved.
Hi
. You must be frustrated about the referral, but I am glad short-term disability was approved. That must be a relief. Any idea how much longer you have to wait for the corrected referral? Thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member) 
glad to hear they got part of it done and your disability was approved at least. I agree with Lori, it can indeed be frustrating.
