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MS Research Funding
Ask Congress to provide funding for MS research to stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever.
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Regulatory Support of Research
Ensure that regulatory agencies support MS research to stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever.
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Home Modification Policies
People living with multiple sclerosis sometimes find it necessary for them to modify their homes to increase accessibility and improve safety. Modifying a home may also allow a person with MS to maintain a connection to a job, remain an active member of the community, or even to remain independent. However, these modifications can be prohibitively expensive. People with MS may benefit from financial relief through tax credits, grants or assistance programs.
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Access to Health Care Providers
Every person with multiple sclerosis needs access to a comprehensive network of healthcare providers to meet his or her unique healthcare needs.
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Affordability of and Access to MS Medications
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Access to Quality Health Insurance Coverage
Every person should have access to the healthcare they need. Discover updates in our fight for affordable, quality health insurance coverage for those with MS.
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Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. Medicaid also offers benefits not normally covered by Medicare, like nursing home care and personal care services.
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Medicare
To ensure Medicare is able to provide quality, comprehensive healthcare for older Americans and people with disabilities, , including many living with MS.
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Long Term Services & Support
People living with MS need access to high-quality, affordable long-term services and supports that meet their needs, and help them remain independent and avoid financial hardship.
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Additional Issues
As passionate advocates for individuals with MS, The National MS Society and MS activists engage on the following issues at the state and federal level.
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Transparency of Coverage and Cost
Lack of public information on the price of healthcare services, the paperwork required to attain care, and insufficient notification of benefit changes contribute to the burden of living with MS.
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Caregiving Support
Caregivers of people with MS spend about 24 hours a week providing care. Of these caregivers, 64% are emotionally drained, 32% experience depression and 22% have lost a job due to caregiving responsibilities. The Lifespan Respite Care Program helps states better coordinate and deliver quality respite care that improves the health of family caregivers and allows the person living with MS to continue living at home.
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Disability Rights
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Economic Security
Washington State 2020 Legislation
Prescription Drug Affordability Board
Passed Legislature 3.6.2020 – Delivered to Governor 3.12.2020 – Governor Vetoed 4.3.2020
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Northwest Chapter, supports efforts to ensure that people with MS have access to the medications they need to live their best lives.
Prescription Drug Affordability Support Letter
Prior Authorization Reporting
Governor Signed 3.2.2020 – Effective 6.11.2020
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Northwest Chapter, supports efforts in continuing to make the cost of care more transparent for consumers living with MS.
Prior Authorization Position Statement
Prior Authorization Standards
Governor Signed 3.27.2020 – Effective 6.11.2020
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Northwest Chapter, supports efforts to ensure that people with MS have access to the treatments they need to live their best lives.
Insurance Coverage of Prosthetics and Orthotics
Prefiled 12.19.2020 – Hearing in Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee 1.20.2020
Died in Committee at end of session
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Northwest Chapter, supports efforts to get needed durable medical equipment and orthotics to those living with MS.
Joining the Interstate Nursing Licensure Compact
Prefiled 1.10.2020 – Senate Rules “X” file 2.24.2020
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Northwest Chapter, supports efforts to encourage, develop, and maintain provider networks that ensure coverage and access to quality MS Care.
Total Cost of Insulin
Governor Signed 4.3.2020 – Effective 6.11.2020
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Northwest Chapter, supports efforts in continuing to make the cost of medications more transparent for all consumers with high costs.
Supported/Monitored
Home & Institutional Caregiver protections
Governor Signed – 4.2.2020 – Effective 6.11.2020
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Northwest Chapter, supports efforts to provide caregivers with the supports they need to do their best job for those living with MS.
Health Care Costs Transparency Board
Governor Signed 4.3.2020 – Effective 6.1.1.2020
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Northwest Chapter, supports efforts in continuing to make the cost of care more transparent for consumers living with MS.
Cost-Sharing Requirements for Coverage of Insulin Products
Governor Signed 3.31.2020 – Effective 6.11.2020
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Northwest Chapter, supports and monitors legislation relating to medication cost controls and their effects upon those living with MS.
2019 Legislation