The National MS Society Mid Florida Chapter offers limited financial assistance to those who have been diagnosed with MS and meet the criteria for assistance.
Funding will be considered for the following:
Medical equipment
Environmental modifications
Counseling
Limited transportation
Exercise/Aquatic programs
The Chapter cannot provide for recurring payments or maintenance services such as medications, home care, or other consumable goods.
Alternate avenues of payment must be explored before using chapter funds. These may include health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, Vocational Rehabilitation and other community resources.
Financial Assistance is limited to a maximum of $1,500.00 per person, per year. The disbursement of funds is made payable to the approved vendor or service provider only. If the service or product requested costs more that the allowed limit, you must provide information on the grant forms to how the balance will be paid.
Financial Assistance is based on eligibility guidelines established by the Mid Florida Chapter Clinical Advisory Committee and approved by the Chapter Board of Trustees.
The following items are required for the application process:
1) A signed application for Financial Assistance (see below to download)
2) A prescription indicating a multiple sclerosis diagnosis from your neurologist or primary care physician must be included
3) For medical equipment and exercise programs, a physician approval is also required
4) A copy of a quote or invoice for the service or product to be provided with the requested funds.
Upon return of your application and the above information, your request will be reviewed. Funding will be considered for items such as but not limited to:
LEVEL 1 - $350 maximum per request
Exercise/Tai-chi/Yoga/Aquatic Programs/YMCA membership
Small durable medical equipment
Glasses/vision related equipment
Air conditioners
Cooling vests and other cooling equipment
Other assistive technology
Personal care medical supplies
LEVEL 2 - $750 maximum per request
Respite care services
Short term counseling services
Short term in-home or companion care services
Hippotherapy programs
Transportation to medical appointment, NMSS programs and Self Help Group meetings
Massage therapy when prescribed by a physician
Nutritional services by a licensed dietician
LEVEL 3 - $1,500 maximum per year
Vehicle modifications
Home modifications
Specialized equipment
The approval process generally takes three weeks after receipt of all required documentation. In order to expedite the review and approval, please provide all the required documentation with your initial request.
Once your request has been reviewed, you will receive notification of approval or denial. In case of denial, you will be provided an explanation for the denial. You may resubmit your request for assistance if the issues identified in the denial have been addressed.
The Mid Florida Chapter of the NMSS stands ready to assist you. Should you have any questions, or need assistance in completing the form, please feel free to contact our office at 1-800-344-4867 to talk to a resource specialist.
Click here to download the Financial Assistance application