Financial Assistance Now Available
The National MS Society, Michigan Chapter is offering new financial services to address the needs of individuals with multiple sclerosis and their families.
The goal of Direct Assistance is to provide financial assistance to enhance the quality of life and help individuals with MS achieve their highest level of independence.
This program helps chapter members with MS obtain financial assistance in the areas of:
- Transportation - to and from medical appointments ONLY
- Home Care - short-term personal care and homemaker/chore services. This service offers assistance in the home with tasks that individuals living with MS are having difficulty completing (meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, bathing, and dressing).
- Respite Care - care when the usual caregiver is temporarily unavailable because of travel, illness or other demands.
- Short-term counseling - counseling for those facing unexpected challenges as a result of their MS. Limited counseling services are available through in-person and telephone sessions.
- Medical equipment - the purchase or repair of a variety of equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers and bath equipment.
- Equipment Loan Closet - for people with MS to borrow, free of charge, equipment that they need for a short period of time.
- Home & auto modifications - such as lifts, ramps or hand controls.
- Window air conditioners - limited to no more than one window unit per year with a minimum of five years between requests. This service is offered from April 1st - September 30th of each year.
- Cooling items - limited to no more that one cooling item per year with a minimum of five years between requests. This service is offered from April 1st - September 30th of each year.
- Emergency response systems - ensures that adults living at home get quick assistance whenever needed - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Incontinence supplies- disposable briefs, undergarments, matress pads, underpads, self-catheters and catheters.
- Assistive technology - hardware and software
- Limited assistance provided for - utilities, rent/mortgage, and doctor visit payments (one time ONLY assistance provided in these areas).
All assistance is based on financial need and provided according to a sliding fee scale.
To obtain assistance, the Chapter requires:
A verification of diagnosis.
Completion of a confidential financial assistance application
Some items/services also require a physician's prescription
For more information or to apply for financial assistance call 800-344-4867, option 1.
Services provided depending on available resources. Advance notice required for all services.
Partial support underwritten by the R.M. Gerstacker Foundation.