The Upper Midwest Chapter's 2012 priority issues
At the Upper Midwest Chapter, we relentlessly advocate for policies and research essential to people living with MS:
- We prioritize policy issues by listening to clients and volunteers.
- We recruit and support advocates to tell their stories.
- We work with policymakers to secure resources and create
Below are the issues we'll be monitoring during the 2012 legislative session. If you're interested in sharing your story about how any of these issues affect you or your family, please contact Jenna at 612-335-7981 or jenna.washnieski@nmss.org.
Oppose further budget rollbacks that harm people living with MS: As state budgets continue to feel the pressure of a slow economic recovery, the Chapter works to prevent or limit the impact of budget cuts on people living with MS, especially those most vulnerable and in need of health and human services, housing or public transportation options.
Relieve the financial burden of prescription drug costs: Prescription drug costs are often an impediment that keeps people with MS from following the treatment plan directed by their physician. The Chapter will continue to work with legislators and like-minded organizations to identify mechanisms to help relieve the high cost of prescription drugs, such as legislation limiting specialty drug co-payments.
Advocate for effective health reform:The Chapter supports health reform efforts to expand coverage, increase access to care and provide greater affordability
for those in need. We monitor and participate in crafting health reform implementation efforts, seek to alter or reform public and private health care programs and oppose legislation that does not increase access or affordability of care for people living with MS.
Support for research: The National MS Society pursues research that could lead to a world free of MS. That’s why our Chapter opposes efforts that would limit or prohibit promising and legal scientific and medical research.