Let’s Put an End to the 24-month Waiting Period for Medicare!
In the year ahead, the National MS Society is embarking on a state and federal campaign to eliminate the 24 month gap in health care coverage after receipt of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). In addition, NC-CAN is working on advocating getting a resolution in NC to support the 24 month waiting period for Medicare. To support our campaign, the Society is collecting personal testimonials to demonstrate the inhumanity of the excessive wait.
If you have experienced medical debt or other financial issues or have not sought treatment for multiple sclerosis due to lack of health insurance coverage while waiting for Medicare, please share your story with us by contacting Jessica Thomas at 336-299-4136 or jessica.thomas@ncc.nmss.org.
- During your 2-Year Wait for Medicare (previously or currently):
- Did/Do you ever skip a treatment, medical appointment or not take a prescription that was recommended by your doctor?
- Please estimate the cost of your medical treatments compared to your income?
- How were these medical expenses paid?
- Did/Do you cut back on or fail to pay for necessities such as food, rent or utilities?
- Please tell us in your own words how your health and financial security was impacted by the 24 month wait for Medicare.
Federal Advocacy
2008 National Public Policy Conference
May 6-8 2008 were busy and fun filled days for staff and volunteers who attended the National Public Policy Conference in Washington DC. The event started with a reception followed by a day of educational preparation on advocacy issues. The event ended on May 8 after a long day of advocating with our Legislators on Capital Hill. All three of the North Carolina Chapters were well represented with staff and activists. This year the chapter was able to bring three volunteers, Amy Berrier, Chris Burton and Valerie Watson. Also in attendance, was our board chair, Don Burton, the chapter president, Elizabeth Green, and our Chapter Programs and Services Manager, Jessica Thomas. The Central North Carolina Chapter reached a success when Congressman Howard Coble agreed to sign onto the Congressional MS Caucus!
Issues that we advocated for during Public Policy Conference were for:
- MS Research Funding in the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP)
- The Development of a National MS Disease Registry System
- Eliminating the Medicare 24 Month Disability Waiting