Financial Assistance / Energy Assistance / Care Management
Durable Medical Equipment / Accessible Housing Options / Marketplace
Financial Assistance
The Mid America Chapter strives to address and meet the needs of individuals living with MS, in a variety of ways. One of these ways is to offer direct financial assistance. The purpose of the financial assistance program is to provide assistance (aid, support or help) to people living with MS to assist in maintaining personal health, independence and a quality of life. Funding is not guaranteed and applicants must meet program criteria to qualify for assistance. The amount of financial assistance awarded is determined by factors including but not limited to; availability of funds, approval by financial assistance committee, and prior assistance given. Exceptions to this policy may be made only with the approval of the Director of Community Programs. In order to review your request for assistance for one of these programs, please include the following items listed below. Please note the financial assistance policy and application have changed from prior years.
- Download Financial Assistance Application Packet.
- Note from your doctor indicating your MS diagnosis
- Physician Prescription (if you are applying for durable medical equipment assistance)
- Copy of the bill or estimate you are seeking assistance for
- Completed Financial Assistance Application can be sent to our office at National MS Society, 7611 State Line Road Ste 100 Kansas City, MO 64114 or faxed to 816-361-2369.
Please contact the Care Management staff with any questions regarding covered items or services at 1-800-344-4867 press or say 2.
Energy Assistance
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a stipend to help with the cost of heating and cooling. Eligibility guidelines differ in each state. The application process begins in October, November, and January based on where you live. Additionally, cooling and crisis benefits may also be available.
KS: Online Application for Energy Assistance (LIEAP) will be available the second week in January, 2013 and that is when they’ll begin accepting applications through March 31.
MO: The Low Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP) in Missouri is managed by community action agencies in the state. Click here, then your county to see eligibility guidelines. Here is an example of Jackson County, MO:
Energy Assistance Periods:
- Oct. 1- March 31 (Physically Disabled/Elderly),
- Nov. 1- March 31 (Everyone Else)
Energy Crisis Program:
- Summer period June 1-Sept 30;
- Winter period Oct 1-May 31—All contingent upon when funds are depleted.
NE: Contact Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services in your county
- Income Guidelines
- Application - Clients must fill out the entire FA application that is for all services, including LIHEAP.
- Energy Assistance Period: Oct. 1- March 31
- Energy Crisis program: All year, 1 crisis per year, up to an additional $500.
- Cooling Program: June 1- Aug. 31.
Weatherization
Weatherization improves heating efficiency and fuel savings by ensuring your home holds in heat and air-conditioning, while keeping hot and cold air out. In some states and counties, income eligible families may receive a comprehensive home assessment which includes repair or replacement of heating systems, insulation and caulking.
KS: Map with phone numbers of agencies who assist with this program.
MO: Find your county for additional information.
NE: Find your county for additional information.
Medicare Part D (Drug Benefit) Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment begins and ends earlier for the coming year—Oct. 15–Dec. 7. Many beneficial changes have occurred to the Medicare Program. View the official Medicare & You brochure detailing the changes in an easy-to-read, large print format. See information about how to enroll in Medicare Part D.
Care Management
Care Management is a free service provided by the National MS Society for individuals diagnosed with MS, their caregivers, and families. The service can assist in a time of need and provide skills and resources required to pursue and accomplish goals.
The Care Management Initiative is the National MS Society's answer to ensure that individuals living with MS can maintain independent lifestyles. This program can extend a person's ability to stay in their present community without the threat of relocating to a nursing home or other long term care facility. Help is available on a time-limited basis for transportation, housing, insurance issues, respite care, durable medical equipment and more. If you or someone you know is in need of care management, please call the Mid America Chapter today at 1-800-344-4867.
Durable Medical Equipment
The Mid America Chapter maintains a Durable Medical Equipment Closet for people living with MS. If you have insurance, the Chapter encourages you to utilize that before requesting assistance through us. The loan for the requested equipment is indefinite; you can use the equipment as long as you need it and when finished, return it to the Durable Equipment Closet. Short term loans are also available (scooter for the weekend, power wheelchair while yours is being fixed, walker for PT). If you are in need of a scooter, walker or cane to improve your mobility, please call Erica Kiehnhoff at 1-800-344-4867 and say or press 2 for more information.
Completed Durable Medical Equipment Packet must have a medical script, signed Durable Medical Equipment Agreement, and signed MS Release of Information to be processed.
- Download Durable Medical Equipment Packet.
- Completed Durable Medical Equipment Packet can be sent to our office at National MS Society, 7611 State Line Road, Ste 100 in Kansas City, MO 64114, faxed to 816-361-2369, or emailed to Erica Kiehnhoff at erica.kiehnhoff@nmss.org.
Accessible Housing Options
The Mid America Commons in Kansas City, KS and Melissa Anne Hanger Apartments in Topeka, KS are the result of a partnership between the National MS Society and Accessible Space, Inc. We are proud to provide accessible, affordable housing for people with disabilities. Please note that:
- These apartment units are purely independent living opportunities for any person with a disability, including MS. There are no care services being provided, although we will work with all residents with MS to ensure that they are accessing the care they need.
- These apartments are 100% barrier-free, and designed with the wheelchair/scooter user in mind. They feature low countertops, roll-in showers, power entry doors, etc.
- Rent for all the units is federally subsidized and will not exceed 30% of residents' income.
- If people with MS apply, there is no obligation to move in. They can decline an apartment up to three different times before they lose their place on the waiting list.
If you or someone you love would like to live in one of these buildings, please give us a call at 1-800-344-4867. You may press or say 2 and ask for Chase. She will complete the application over the phone with you. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first serve basis.
Marketplace
added 7/5/11 WalkAide System for sale. Myo-Orthotics Technology Treatment for drop foot. Bi-Flex Cuff - Small. 48 ea. premium electoode replacements. Carrying Tote Bag. Asking Price $2,350. Please contact Terry Miller at 816-350-3690 or rogernterry@att.net.
To submit an ad, contact midamericachapter@nmss.org.