How is the economy affecting MS research?
- NIH Funding of MS research has declined by 11 percent and is unlikely to improve in the near future (NIH Budget Office).
- Pharmaceutical companies are making cuts in both sales force and research and development (The Times).
- Biotech has seen an unprecedented near-freeze in funding and bankrupt companies, including companies with MS drugs in the pipeline (Bloomberg News).
How is the economy affecting people with MS?
Calls to the National MS Society’s Information and Referral Center regarding financial assistance information continue to grow.
Recent studies speak to challenges that people living with chronic illnesses face due to increasing medical costs.
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Medical care is being delayed or skipped:
- Thirty-six percent have delayed medical care in the past year because of cost.
- Three in 10 have skipped a test or treatment.
- Eleven percent have reduced the number or dosage of medication due to cost (Kaiser Family Foundation).
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In a study of chronically ill adults from eight countries:
- Fifty-four percent of U.S. patients reported not getting recommended care, filling prescriptions or seeing a doctor when sick because of costs (Health Affairs, November 2008).
What is the National MS Society doing to help people with MS?
- We know that MS doesn’t slow down when the economy does.
- People with MS and their families will continue to turn to the National MS Society — perhaps more so now than ever before — and we must do everything possible to help each one of them address the challenges that they face.
- The National MS Society is also making every effort possible to reduce operating costs without impacting programs and services for people with MS, or our research efforts.
- The Society is at the forefront of the MS movement, and we aren’t slowing down. While we may be operating with leaner budgets, we will stay focused on what matters — moving closer to a world free of MS.
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The Chapter is working to ensure families living with MS in Minnesota and western Wisconsin have the information and support they need to get by in a down economy.
- Information and Referral Center — MS Navigators are licensed social workers who can provide information about community resources, financial assistance programs, employment consultations, affordable, accessible housing and more (800-582-5296).
- Personal Financial Counseling — Free phone consultations with financial service professionals to address a variety of financial topics.
- Emergency Assistance and Independent Living Grants — Financial assistance for emergency needs and grants to help families living with MS purchase products and services to adapt to the disease, such as respite care for care partners, aids for daily living, adaptive equipment and home/vehicle modification.
What can I be doing?
The continued commitment, involvement and participation of National MS Society fundraisers, donors, volunteers and activists is more important than ever. We need our supporters to continue to walk, bike, raise awareness, advocate and ask boldly for support.