National MS Society, Blue Ridge Chapter Financial Assistance Program
Download Application (.doc format)
The Blue Ridge Chapter offers financial assistance to individuals diagnosed with MS and in financial need. In addition, we provide service management to assist with accessing other community programs when necessary. In order to provide financial assistance, items must be prescribed by a physician or recommended by a health professional.
When providing services, purchasing or repairing equipment, these avenues of payment must be pursued first:
Medicare/Medicaid
Veteran’s Insurance or Private Insurance
Other Community Services
Local Social Services Agencies
The client must complete and submit a financial assistance application. Submit applications to the Blue Ridge Chapter Programs and Services Department, One Morton Drive, Suite 106, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
A complete application does not guarantee services. Applications are complete when these components have been received:
1. Application forms completed in full and signed
2. Prescription or health professional recommendation for the specific request
3. Verification of multiple sclerosis diagnosis
4. Explanation of benefits from his/her insurance if applicable
5. Estimate of the actual cost of the specific request
6. Documentation of crisis or emergency need (when applicable)
All requests from individuals with multiple sclerosis will be considered. Upon approval, the cost of the services or equipment will be shared with the client if financially feasible.
The Blue Ridge Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will provide the following types of financial aid for people with MS:
- Purchase or repair of durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, transfer benches, bedside commodes, window unit air conditioners, etc.
- Purchase of aids for daily living such as adult incontinence products, support hosiery, nutritional supplements, special cushions, cooling vests etc.
- Home modification, such as the addition of grab bars, hand held showers, door widening, counter lowering, ramps, etc.
- Physical therapy assessment, to determine needs for adaptive equipment.
- Occupational therapy assessment, to determine needs for home modifications.
- Counseling for you alone or with members of your family.
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Transportation to and from Chapter programs or physician appointments (including travel for appointments at an MS Center).
- Respite care (at home or in a nursing facility) when your caregiver needs to be away.
- Home health services to provide personal care such as bathing, dressing and feeding.
- One legal consultation regarding MS related issues.
- One nutrition consultation by a certified nutritionist or dietician and one follow up visit.
- MS related dental work
- School supplies for children with MS or with a parent with MS
- Assistive Technology Devices
- Care Management
- Crisis emergency services for food, housing, and utilities
- Wellness Incentive Program
We do have funding limits, but we evaluate every client's needs individually. To receive financial assistance for any of the above, please follow the instructions on the financial assistance application. Services provided include, but are not necessarily limited to, the above listed criteria. The complex and unpredictable nature of MS is taken into account when requests are made.