Federal Government Affairs
The Society’s Public Policy Office in Washington, D.C., shapes federal policies and programs to better meet the needs of the MS community. When issues could impact people living with MS, we advocate for positive changes. We proactively pursue healthcare policies that could help increase MS research or create greater access to federal programs. We identify gaps in Medicare Part D coverage for MS therapies, help navigate the Social Security Disability benefits process, and explore tough issues such as federal funding for stem cell research (.pdf).
The National MS Society encourages all elected officials to join the movement and support issues that will help move forward the lives of people with MS. We are grateful to those officials who are actively working to move us closer to a world free of MS.
We recognize the elected officials who have supported the Society and our policy priorities each year. As a nonprofit organization, however, we are nonpartisan and do not endorse any political candidates.
State and Community Government Affairs
The Society’s 50-state network of chapters lead advocacy for MS issues at the state and community levels. With the help of grassroots MS activists, they pursue local policies and programs in both the public and private sectors to meet the needs of people living with MS. State and community issues focus on accessibility, healthcare coverage, employment, transportation, long-term care resources and more. For additional information on MS issues in your state or community, contact your chapter.