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Position Papers & Policies

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Our MS activism and government affairs efforts focus on five priorities for people living with MS:

In addition, the National MS Society and MS activists nationwide also are involved throughout the federal budget process (.pdf) to ensure that programs and activities that benefit individuals living with MS and their families receive the funding they deserve. Many members of Congress have joined the Congressional Multiple Sclerosis Caucus. Find out how your Senators or Representative can join (.pdf).

Click here for updates on recent federal legislation and key votes on MS issues.

Increased MS research

We actively pursue public funding for MS-related biomedical, rehabilitative, and stem cell research. That includes securing increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and finding new avenues for MS research funding, such as the Department of Defense.

Health Care Reform

We are pleased with the recent passage of the health care reform bill because it represents an important step toward comprehensive health care reform. The passage of this health care reform bill serves as a critical first step as we continue to advocate for the development and modification of legislation that will ensure that the needs of people living with MS are met. Health coverage has been inadequate for so many families living with MS — from covering the high cost of treatments to access to high quality long-term care.

MS Activists, all throughout the country, have worked relentlessly to advocate for health care that ensures that the complex needs of people living with MS are addressed. This broad-based group of volunteers, including many living with MS, developed the National MS Society’s Health Care Reform Principles. These bold and broad based principles have been a blueprint for the Society’s advocacy efforts on health care reform. MS Activists have been actively engaged in advocating for these principles and many concepts that are a part of the recently passed bill, such as: 

  • Prohibiting discrimination against an individual based on pre-existing health conditions;
  • Placing limitations on out-of-pocket costs;
  • Providing access to long-term supports and services;
  • Expanding the Medicaid program;
  • Providing subsidies to those who cannot afford coverage; and
  • Eliminating lifetime limits on the amount of coverage a person may receive.

We are deeply appreciative of the work of MS Activists and are pleased that many of the Society’s National Health Care Reform Principles are integral components of the health care reform bill.   There are other components of the bill about which we do not have a position.  

Side-by-Side Comparrison of Society Principles & Approved Health Care Reform Bills - This side by side comparison evaluates how the approved Senate and House bills address the National MS Society’s Health Care Reform Principles.

Disability rights

For people living with MS and other disabilities, many obstacles can inhibit quality of life and community participation. We work to remove barriers to physical accessibility, prevent discrimination, and sustain independence.

Access to quality health care

Quality health care has no benefit to people with MS, if it is not affordable. We seek policies and programs that can make healthcare services, including the cost of prescription MS therapies, more affordable.

Long-term care resources

We help ensure the highest possible quality of life by providing quality, affordable alternatives for long-term care and more resources for caregivers.

Accessible, affordable health insurance

We pursue access to health insurance coverage for more people at a more affordable price, including Medicare and Social Security disability benefits.