Unlike conditions like Breast Cancer, MS doesn’t seem to get the attention and publicity it really deserves. Multiple Sclerosis aid is out there, but you might have to look a little harder than patients with other diseases that seem to get more press for whatever reason.

Because of the complexity and unpredictability of Multiple Sclerosis, aid is probably needed even more than some of the more “popular” conditions.  Relapses and attacks appear suddenly, and patients can find it difficult to hold on to a job. Planning any kind of routine life becomes almost impossible, and expenses occur suddenly and can add up quickly. Some studies show the lifetime expenses per MS patient routinely exceed two million dollars. Some of the new treatments cost over $1000 monthly. Add those to the probable lack of steady income, and it’s easy to see why MS aid is so badly needed.

 

There are organizations to help

 

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is probably the most well known of the Multiple Sclerosis aid providers. They have close to 70 chapters across the U.S. and help over a million people annually. In 2008 alone, the MS society gave $50 million to help over 400 different research projects.  Some of the larger chapters in big cities will be able to give direct financial Multiple Sclerosis aid, while all of them will at least be able to help the patient find these resources elsewhere.

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America has a MRI Diagnostic Fund to help patients pay for MRI scans. They also have an Equipment Distribution Program to help patients get the items for home use to help make life easier.  They even distribute cooling equipment to help patients with heat sensitivity problems.

The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation offer a number of Multiple Sclerosis aid services to help patients get services they can’t afford.  Their main programs are:

  • Home Care Grants – to help with light housework and cooking
  • Patient Assistance program – this is a unique Multiple Sclerosis aid program that provides direct one-time emergency money to cover bills that might compromise the patient’s safety if left unpaid.  It helps with things like rent, utilities, and home repairs.
  • Assistive Technology program – provides for mobility and safety aids like ramps, wheelchairs, speaker phones, and similar assistance type technology

 

The National Organization for Rare Disorders will provide Multiple Sclerosis aid in the form of cash to help with co-pay bills on medication. They will help with up to $3 thousand dollars annually.