Multiple Sclerosis Financial Assistance Programs

Most common in young adults, MS is a disease that impacts the brain and spinal cord and often leads to disability. Multiple sclerosis affects nerve conduction by attacking the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers, causing deterioration of the nerves and preventing communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

Let’s explore what it means to receive an MS diagnosis, the associated prognosis, its potential impact on daily life, and how a multiple sclerosis patient can find trusted financial assistance through fundraising.

Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis

There are several tests used to determine a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), spinal fluid analysis, and blood tests to rule out other causes behind symptoms. While in some cases, a medical professional can diagnose MS from an MRI that shows a pattern of related symptoms, patients may need to undergo extensive testing before they receive a conclusive diagnosis.

Multiple Sclerosis Prognosis

Although there is no known cure, there are many multiple sclerosis treatment options available. Some treatments focus on recovery from “attacks” and slowing the progression of the disease while helping to relieve multiple sclerosis symptoms.

Cases of MS vary in severe cases, patients will require long-term treatment to manage their symptoms and health. While it can impact many aspects of health and day-to-day life, MS does not typically shorten a patient’s expected lifespan as a singular diagnosis. However, secondary complications associated with specific physical symptoms of MS, such as infections or breathing issues, can impact prognosis.

Among the different types of multiple sclerosis, the most common is relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. Individuals living with this kind of MS will undergo periods of relapse during which they may experience an “attack” of MS symptoms. Treatments from these sudden onsets of symptoms include the following.

• Corticosteroids: The steroids most used to alleviate sudden symptoms are oral prednisone and intravenous methylprednisolone.
• Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis): This treatment involves removing plasma and separating it from blood cells. The cells are introduced to a protein solution and returned to the body. This treatment pathway may be used for severe relapses that don’t respond to steroid therapy.

Long-Term Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis Patients

In between onsets of MS symptoms, individuals with MS may experience long periods of remission, which can last for months or even years. However, during these times, patients typically continue to maintain a regimen of therapies to slow the illness and the deterioration of their nervous system. Long-term treatments include the following.

Injectable treatments:

• Interferon beta medications
• Glatiramer acetate

Oral treatments:

• Fingolimod
• Dimethyl fumarate
• Diroximel fumarate
• Teriflunomide
• Siponimod
• Cladribine

Infusion treatments:

• Ocrelizumab
• Natalizumab
• Alemtuzumab

Treatments for multiple sclerosis may also involve specific physical interventions to combat the symptoms, including:

• Physical therapy
• Muscle relaxants
• Fatigue-reducing medications
• Medication to increase walking speed

Individuals living with MS typically experience a range of evolving mobility and health needs based on the severity of their symptoms. Just a few of the costs that MS families may encounter:

• Medications (often not fully covered by insurance)
• Mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, power chairs, canes, or walkers
• An accessible van
• Durable medical equipment for home use
• Home modifications for accessibility
• Caregiving

Does Insurance Cover Multiple Sclerosis Costs and Provide Financial Assistance?

The MS costs that insurance will cover depends on the provider. Treatments for multiple sclerosis can last for many years and be overwhelmingly and prohibitively expensive. That is why so many patients and families living with MS turn to Help Hope Live to start a fundraising campaign to help offset a lifetime of MS-related expenses.

Keep in mind that even if your insurance offers coverage for most MS treatments, there will likely be many out-of-pocket costs associated with maintaining your comfort and health as you live with this diagnosis.

Multiple Sclerosis Financial Assistance with Help Hope Live

Help Hope Live is a critical lifeline for multiple sclerosis patients seeking community support and financial assistance. Through community-based fundraising, our nonprofit organization helps individuals with MS raise funds for medical treatment and other critical out-of-pocket expenses that they may encounter over a lifetime.

How Does Multiple Sclerosis Fundraising Work?

Fundraising with our nonprofit works as follows:

1. Submit a campaign request for assistance at helphopelive.org/get-started/apply
2. You’ll be paired with a Client Services Coordinator
3. Your Coordinator will provide you with one-on-one fundraising help, including personalized fundraising materials and guidance on how to rally your community, share your story on social media, reach out to the press, plan in-person or virtual fundraising events, and much more

How Is Help Hope Live Different from GoFundMe?

Help Hope Live differs from GoFundMe by:

• Verifying your medical need for complete donor confidence
• Enabling donations that are tax deductible
• Providing one-on-one fundraising help
• Managing all funds raised to protect your state-based benefits (funds raised are not considered personal income/assets to you)

We are a nonprofit with more than 38 years of fundraising experience and a 4-star Charity Navigator rating.

Ready to Begin?

Your community-based fundraising journey starts with completing our short campaign request. Just click here to get started.