Cost of Living with Multiple Sclerosis

Resources to Help with the Cost of MS

The Cost of MS

For the nearly 1 million people living with MS in the United States, the annual economic burden — the cost to all of society, including individuals living with MS, employers, health insurers, federal, state and local governments and more — is $85.4 billion.

Graph divided in three columns indicates the direct medical cost of MS is $63.3 billion, indirect cost is $21 billion and non-medical costs is $1.1 billion.

What This Means

more affordable medication.In the meantime, you may be able to help control some of your costs. The National MS Society can help connect you to the resources and support you need." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

The study underscores what many people with MS know all too well: living with MS may not only bring a variety of changes in your life and symptoms, but also takes a direct hit on your personal finances.According to the study:

Direct medical costs, such as doctor’s appointments and medications, are the biggest driver of the high cost of MS.
MS medications also known as disease-modifying therapiesrepresent the single biggest medical costat $57,202 to $92,719, depending on age and gender.
Indirect and non-medical costs, such as daily living, early forced retirement, absenteeism from work and home modifications, add another $18,542 a year to costs.
Carepartner expenses average $4,333 each year.

Given the effect these costs have on people with MS, their families and carepartners, the study highlights the urgent need for leaders to help lower the cost of care and treatment of MS, a lifelong, chronic disease. Advocate for more affordable medication.In the meantime, you may be able to help control some of your costs. The National MS Society can help connect you to the resources and support you need.

Direct medical costs, such as doctor’s appointments and medications, are the biggest driver of the high cost of MS.
MS medications also known as disease-modifying therapiesrepresent the single biggest medical costat $57,202 to $92,719, depending on age and gender.
Indirect and non-medical costs, such as daily living, early forced retirement, absenteeism from work and home modifications, add another $18,542 a year to costs.
Carepartner expenses average $4,333 each year.

Ways to Manage Your Expenses

Connect with an MS Navigator.Get the Financial and Insurance Information you need.Get help with Financial Planning.When discussing a treatment plan with your healthcare provider, consider your finances.Choose the health insurance plan that best meets your needs instead of basing it on cost alone.Ask about benefits offered through your employer and government programs.Learn more about your employment rights and how to request accommodations.Find out when and how to appeal an insurance decision." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

Connect with an MS Navigator.Get the Financial and Insurance Information you need.Get help with Financial Planning.When discussing a treatment plan with your healthcare provider, consider your finances.Choose the health insurance plan that best meets your needs instead of basing it on cost alone.Ask about benefits offered through your employer and government programs.Learn more about your employment rights and how to request accommodations.Find out when and how to appeal an insurance decision.

Cost of Multiple Sclerosis

Resources to Help with the Cost of MS

The Cost of MS

What This Means

Ways to Manage Your Expenses