Tips for Health Insurance With MS

Living Well

October 29, 2024

Chloe Franklin

A man at a lap top typing, while animated medical graphics loom above. — It can feel overwhelming to look for health insurance options. Image: iStock

Tip #1: Know When You Can Enroll

Open enrollment is an annual period where individuals can modify their health benefits. This is a great chance to reevaluate and make informed decisions about your coverage for the next year.The Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period is from Oct. 15 - Dec. 7 and open enrollment for states that use the federal Marketplace will be Nov. 1 – Jan. 15. Please remember, if your state has its own Marketplace, the dates may vary.Job-based health insurance is a coverage that you receive from an employer or union, and it varies from plan to plan. With this type of insurance, your place of employment will typically pay for most of your insurance premium while you contribute a portion. Find out more about job-based health insurance. Job-based insurance provided through your employer will have its own annual open enrollment period. The dates and deadlines of this enrollment period will vary. Contact your Human Resources department for details specific to you." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

Tip #2: Check to See if You Qualify for Medicare or Medicaid

more about how this program works and take our quick test on your knowledge of Medicare.Medicaid works a little differently. Rules are different from state to state. Most states will offer coverage for adults below a certain income level who have children, as well as pregnant people, some seniors and people with disabilities. Learn more about Medicaid and how to qualify.Please note, if you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicare is the primary payer. Medicaid is the secondary payer for all other medically necessary costs not covered by Medicare." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

Medicare is the federal program that serves as the primary source of health insurance for people 65 or older and many people with permanent disabilities. People with multiple sclerosis can qualify for Medicare coverage before age 65 if they have been determined permanently disabled by Social Security and received Social Security Disability benefits deposits for 24 months. Visit our Medicare webpage to learn more about how this program works and take our quick test on your knowledge of Medicare.Medicaid works a little differently. Rules are different from state to state. Most states will offer coverage for adults below a certain income level who have children, as well as pregnant people, some seniors and people with disabilities. Learn more about Medicaid and how to qualify.Please note, if you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicare is the primary payer. Medicaid is the secondary payer for all other medically necessary costs not covered by Medicare.

Tip #3: Look Into a Health Savings Account

Tip #4: Understand the Different Types of Health Insurance Plans

Tip #5: Explore Private Health Insurance Options

Tip #6: Consider Prescription Assistance

Pharmaceutical Company’s Drug Programs.With or without insurance, paying for prescriptions can be pricey. Drug cards can lower out of pocket costs at the pharmacy for symptom management medications or some MS disease-modifying therapies.If your medication is fully not covered under your health insurance, you can work with your healthcare provider to file an appeal. Check out our templates to file these appeals and our resources you can share with your providers. See how you can qualify for assistance, no matter what type of coverage you have." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

If you need help with medication costs, you may be able to find support from certain Pharmaceutical Company’s Drug Programs.With or without insurance, paying for prescriptions can be pricey. Drug cards can lower out of pocket costs at the pharmacy for symptom management medications or some MS disease-modifying therapies.If your medication is fully not covered under your health insurance, you can work with your healthcare provider to file an appeal. Check out our templates to file these appeals and our resources you can share with your providers. See how you can qualify for assistance, no matter what type of coverage you have.

Learn more about these types of coverage and see if they fit your situation. You also have the opportunity to connect with our MS Navigators who are here for support in exploring your health insurance options. No matter what, the National MS Society will be here to support you and every person affected by MS." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

There are so many ins and outs of health insurance, if you don’t see something that fits your specific situation, don’t worry — no one has to face MS alone! There are still many different coverages out there so be sure to check which type might be the best fit for you. Learn more about these types of coverage and see if they fit your situation. You also have the opportunity to connect with our MS Navigators who are here for support in exploring your health insurance options. No matter what, the National MS Society will be here to support you and every person affected by MS.

Chloe Franklin

Chloe Franklin is a Content Specialist with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society based in Chicago.

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6 Ways to Navigate Your Health Insurance with MS

Tip #1: Know When You Can Enroll

Tip #2: Check to See if You Qualify for Medicare or Medicaid

Tip #3: Look Into a Health Savings Account

Tip #4: Understand the Different Types of Health Insurance Plans

Tip #5: Explore Private Health Insurance Options

Tip #6: Consider Prescription Assistance

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