Multiple Sclerosis is NOT a Financial Death Sentence
By Michelle Katz
Live a financial healthy life with Multiple Scherosis (MS). Here are some healthcare cost saving tips:
1. Shop around for your health insurance: One of the key factors to saving money when you have MS, as well as many other diseases, is being sure you have the best insurance for yourself. Remember, what might be the best insurance for you, may not be the best insurance for someone else. Know what you want out of your health insurance and don’t let anyone else, especially the health insurance company tell you what they think you need. This is not an overnight process, and it might take a few weeks to do a thorough job. Be patient, and treat it like you are looking for that perfect outfit for the perfect day or even a house. Keep in mind that every year you want to review your policy because your needs may change as well as what your policy offers. So do not put it off until the open enrollment season, or the day before you next doctor’s appointment. Be sure the health insurance policies you are considering have integrity by checking with your state insurance commissioner or other people that may have the policy in your state with MS. In addition, pay close attention to things that will have a severe impact on your treatment such as your neurologist, lab work, potential hospital charges and pharmaceuticals you may be taking later in the year. For example, when you have MS, it is extremely important to know that your neurologist is accepting your insurance and will be accepting your insurance for at least the next year until your policy expires and you can choose a new policy. Double check to be sure you can continue your treatments with the policy, and if there is a change in your treatment, the insurance plan has a “hassle free process.”
2. Look for free healthcare: Believe it or not, it is out there! Be sure to check with your State Department of Health or even Social Services of your state to see if you qualify for any new programs that your state has been granted money for. It may even be less expensive than using your health insurance in some cases. Don’t forget about federal programs like Medicare, local clinics, etc. Check back every few months. You would be surprised what Congress passes overnight and when it goes into effect and how it can effect you and your healthcare.
