Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter - May Issue

In This Issue:
NEW MS AWARENESS ITEMS
ARE YOUR DRUG COSTS GOING UP?
CAREER ADVICE JUST FOR PEOPLE WITH MS
GOT A CREATIVE SPIRIT?
ARE YOU HEAT SENSITIVE?

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1. NEW MS AWARENESS ITEMS
New MS Awareness Items Now Available
Just In Time For Summer Fun
Flip-Flops, Sunglasses, T-Shirts & More

To Get Your New MS Awareness Items Visit Us At:
Link: http://www.msmagnet.org


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2. ARE YOUR DRUG COSTS GOING UP?
ARE YOUR DRUG COSTS GOING UP?
Many people with Medicare are paying more for expensive medications,
and out-of-pocket costs could be on the rise for those with other types
of insurance, as well.

According to Avalere Health, a company that researches healthcare
issues, most Medicare health plans now have created separate categories for
the priciest drugs.

Because the categories are in addition to the more familiar three tier
co-pay system, where people pay set costs for generic, preferred and
non-preferred drugs, they are called Tier 4. Some plans also have a Tier
5.

People on the plans who take Tier 4 or 5 drugs are charged a percentage
of their cost. Some specialty medications may cost more than $600 a
month as a result, according to Avalere Health.

The changes are hitting people with chronic diseases, including MS,
according to Avalere Health.

"Health plans are trying to balance competing demands of access to
medications and low cost, but the result is that patients with serious
illnesses are paying more," said its president, Dan Mendelson, in a
statement Tuesday.

The change already has moved beyond Medicare. Avalere Health estimates
about 10 percent of commercial health care plans also now require
people to pay a percentage for some of the costliest drugs.

The New York Times reported on the trend this week, finding some
already are faced with thousands of dollars in drug costs due to the change.

WE ALSO HAVE ADDED A NEW SECTION ON OUR WEBSITE - MEDS & RESOURCES - HELPFUL INFORMATION ON FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS TO HELP WITH YOUR MEDICATION COSTS.....
Link: http://msmagnet.org/MEDS_AND_RESOU...


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3. CAREER ADVICE JUST FOR PEOPLE WITH MS
CAREER ADVICE JUST FOR PEOPLE WITH MS
A new Web site brings together workplace advice and job listings, all
tailored to people with MS.

MS Workplace showcases jobs available from the career site Monster, as
well as advice about working with MS provided by the Multiple Sclerosis
Society.

The site features a place for job seekers to post resumes and advice
for employers who want to know how to support the needs of workers with
MS. Job seeker's health information is not revealed to potential
employers, but Monster will make a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society
for each resume that gets posted through the site.

Biogen Idec and Elan also are partners in MS Workplace. For more
information, visit:

Link: http://www.msworkplace.com


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4. GOT A CREATIVE SPIRIT?
GOT A CREATIVE SPIRIT?
Whether you are a writer, dancer, singer, painter or actor, VSA arts is
for you.

VSA arts is an international, nonprofit organization that strives to
create a society where all people with disabilities can participate in,
learn through, and enjoy the arts. VSA arts promotes increased access to
the arts and showcases the accomplishments of artists with
disabilities.

The Creative Spirit is the official magazine of VSA arts. Published
quarterly, the publication highlights the latest news, upcoming events,
competitions and contests, and accomplishments of VSA arts and its
affiliates across the country and around the world. To receive The Creative
Spirit, visit:

Link: http://www.vsarts.org


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5. ARE YOU HEAT SENSITIVE?
ARE YOU HEAT SENSITIVE?
Many people with MS experience weakness, fatigue, visual disturbances,
and other symptoms when they become overheated. The MSF Cooling Program
offers a variety of items, free of charge, including cooling vests and
accessories, to help with heat-sensitivity. Applications are accepted
through June 1st. Applications can be submitted online at
www.msfocus.org or via postal mail. The 2009 program begins on February 1, 2009. For
more information, call 888-MSFOCUS (673-6287).
Link: http://www.msfocus.org


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HELP RAISE MS AWARENESS ~ FIGHT FOR A CURE
Posted on 05/13/08, 05:05 pm