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_RESOURCES.html





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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