This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

I am a foreign applicant wanting to apply in PHD degree and getting scholarship. But I am suffering from multiple sclerosis disease.

Would you please inform me insurance of graduate students supports the drug cost or I must prepare them in free market. How much cost I should spend yearly?


Beat Regards

I suppose it depends on which medication you're taking. As a graduate student, you probably won't be making a great deal of money (even as a PhD student). When I was in grad school I had a university provided graduate student health insurance plan (GSHIP). This was through Blue Cross. Enrollment in the plan was covered by tuition and fees. If you're supported by a lab on a PI's grant, then this should be covered. I was diagnosed with MS during my second year as a grad student and decided to take Avonex. I ordered it through the school's health center pharmacy and my copay for a one month supply was around $500 if I remember correctly (this was in 2000, prices have gone up since then). Due to my limited income as a grad student, I qualified for Biogen's financial assistance program and just had to buy the first month and then they gave me the rest of the year for free.

I hope that helps. Note that your specific case might be different since you'll be a foreign student. I'm not sure how that will affect things.


NHE

thank you. i will be research assistant and will get 33000$ per year that 2500 $ is spent for insurance. i don't know what services i get for 2500$!!!!! i take Avonex for 4 years.