This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Hello everyone.

A close friend was diagnosed in 2005. He was just awarded Social Security Disability since he cannot work anymore.

He was on Copaxone, which was covered under his employer's health plan.

Now that he is no longer employed, he found out that the Copaxone is NOT covered by the prescription plan he has with SSD.

This is all new to me, and I am trying to help him find out if there is anything he can do to change his SSD to a plan with coverage for Copaxone...

He is so very frustrated and says the MS is getting worse since he is off the medication. He loses his temper easily, and cannot deal with the people on the phone at SS.

I want to help him, but I don't know where to start.

We are in PA. He is 45 yrs old.

Anyone have any advice to get me started?

Hi Nola-
You're a good friend. Here's a link to Partnership for Prescription Assistance....you may have seen their ads on TV. Montel Williams is their spokesman, and coincidently, he has MS and uses Copaxone.
Your friend can answer some questions on line and this program will help him find assistance for free or nearly free prescriptions.
https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php

I'm not sure how social security works with all of this, maybe some other folks will have ideas as to how to deal with them. Keep your friend laughing, exercising (as he's able) and finding things that interest him and give him hope. He's lucky to have you in his life-
best,
AC

Hi Nola! Your desire to help a friend is admirable! You'll find much info here-LOTS to read, many ideas, and many people willing to answer any of your questions that we can.

Cheerleader offers good advice. I personally do not use Copaxone (or any other current MS medication), but each has to decide what works for himself. We send our prayers and best wishes for you and your friend.

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I'm finding it hard to believe that while Soc Sec declared him disabled, they will not cover any part of the cost of his medication. I'm truly appalled.

He WANTS to work. One would think our government would want to try to help people get well enough to be employed so they could get OFF the soc sec disability?

Please keep those ideas coming...

If anyone knows how to get solid info on how to choose a medicare plan, please let me know...

Bless you all for taking the time to help me.

If anyone knows how to get solid info on how to choose a medicare plan, please let me know...

I can't help you with that but I can tell you that Biogen runs an assistance program for low income MS patients called the Avonex Access Program which provides Avonex at a reduced cost on a sliding fee scale based on the patient's income.

Note that the other MS drug manufacturers also have similar programs.

NHE

NHE is right...
Copaxone has a patient assistance program, Shared Solutions.
Call them for help- for financial assistance

"Shared Solutions® at 1-800-887-8100, and ask to speak with one of our benefits investigators, who will be able to explain your options."

Copaxone has benefitted my husband, who is 20 months relapse and progression- free since diagnosis. I hope you can get your friend some help-
AC