Program Notes: MRI Access Fund Returns

By Peter Damiri, Vice President of Programs and Services

MSAA is thrilled to report we are currently processing applications for our longstanding and highly requested MRI Access Fund Program. Through recent support from Teva Neuroscience and Sanofi Genzyme, MSAA has reopened the program to provide cranial MRIs for MS diagnostic and follow-up exams until the limited funds are exhausted.

It is important to note that MSAA has adjusted certain aspects of the program to balance the anticipated high demand from our clients. Under the current program’s guidelines, MSAA will process qualified applicants who are uninsured or unable to meet their current insurance deductible balance. Unfortunately, MSAA is unable to process co-insurance payments at this time.

The MRI Access Fund application has been updated to reflect these changes and can be accessed at mymsaa.org/mri or by calling (800) 532-7667, ext. 120. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis; no emergency situations apply; and specific documentation is required.

MSAA is extremely pleased to resume this critically important service to the MS community and will continue to seek additional funding to help meet increasing client demand. If you have any questions, please call (800) 532-7667, ext. 120.

MSAA Launches My MSAA Community

Photo of MSAA Launches My MSAA Community

MSAA is proud to announce the recent launch of a new peer-to-peer online platform titled My MSAA Community. This program gives people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), care partners, and family members a way to connect with others going through the same challenges, as well as to receive valuable and relevant information and support. Powered by HealthUnlocked, this free online portal is a safe, supportive, and friendly community where people can post questions and comments, reply to ongoing conversations, share messaging through social media platforms, and have the option to participate in occasional polling questions about important MS issues.

With 900 followers joining since the launch, My MSAA Community has already made quite an impact on people visiting the site and joining the conversation. Among the many positive comments MSAA has received since launching the site is this post from one of our current community members: “This message board is fantastic! I’ve gotten much helpful advice here. Good luck and best wishes.”

MSAA greatly appreciates all of the supportive feedback we’ve received so far and encourages everyone to visit our new online community. To learn more, please visit healthunlocked.com/MyMSAA.

Register Now for MSAA’s updated S.E.A.R.C.H.™ Webinar

Photo of Carrie Hersh, DO
Carrie Hersh, DO, MS will present the October 19 webinar and answer questions submitted through a live chat feature.

While having more than a dozen FDA approved treatments for relapsing MS is encouraging, the safety, effectiveness, and tolerability of any given medication varies from one person to another. As doctors try to encourage patients to take an active role in selecting a disease-modifying therapy (DMT), it can be challenging to learn about the treatments and know what questions to ask. Recognizing this challenge, MSAA created the S.E.A.R.C.H.™ initiative to help the MS community better understand DMT medications and be prepared with key questions to discuss with their doctor when selecting or switching treatments.

Through support from EMD Serono and Sanofi Genzyme, MSAA has been able to update our SEARCH tools, including the comprehensive booklet, handy workbook, and the upcoming live webinar scheduled for Wednesday, October 19, 2016 from 8 pm to 9 pm ET. For anyone unable to participate on October 19th, the webinar will be archived and available for viewing on MSAA’s website at mymsaa.org. In this live webinar, MS expert Dr. Hersh will:

  • Review the current landscape of MS therapies and those on the horizon
  • Discuss the importance of having a good doctor-patient relationship
  • Explain the S.E.A.R.C.H. acronym and how it helps people remember the six key topics to discuss with their physician when deciding on a treatment
  • Provide effective strategies for staying on treatment

Following the presentation, participants can engage in a Q & A session with Dr. Hersh from questions submitted through the webinar’s live chat feature. To register for the free webinar as well as order the updated SEARCH booklet and workbook, please visit mymsaa.org/search.

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