MRI Access Fund

MRI Access Program

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America has made the difficult decision to pause our MRI Access Program effective on May 30, 2025. We will honor all approved applications through May 29, 2025. After May 29th, we will not be accepting new applications for the MRI Access Program. 

We understand the significant value of the MRI Access Program in funding MRI scans to help determine a diagnosis of MS as well as to monitor disease activity. We want to reassure the MS community that we are actively researching opportunities to support this program, and we are committed to resuming the MRI Access Program once funds are secured.

If you have any questions, please contact MSAA’s Helpline at (800) 532-7667, extension 154 or email MSquestions@mymsaa.org.

Programa de acceso a IRM

La Asociación de Esclerosis Múltiple de América ha tomado la difícil decisión de suspender nuestro Programa de Acceso a IRM a partir del 30 de mayo de 2025. Honraremos todas las solicitudes aprobadas hasta el 30 de mayo de 2025. Después del 30 de mayo, no aceptaremos nuevas solicitudes para el Programa de Acceso a IRM.

Entendemos el valor que tiene el Programa de Acceso a IRM para financiar las resonancias magnéticas que ayudan a determinar un diagnóstico de esclerosis múltiple, así como para monitorear la actividad de la enfermedad. Queremos informarle a la comunidad de EM que estamos investigando oportunidades para respaldar este programa y estamos comprometidos a reanudar el Programa de Acceso a IRM cuando se obtengan los fondos necesarios.

Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con la Línea de Ayuda de MSAA al (800) 532-7667, extensión 131 o envíe un correo electrónico a MSquestions@mymsaa.org

 

 

What is the MSAA MRI Access Program?

The MSAA MRI Access Program assists with the payment of cranial (brain) and c-spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for qualified individuals who have no medical insurance or cannot afford their insurance costs and require an MRI to help determine a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or evaluate current MS disease progression.

What is offered under the program?

For qualified individuals who have MS or when an MS diagnosis is suspected, MSAA will assist with the cost of your new MRI(s) up to a maximum of $750 per MRI (cranial and/or cervical spine).

How does the process work?

Clients are required to submit an application to MSAA for assistance with an upcoming Brain and/or Cervical Spine MRI. Qualified individuals can receive assistance through the MRI Access Program by selecting one of two options listed below:

  • Option 1: MSAA will refer you to an imaging center that is under contract with MSAA. This applies to people who have no insurance or cannot afford their insurance costs. MSAA will cover the contracted rate of your MRI(s) in full and will pay the imaging center directly.

OR

  • Option 2: You may select an imaging center of your choice. MSAA will cover the cost of your medical insurance co-pay or co-insurance balance up to a maximum of $750 per MRI (cranial and/or c-spine). You will need to forward the bill to MSAA, and MSAA will pay the billing facility directly. You will be responsible for any costs exceeding $750 per MRI. Please note, MSAA does not cover the cost of lab or reading fees, and MSAA does not honor personal reimbursements.

Important Notes: Clients seeking MRI assistance through the MRI Access Program must meet all eligibility requirements. Completed applications are being processed within 2-3 weeks from submission date.

How do I qualify?

To qualify for the MRI Access Program:

  • Meet the Income Eligibility Requirement
  • Have a confirmed MS diagnosis or seeking an MS diagnosis
  • Have not received MSAA MRI assistance within the past 24 months
  • Please avoid scheduling any new MRI appointments until a determination on your application has been made by MSAA
  • Complete the application in full, sign and return all required information and to MSAA
  • Must comply with 6-month eligibility period; must agree to have MRI scan(s) completed and bill submitted to MSAA within 6 months from the date of your approval letter.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY, as these applications and the criteria for this program have changed.

Physician Review Form

For clients or medical professionals in need of the Physician Review Form, you can download it here.

To Apply Online

Please follow the link below to apply online:

Apply Now

To Complete a Paper Application

Please follow these steps:

Step 1. Download the updated MSAA MRI Access Program application.

Step 2: Please complete the forms, print, and sign.

Step 3: Please place the signed forms, along with required documentation, in an envelope and mail to:

MSAA

Attn: MRI Access Program
375 Kings Highway North, Suite B
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034

Applications can also be faxed to MSAA at 856-488-8257. For questions or to request a mailed copy of the MRI Access Program application, please call MSAA at (800) 532-7667, ext. 142.

Aplicación en español disponible

Descargue la aplicación del Fondo de Acceso de IRM de MSAA en español o comuníquese con MSAA para solicitar una copia por correo al (800) 532-7667, extensión 142 o MSquestions@mymsaa.org.

Updated MRI Protocol

To help advance the quality of care for the MS community, MSAA proudly served on an international panel of MS experts to update guidelines for a standardized MRI protocol in multiple sclerosis. The guidelines were recently published in an article in the International Journal of MS Care. MSAA encourages you to download and share this article, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Protocol for Diagnosis and Follow-up of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis, with your healthcare team and local MRI imaging center.

The MRI Access Program is made possible with support from Genentech and EMD Serono.