Helpful Resources
A sampling of organizations, websites, and other resources offering valuable information on planning and paying for potential future care needs
Organizations and Agencies
MSAA: MSAA’s toll-free Helpline can provide people with MS and their family members with a variety of resources and guidance. The Helpline can be reached at (800) 532-7667, extension 154. Helpline hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am to 8:00 pm, EST, and Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, EST. Additionally, people can email MSAA at MSquestions@mymsaa.org or chat through the online MS Chat feature at mymsaa.org/chat.
AARP: The organization’s “Aging in Place” initiative offers guidance and resources for people who want to continue living in their own homes despite the challenges posed by advanced age or disability. Information is available at aarp.org/livable-communities; while there, website visitors may also search for “age-friendly states” and select the first option for a newly updated state-by-state listing.
Administration for Community Living: This agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services helps connect people with disabilities with resources for community living, offers information on advocating for yourself or a loved one with a disability, and also supports employment initiatives for people with disabilities. For more information please go to acl.gov/programs.
Websites
Social Security Administration “Benefits for People with Disabilities” webpage: This resource provides information on both Social Security Disability Insurance and Social Security Income. For more information please visit ssa.gov/disability.
LongTermCare.gov: This U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website provides guidance on how to meet the costs of long-term care. It details what various types of private insurance policies cover, and also outlines the role that different government-benefits programs may play.
Medicare.gov: This government website’s nursing home comparison section, found at medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare/search.html, has a search function to locate nursing homes in your area, and then provides ratings of each facility’s staffing, quality measures, health inspections, and other factors. It also has an extensive “Tools and Tips” section.
Publications and Articles
The Motivator, Winter/Spring 2019
The cover story in this issue of MSAA’s flagship publication features Martin Shenkman, CPA, MBA, PFS, AEP, JD, and other experts discussing legal and financial planning for people with MS.
Employment and MS: The Challenges and Opportunities
Written by Kara Barton, MSW, LCSW, this MSAA publication addresses topics including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ACA), reasonable workplace accommodations, and the circumstances in which people with disabilities may receive Social Security benefits while working. This publication is available at
Estate Planning for People with a Chronic Condition or Disability
By Martin Shenkman, CPA, MBA, JD. Demos Health. 2009. This book provides comprehensive yet readily understood guidance on financial and legal planning for people with chronic conditions such as MS.
Private Disability Insurance Claims: A Guide for People with MS and their Healthcare Providers
Published by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), this publication offers a wealth of practical information on how to obtain disability insurance benefits.
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits: A Guidebook for People with MS and their Healthcare Providers
Another comprehensive guidebook from the NMSS, this one is focused on Social Security.
“Life Insurance with Multiple Sclerosis”
Detailed online article from Jeff Rose, CFP®
Your Money, Your Goals: Focus on People with Disabilities
A helpful guide from the federal government’s Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.