Following many frustrating and fearful tears, I began the quest to find other assistance programs.  Calls to the NMSS, MSF, and MSAA were fruitless.  I contacted the Co-Pay Relief Fund (CRF) and Patient Services Incorporated (PSI), only to learn that both of these organizations had closed their multiple sclerosis programs due to insufficient funds.

Then I contacted the Patient Access Network Foundation (PANF) who rejected my application because I had earned $5000 too much and was told to reapply the following year.

When I completed my 2006 taxes the following February, I had an AGI of $19,400 and more than $15,000 in medical expenses for the year, even after being given four months of Copaxone by my MS nurse and after receiving $1000 worth of Provigil through a county program.

Bingo!! 

I had finally found the threshold for 100% Copaxone assistance from NORD.  I had only needed to decrease my income to below 200% FPL (federal poverty level).  NORD offered to cover the next 12 months, this time with only a $15 fee every three months.

Stuck behind a rock and a hard place. 

Maximize earnings, have insurance coverage, and spend 1/3 of my adjusted gross income on ONE medication after receiving assistance. 

Drastically limit earnings, keep insurance coverage, and finally qualify for full prescription assistance. 

Or give up, go on Disability, pay Medicare premiums, only to face the Donut Hole each year with Medicare Part D Drug Coverage.

What would you choose?  How do you pay for your MS medications?  I’d really like to know.  Thanks. 

Lisa Emrich is author of the blog Brass and Ivory: Life with MS and RA and founder of the Carnival of MS Bloggers.