The financial impact of multiple sclerosis cannot be overstated, whether you have medical insurance coverage or not, it becomes a large part of your struggle with the disease. Like it or not, MS and money are go hand in hand.

Obviously, the best scenario is employer provided group coverage. If you've got that, you're in decent shape. If you've fallen into the sink hole that is individual coverage, as I have, life gets rather complicated. If you have no coverage at all, your burdens are greatly increased. But before you let yourself fall into that category, make sure that you fully explore all your options for insurance. Even after exhausting all avenues, keep on the lookout for changing laws and new programs. Health care reform is in the air.

Insurance broker Steve Tucker reports that "One of the biggest challenges I have had to deal with through the years has been trying to help the uninsurable. Unfortunately, in most states, if you have one of a host of "pre-existing" medical conditions you are labeled as uninsurable on an individual health insurance policy. Uninsurable status can last for many years and sometimes for life, depending on the specific pre-existing condition you have been diagnosed with."

Before giving up on obtaining insurance, Steve makes the following suggestions:

* If you have a corporate tax i.d. number you can purchase a small group health insurance policy from most insurance carriers. With this scenario a minimum of two people (often husband & wife) who work for the same corporation can apply for a small group health insurance policy. After a period of time, or in some cases immediately (depending on how many months you have had prior health insurance coverage without a lapse) pre-existing conditions will be covered provided that they are a covered expense on the policy.

* Enroll in your state's insurance high-risk pool -- if your state is fortunate enough to have one -- and if you can afford the premiums.

*  The two aforementioned options should be pursued first, as the better options (if available and affordable), but there is now another option. American Medical & Life Insurance Company of New York is now offering Defined Benefit Health Insurance Policies to the uninsurable. There are only three restrictions to obtaining these quality Defined Benefit Health Insurance Policies. They are as follows:

1.) You may not be a Medicare recipient.

2.) You may not be receiving disability benefits.

3.) You may not be receiving workers' compensation benefits.

There are no other underwriting requirements. This means that regardless of your pre existing condition American Medical & Life insurance company will issue you a Defined Benefit Health Insurance policy. 

* Beware of scams. Your state's department of insurance can confirm that you are dealing with a licensed health insurance agent. Before making payment or signing on the dotted line, perform your own due diligence.