Navigating MS Treatment Costs: Assistance Programs for DMTs

Managing the cost of treatment adds another layer of complexity to the already demanding journey of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Unfortunately, many MS patients are all too familiar with the frustration of health insurance companies denying medically necessary procedures and medications. The current public outrage over these practices is not only well deserved but also highlights just how broken the system can feel when you're fighting for your health.

If you're battling an insurance denial for a Disease-Modifying Therapy (DMT), it's important to know that there may be alternative options to access the medications you need. Many pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs to help reduce the financial burden of MS treatments, ensuring that cost or insurance hurdles don't stand in the way of your care.

Aubagio® (teriflunomide)
Sanofi's Patient Connection program offers personalized support and financial assistance for Aubagio patients.

Learn more: https://www.sanofipatientconnection.com/

Avonex® (interferon beta-1a)
Biogen provides support through their MS ActiveSource program, offering financial assistance and resources for those prescribed Avonex.

Learn more: https://www.avonex.com/en_us/home/support/financial-information.html

Betaseron® (interferon beta-1b)
Bayer's BETAPLUS® program offers financial assistance and support services for Betaseron users.

Learn more: https://www.betaseron.com/en/patient-support/betaplus.html

Briumvi™ (ublituximab-xiiy)
TG Therapeutics provides patient support and financial assistance for Briumvi through their dedicated program.

Learn more: https://briumvi.com/financial-assistance/

Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate)
Teva's Shared Solutions® provides co-pay assistance and support for patients prescribed Copaxone.

Learn more: https://www.copaxone.com/shared-solutions

Gilenya® (fingolimod)
Novartis offers the Gilenya Go Program® to assist with co-pay and provide additional support for Gilenya patients.

Learn more: https://www.gilenya.com/support

Kesimpta® (ofatumumab)
Novartis' Patient Assistance Program offers support for eligible patients who need help affording Kesimpta.

Learn more: https://pap.novartis.com/

Lemtrada® (alemtuzumab)
Sanofi's MS One to One® program also supports Lemtrada patients with personalized assistance and financial aid.

Learn more: https://www.lemtrada.com/resources-and-support/financial-support

Mavenclad® (cladribine)
EMD Serono's MS LifeLines® provides support and financial assistance for Mavenclad patients.

Learn more: https://www.mavenclad.com/en/home/support-resources/support.html

Mayzent® (siponimod)
Novartis offers the Alongside™ Mayzent program to assist patients with financial support and resources.

Learn more: https://www.mavenclad.com/en/home/support-resources/support.html

Ocrevus® (ocrelizumab)
Genentech's Ocrevus Connects® offers financial assistance and support services for Ocrevus patients.

Learn more: https://www.ocrevus.com/patient/financial-support/assistance-options.html

Plegridy® (peginterferon beta-1a)
Biogen's MS ActiveSource program extends support to Plegridy users, including financial assistance.

Learn more: https://www.plegridy.com/en_us/home/support-and-events/financial-information.html

Rebif® (interferon beta-1a)
EMD Serono's MS LifeLines® provides comprehensive support and financial assistance for Rebif patients.

Learn more: https://www.rebif.com/home/1-on-1-support/Financial-support-specialists.html

Tecfidera® (dimethyl fumarate)
Biogen's MS ActiveSource program also supports Tecfidera users with financial assistance and resources.

Learn more: https://www.biogenoptions.com/en_us/home/biogen-support-services/financial-insurance-cost-assistance.html

Tysabri® (natalizumab)
Biogen provides support for Tysabri through their Above MS™ program, offering various patient assistance options.

Learn more: https://www.tysabri.com/en_us/home/join-biogen-support/financial-support.html

Vumerity® (diroximel fumarate)
Biogen provides financial support for Vumerity through their MS ActiveSource program, which includes co-pay assistance and additional resources.

Learn more: https://www.vumerity.com/en_us/home/biogen-support-services/financial-support.html

Zeposia® (ozanimod)
Bristol Myers Squibb offers the Zeposia 360 Support™ program, providing financial assistance and patient resources.

Learn more: https://www.zeposia.com/multiple-sclerosis/copay

Conclusion

Accessing MS treatments shouldn't be a battle, but for many, navigating the financial side of care can feel overwhelming. The patient assistance programs listed here are designed to help reduce those financial barriers and ensure you get the care you need.

It's important to note that these programs vary significantly between drug companies. Some offer comprehensive support that covers the entire cost of the medication, while others provide assistance with co-pays or infusion-related costs. The level of assistance you qualify for often depends on your individual financial situation, insurance coverage, and other factors.

If your insurance is denying coverage for your prescribed treatment, it's worth exploring whether any of these programs could work for you. It doesn't hurt to see if you qualify—after all, the most they can say is no. Even so, you might be surprised by the options available to help you access the care you need.

You're not alone in this fight, and there are resources and support to help you along the way. If you know of another assistance program for MS DMT meds, let us know in the comments below!

Health insurance is the only thing more complicated than assembling IKEA furniture without instructions.

-Unknown