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.
This stark reality is discussed in Dr. Aaron Boster's video, "Is Insurance Evil?", which dives into Dr. Ryan Mizell's study "The Impact of Insurance Restrictions in Newly Diagnosed Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis", published in the International Journal of MS Care.
These programs can help with co-pays, cover the full cost of medications for those who qualify, or offer free medication for uninsured or under insured patients. Many also provide resources to navigate insurance approvals and appeals. Whether you're seeking financial assistance or guidance through these obstacles, this list is here to help you explore potential solutions and access the care you need without overwhelming financial strain.
Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs) and Assistance Programs
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.
This list is provided as a resource for MS Warriors who are seeking help with managing the cost of their treatments. It is not sponsored by any pharmaceutical company, and I am not endorsing or recommending any specific Disease-Modifying Therapy (DMT).
Your choice of treatment is a deeply personal decision that should be made in consultation with your neurologist. Together, you can determine the best path forward based on your specific health needs and circumstances.
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