Last Updated on January 17, 2025
Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has its challenges, and medication cost is one of them. According to the National MS Society, the average annual treatment cost for MS is a staggering $35,000 per person –an amount that’s beyond the reach of most individuals.
With several medications still under patent protections, it will be a while until the generic versions of these medications will be available. In the meantime, patients will have to use programs like manufacturer copay cards and patient assistance programs to afford their medications.
Fortunately, NeedyMeds lists many of these programs on our website, and it’s easy to find them. This article will go over the type of programs we list for essential MS medications.
how to lower the cost of multiple sclerosis Medications with insurance
Managing the cost of multiple sclerosis medications can be tough, even with insurance. High copayments, especially for disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), often leave patients feeling overwhelmed. Luckily, there are resources to help. NeedyMeds offers a simple way to find copay assistance programs that can reduce out-of-pocket expenses and make treatment more affordable.
Finding copay assistance on NeedyMeds is simple — just search for your medication and look for the coupon-cutting icon that indicates available programs. The website provides clear steps for signing up or downloading copay cards.
If you’re insured but struggling with medication costs, these programs can make a big difference. But what if you don’t have insurance? Let’s explore your options.
How to afford multiple sclerosis medications without insurance
Those without insurance aren’t entirely out of luck. Drug manufacturers offer Patient Assistance Programs, or PAPs, for uninsured / underinsured patients. These programs typically reduce the medication at no cost for eligible patients.
Not all programs are easy to find — or understand. That’s why NeedyMeds lists everything you need to know about a program, including eligibility requirements, steps to apply, and other essential information you need to know. You’ll know if your medication is covered under a PAP if there is a pill icon next to its name:
how to save on multiple sclerosis medications on medicare
For Medicare beneficiaries, medication costs can still be a challenge, particularly for those with limited coverage. Programs like Medicare Part D Extra Help can provide significant financial relief, allowing eligible patients to pay no more than $11.20 per prescription.
If you are denied Extra Help, don’t give up. Some PAPs allow Medicare patients to apply using their Extra Help denial letter as proof of need. You can also reapply for Extra Help if your financial situation changes.
Additionally, Medicare patients should review their coverage during open enrollment. If your current plan isn’t meeting your needs, a local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help you find a better plan or provide assistance with other Medicare-related concerns.
NeedyMeds Can Help With Your MS Diagnosis
Living with MS comes with enough challenges — paying for treatment shouldn’t be one of them. NeedyMeds connects patients with resources to reduce the cost of medications, travel, and other expenses. If you need help finding programs for your MS diagnosis, call us at 800-503-6897 or visit us at NeedyMeds.org.
