Money and Health Go Hand in Hand

Managing MS may include navigating a unique set of personal finance challenges—from healthcare costs and co-pays, to long-term investments. It may seem like a lot to keep track of, but just know that you’re not alone. Be sure to reach out to whatever resources you have available, whether that’s family, friends or the human resources department at work. Here are just a few ways to get a handle on your healthcare costs:

Choosing Your Healthcare Plan

This can be a serious challenge because of all the things you need to consider – costs, premiums, deductibles, maximum out-of-pocket expenses, co-pays, and “in network” doctors that cater to your particular needs. It’s also important to make sure that all the prescription drugs you need are covered.

Now is the time to reach out to whatever resources are open to you. Your doctor is a great place to start. He/she may have some valuable insights to share before making such a big decision.

If you’re working, you should have a conversation with your company’s benefits representative. This should be a purely confidential discussion, and you can ask just to make sure. Your human resources department can connect you with the representative. It’s best to make an appointment and bring a list of medical expenses from the previous year so that you can work together to hone in on the best options.

Tap Into Employee Assistance Programs

Many companies have implemented Employee Assistance Programs to provide their employees with confidential, professional, one-on-one, short-term counseling for personal and work/life issues. These might include identifying and resolving personal concerns, including, but not limited to, health, marital, family, financial, alcohol, drug, legal, emotional, stress, or other personal issues that may affect job performance. In some cases, the programs are even made available for benefit-ineligible employees and their dependents.