Paying for multiple sclerosis (MS) care can be expensive, and many people need help with the costs. Expenses often include disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), which are drugs that help slow MS. Other costs include specialist visits, physical therapy, and prescription copays. Fortunately, some government programs may be able to help.

Most people won’t qualify for all of these programs. However, finding one that works for you can reduce your out-of-pocket costs for MS care. It may even make the difference between staying on treatment or having to stop a medication that helps.

Here are some facts about government assistance programs that may offer financial help for some people with MS.

1. You May Qualify for Medicare or Medicaid

If you don’t have job-based health insurance or individual health insurance, you don’t have to remain uninsured. The government offers Medicare and Medicaid options that you may qualify for.

If you’re under 65, you can qualify for Medicare after you have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for 24 months. If you’re older than 65 or diagnosed with qualifying disabilities or medical conditions, you can apply for Medicare. If your income is low, you may be able to get Medicaid.

Both programs cover many medical costs, not just those that have to do with MS. Your state runs Medicaid, so you’ll need to figure out if you qualify based on their requirements, then apply with them.

Medicare also offers the Extra Help program to help cover the cost of medications. You’ll need to apply for this program separately from regular Medicare.

2. You May Find Health Insurance Coverage in the Marketplace

If you don’t qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, or if you’d rather have individual health insurance, the government offers the Health Insurance Marketplace. There, you can look at the plans available in your state, compare them, and choose the one that will work best for your needs. You’ll have to pay for the plan yourself, but you can choose different types of coverage to make sure you always have what you need.

You’ll also have to pay your copay and other out-of-pocket costs under the plan you choose. Gold and platinum plans cost more each month but cover more when you get care. Bronze plans cost less each month but leave you paying more when you use care. The right choice depends on how often you expect to need medical care.

3. The Government Offers Disability Income Options

If you can’t work because of MS symptoms, you may be eligible to apply for disability income from the government. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) sends you monthly payments if you’re over 65 or have certain disabilities. SSDI will send you monthly payments if you’ve worked more than a certain amount during your life and you have a disability that prevents you from working.

You have to apply for both programs, and you may be able to receive both types of income at the same time. The application process for both SSI and SSDI can be long and complex, often requiring detailed medical records and multiple appeals, so it’s wise to start the process as soon as you think you might need it.

4. Community Health Centers May Offer Resources

Community health centers are designed to help all people get the medical care that they need. These are supported by the federal government, but they may be run by your state or local health department. You can contact them to find out where your local community health centers are. Community health centers often offer services beyond a doctor’s visit, including dental care, mental health services, and help with connecting to other social support programs.

The government also keeps a list of facilities known as Hill-Burton facilities. If your income is low enough to meet their eligibility criteria, these places are obligated to offer free or reduced-cost medical care.

5. Some Food Costs May Be Covered

Proper nutrition is a critical part of managing a chronic illness like MS, but fatigue or mobility issues can make it hard to cook or shop. These programs can help ensure you’re getting the healthy food you need to support your health.

There are a couple of ways that the government may be able to help you cover the cost of food. Meals on Wheels helps older adults get fresh, nutritious meals delivered by volunteers who also check on their well-being. You have to be older than 60 and have mobility issues to qualify, though specific qualifications are left up to individual programs and providers. You must apply, and the program may send someone to assess your needs, too.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) gives you money each month to help pay for food and drinks. Each state runs its own program. This site can help you find out if you qualify and show you how to apply.

6. The Government Can Help You Find Affordable Housing

As MS progresses, you may need to find housing that is more accessible, such as a ground-floor apartment or a home with wider doorways. These programs can help you find housing that meets your changing physical needs as well as your budget.

If MS has left you unable to afford housing or stay in your home, the government can help you find a new place that’s in your budget. If you live in a rural area or if you’d like to, the Rural Development Multi-Family Housing Rentals program can help you find affordable options in your area.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a number of tools designed to help you find affordable housing. Depending on your living situation and needs, HUD offers resources to help you find housing that will work for you. Their tools may link you to state or local resources for more one-on-one help.

7. Utility Costs May Be Covered

For people with MS, temperature sensitivity can be a major issue, making consistent heating and cooling crucial for symptom management. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program help you cover energy costs and utility bills if you qualify.

These programs are run by your state, so you can contact your local energy company to find out who to get in touch with to find out more. You'll need to apply and prove that your income is below the required threshold.

8. There’s a Way To Make Sure You’re Getting Your Benefits

If you aren’t sure what government programs or benefits are available in your area, BenefitsCheckUp can help you figure that out. While the tool is geared toward older adults and people with disabilities, anyone can put in their ZIP code and find out what they might be able to access. You can find out what’s available in categories like transportation, tax help, disability services, and more. BenefitsCheckUp also shows you how to learn more about each program and apply online.

9. Military Veterans May Qualify for VA Health Benefits

If you’re a veteran, you may have benefits through the Veterans Administration (VA) that include medical care, including care for MS. Most veterans find out if they qualify for VA services when they leave the military. If you’re not sure, you can apply and find out what they might cover for you.

When it comes to MS, the VA has the Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence. They work with veterans living with MS to make sure they get the care and other help that they need. They even have a tool to help you find a VA doctor who cares for people with MS in your local area.

If you or your spouse is active duty military, you likely have healthcare benefits under Tricare. These should include coverage for your MS, including any treatments you need, as well as mobility aids, specialist visits, and more.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you need help paying for costs associated with MS, talk to your neurologist or someone on your neurology team today. They may know of state or local programs that you wouldn’t hear about otherwise. They can also help you apply for the assistance you need, especially if it requires a doctor’s note or access to your medical records.

You don’t have to cover the cost of MS care on your own. Government programs and other resources are available to help. Reaching out for support is the best way to get connected with financial assistance for MS-related healthcare.

Join the Conversation

On MyMSTeam, people share their experiences with multiple sclerosis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Do you have any tips for getting government assistance in covering MS costs? What programs have you used, and how well have they worked? Share with others in the comments below.