Carrie — MS LifeLines^® Ambassador

When I was diagnosed with relapsing MS in late 2002, I almost felt a sense of relief. Maybe now there was something I could do about how I felt. For three weeks, I struggled with issues of mobility. I couldn't see very well, I couldn't write and I had nausea and vertigo. Worst of all, I was hardly able to take care of my daughter.

At the time, my neurologist gave me information about different therapies to treat relapsing MS. I watched the informational videos for each treatment and really connected with the video about Rebif. I felt like it was the first video that spoke to me not just about MS but what it means to be living with MS. I spoke to my doctor and together we agreed that Rebif was right for me.

My husband Dave and I are self-employed musicians and I thought, "thank goodness we have insurance." But I soon learned we didn't have the kind of insurance that covered prescriptions. So when we found out how much therapy would cost, I realized there was no way we could afford it. I called MS LifeLines. I was crying and upset because it was all so overwhelming. I will never forget the MS LifeLines Specialist on the other end of the phone who said, "Carrie, it's going to be okay."

She told me that she would do everything she could to help me. And she did. She called my insurance company and did the "behind the scenes" work with them. At this time, I couldn't grasp the idea of dealing with the insurance company because I felt so sick. But MS LifeLines took the stress out of it for me. They made the paperwork process as easy as they could. I spoke with them and within a few days, I learned I had been accepted into an MS LifeLines assistance program.

At first, my insurance company wanted me to pay for the treatment every month up front, and then I would send the receipt to them, and they would reimburse me, minus my new, affordable co-pay. But that meant we would have to write out a $2,000 check each month, which was not going to work for us. So I spoke with MS LifeLines again, and they helped us work with a specialty pharmacy who would bill us for the treatment and allow us to pay the bill after we received the reimbursement check from our insurance company.

I was really impressed with the fact that MS LifeLines helped me get on Rebif within a couple of weeks. I felt like MS LifeLines was focused on getting me affordable access, and I could begin treating my MS—and that really meant something to me.

One thing I would say to someone who is considering therapy but isn't sure if it is affordable for them is not to let anything stand in your way. There are people and programs that can help you—I'm living proof. I got a tremendous amount of help from MS LifeLines. And for me, the end result is that Rebif is working for me. My life has gone on, my husband and I are traveling and singing and are parents to a wonderful daughter.

MS LifeLines is here to help

At MS LifeLines, our team of specialists can serve as an invaluable resource, answering your questions regarding reimbursement and insurance. We will do our very best to help you understand your insurance benefits and help get coverage for Rebif. MS LifeLines cannot guarantee that you will receive insurance coverage or reimbursement for your therapy, but our specialists will conduct a thorough review of your situation to determine eligibility for an MS LifeLines assistance program, or we will refer you to the appropriate state or federal program.

To find out if you qualify for MS LifeLines Access Made Simple or other MS LifeLines assistance programs, call MS LifeLines at 1-877-447-3243, Monday through Friday 8 AM and 8 PM ET and Saturdays 9 AM to 5 PM ET.

This story reflects the personal experience of one person. Results and experiences vary from patient to patient. It is best to contact your doctor to discuss what's best for you. Carrie is an MS LifeLines Ambassador, and she has chosen to share her story with other people living with MS. MS LifeLines Ambassadors are sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.