Vickie — MS LifeLines^® Ambassador

When I was diagnosed with relapsing MS, I was 23 years old and had a job I loved. I am a very positive person, very cheery and always thinking the best. So getting diagnosed with MS was a blow, but I worked through it and thought, "Okay, good is going to come from this."

My doctor and I talked about treatment options and thought Rebif would be best for me. I had no concerns about getting on therapy—I had insurance. But when I learned my co-pay would be $572, I lost it. Here I was trying to be so positive after my diagnosis and ready to take this medication that could help me, and I learned I can't afford it.

I wasn't sure where to turn, so I called MS LifeLines. I felt bad for the MS LifeLines Specialist because I was crying so much. He told me not to worry, that he would help me. He asked me some questions and told me I qualified for an assistance program called MS LifeLines Access Made Simple. MS LifeLines Access Made Simple made it possible for me to receive Rebif for a monthly co-pay of $50 for up to one year.

After some months went by, I started thinking about what would happen when I reached the end of the MS LifeLines Access Made Simple program. I had a job, but I also had a lot of bills and simply could not afford the high co-pay that my insurance would require for me to stay on Rebif. So I called MS LifeLines, and they told me that I might qualify for additional assistance. They sent me some paperwork to complete.

I was concerned that perhaps my income would prevent me from getting further assistance, but when I spoke to the specialist, she told me my income did not disqualify me for additional assistance. So in my situation, I qualified for an assistance plan.

The process only took a couple weeks, and I didn't even notice when I transitioned from MS LifeLines Access Made Simple into the different MS LifeLines assistance plan—it was seamless. I continue to pay an affordable co-pay to receive my Rebif medication.

I would say the assistance program really alleviated my stress of affording therapy. After my experience with MS LifeLines Access Made Simple, I felt so blessed that I could focus on my health without having to worry about the financial impact. Having transitioned to the different assistance program continues to make it easier for me to move forward and live my life without the worry of affording treatment for my MS.

If I had advice for anyone in a similar situation, I would say call MS LifeLines and ask questions. I didn't know about these programs when I first considered therapy and thankfully, I found help. So ask those questions if you are concerned, because there is always someone on the other end of MS LifeLines that is willing to help you.

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. Vickie 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.