Lost My Job - What to Do?

by Anonymous

Question:
I've been on Rebif therapy for 6 years. I lost my job and (health) insurance and will run out of meds (by the) end of December. Where can I go to get help?


Reply:
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your job and your health insurance, as well as the resulting loss of your meds at the end of December. There are a few things you can do.

For your meds:
1 - Call Rebif 1-877-447-3243 to find out if you qualify for the MS LifeLines Access Made Simple program, or
2 - MS LifeLines Reimbursement Specialists at the same number to see about Patient Assistance Program. (Above links open a new window.)

For public assistance: (if you need it)
3 - For immediate help, get in touch with Job and Family Services in your County. They can help you with your immediate needs, like food, medical, and money to pay for rent, etc. - this may be called something like PRC - Prevention, Retention, and Contingency Program.

For your job:
4 - If you can still work, the unemployment office would most likely be your next stop.
5 - If you can no longer work, then the Social Security Administration would be your next call. You would get SSI - Supplemental Security Income - until your application for SSDI - Social Security Disability Insurance - is approved.

This may take up to a year or more, depending on how thorough you are at filling out your application and how quickly your doctor is at getting his information completed. You may be denied, but don't take this as a definite no. Keep trying.

There are many non-profits and programs available which can help you, at least for the present, until you can get other assistance in place. Job and Family Services in your city will have access to local numbers and addresses of people who can help you right away. Take advantage of them. Don't feel too proud to accept help, wherever it comes from.

Hope this helps,

Akrista