#PoliticalSpeak & #OffLabel: help improve access to MS medications

A message from for all American MSers and HCPs about to vote in their local elections. #PoliticalSpeak #OffLabel #MSBlog

It is good to see the wider MS community and important stakeholders, such as the NMSS, tackling access to MS medications. I received this email from the NMSS a few days ago. The NMSS don't specifically mention off-label drugs, but clearly this is one solution to the medication access problem, particularly for those people living in resource-poor environments. May be the NMSS will support the MSIF's initiative in this area. The #OffLabel issue is a hot topic and we sincerely hope that organisations with political clout run with it (please read my post on this issue from a few weeks ago). 



MS Clinical Care Connection
As an MS healthcare professional you know that medications have transformed the outlook for relapsing MS over the last 20 years. Yet, many people living with MS cannot access the treatments that they and their physicians feel are best due to high and rapidly escalating prices, increasing out-of-pocket costs, confusing and inconsistent formularies, and complex approval processes.

The National MS Society believes this must change.
We are calling on all involved — pharmaceutical companies, insurance providers, pharmacy benefit managers, specialty pharmacies, policy makers, people living with MS — and you, healthcare professionals — to open a dialogue. We must work together and focus on getting people with MS the medications they need to live their best lives.

Medications can only change lives if people can access them.
Medications — and the process for getting them — must be affordable, simple and transparent.

As a respected healthcare professional and leader in your community, you can help by asking your presidential and congressional candidates to pledge their support for making medications accessible to those who need them. Visit our website for the candidate pledge and detailed recommendations from the National MS Society on this important issue.
Make MS Medications Accessible
The National MS Society supports MS healthcare professionals through professional publications, tools and materials, as well as resources to share with patients and their families. Our information and resources are designed to help people affected by MS live their best lives — in partnership with all of the members of the MS comprehensive healthcare team.

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