National MS Society Launches Survey to Assess Economic Impact of MS

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, together with the Lewin Group, has launched a survey to assess the economic impact multiple sclerosis (MS) has on patients and their families.

In the survey, which can be found here, MS patients and/or their family members are asked to answer up to 32 questions detailing their health-related expenses, including those associated with medical insurance, treatments, and doctor visits.

“These costs are important considerations in healthcare decision-making that could impact patients’ access to medicines or other healthcare services,” according to the survey page.

All survey answers are confidential and they will be de-identified and anonymized, and used for research purposes only. According to the National MS Society, the individual data obtained will not be distributed beyond the economic impact research team.

Findings will be published and used in future discussions with policymakers to advocate for implementing new policies that aim to improve the life of those with MS and their family members.

While completing the survey, which has been formatted to fit into a computer screen, patients and/or their family members should answer all questions to the best of their ability and as accurately as possible.

To facilitate this process, respondents may wish to gather documents in advance and keep them handy as they answer questions about their medical bills, insurance statements, and tax returns.

Importantly, as detailed in the survey instructions, respondents should answer all questions taking into account their family situation only during the calendar year of 2019. The potential economical impact COVID-19 might have had on their financial situation should not be included in any of their answers.

While it is possible to complete a portion of the survey, save the progress, and then return at a later time to complete it, it is recommended that patients and/or family members answer all questions in one sitting. In cases where this is not possible, respondents should use the same computer, internet browser, and survey link as they used the first time to pick up where they left off.

The survey should take about 35 minutes to complete, and must be finished by Sept. 24. Questions can be emailed directly to the National MS Society at [email protected]. More information about the survey is available here.