Program Notes
MSAA Redesigns Website
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) officially launched its
re-designed website at www.msaa.com on June 4, 2004. MSAA.com serves as a one-stop
shop for individuals with MS and their care partners, as well as anyone who might
be curious about the disease and interested in learning about MS.
The website was designed to be extremely user friendly, especially to those who might have visual problems or who are suffering from spasticity. Included in the site design are preferences, allowing users to increase the text size (without distorting the page) and improve keyboard navigation.
All of MSAA's programs and services are presented online and described in detail, such as the Equipment Distribution Program and MRI Diagnostic Fund. Not only can one read about the programs, but he or she may also download an application and apply for various programs that may be of assistance. While on the website, individuals may join MSAA, giving them access to all that MSAA offers. Additionally, a listing of the various support groups MSAA sponsors nationwide, which is sorted by state and city, may also be found at www.msaa.com.
MSAA's news center is another feature of the site. All of the latest MS news as well as current events that are happening with MSAA across the country can be found in this section of the website.
Another section is dedicated to the publications that MSAA produces, which include The Motivator, and five main booklets. These publications can be viewed online either through your web browser or downloaded as a pdf. MSAA publications may also be ordered through an online application.
An extensive section outlines the various ways one can help our mission. Whether it's through an online donation or serving as a local volunteer, the site features something for everyone.
Those interested should check out MSAA.com frequently to see what is new. If anyone has any feedback on the website, please let MSAA know by sending an email to the webmaster at: webmaster@msaa.com.
Medicare Replacement Drug Demonstration
Applications Due by September 30, 2004
As part of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, Medicare will extend coverage to prescription medications used to treat multiple sclerosis as well as other serious conditions. The demonstration project gives Medicare beneficiaries a preview of the significant savings scheduled for January 2006 when the Part D prescription drug benefit is fully implemented.
Up to $500 million will be spent on this demonstration project, which will help as many as 50,000 beneficiaries. To be eligible for the program, a beneficiary must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, and Medicare must be the beneficiary's primary health insurance.
Those who submitted an application by August 16th will be eligible for early selection. About 10 percent of benefit recipients will be selected in this first lottery, and these people will begin their new coverage on September 1st. A second lottery is slated for September 30th, which is also the second application deadline. All applications received by this date will have an equal chance of being randomly chosen for this demonstration program.
Applications may be downloaded from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/
researchers/demos/drugcoveragedemo.asp, and customer service representatives are available by calling (866) 563-5386.
Upcoming MSAA Health Fairs
August 14th: Chicago, Illinois Area
September 11th: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
September 18th: Columbus, Ohio
October 16th: Portsmouth, New Hampshire
November 6th: Dover, Delaware
For more information or to register for an upcoming MSAA Health Fair, please contact Anne Negrin, MSAA's health fair coordinator, at (800) 532-7667, ext. 105.
