Many people living with MS rely on government programs—for access to health care, disability benefits, and other services. The National MS Society and MS activists nationwide work to ensure those services are beneficial, accessible, and fair. Our efforts focus on some of the following programs.
If you are looking for information not included in the links below, please call the National MS Society Information & Resource Center at 1-800-344-4867.
Federal
- Medicare, 1-800-Medicare
- Social Security Disability, 1-800-772-1213
- SSA Office of Employment Support Programs, 1-800-772-1213
- Veterans Affairs Benefits, 1-800-827-1000
Maine Links
- Maine RX Plus, 1-800-796-2463
- Office of Maine Care Services, 1-800-321-5557
- Bureau of Rehabilitative Services, 1-800-698-4440
- State disability resources
Massachusetts Links
- Office on Mass Health (Medicaid), 1-800-841-2900
- Massachusetts Commission against Discrimination (MCAD), 617-994-6000, TTY 617-994-6196
- Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), 800-245-6543
- Massachusetts Office on Disability, 800-322-2020 (V/TTY), 617-727-7440
- MassMedLine, 866-633-1617
- Prescription Advantage, 1-800-243-4636
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Facing Multiple Sclerosis in Massachusetts: A special white paper briefing about MS for Massachusetts legislators
New Hampshire Links
- Medicaid, 603-271-5254
- NH Catastrophic Illness Fund, 603-271-4495
- Governor’s Commission on Disability, 603-271-4177, (FAX) 603-271-2837
- New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation, 603-271-3471, 800-299-1647
- New Hampshire Hospital Association Medication Bridge Program, 603-225-0900
Vermont Links
- Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living
- Department of Disability and Aging Services: 802-241-2641, 802-241-3557 (tty)
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, 866-VRWORKS (866-879-6757 v/tty)
- Green Mountain Care (Medicaid/Dr.Dynasaur/VHAP/Catamount Health), 1-800-250-8427, 1-888-834-7898 tty
- Disability Law Project, 800-889-2047 v/tty
- Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights, 802-223-2140 v/tty
If you’re having trouble getting what you need from a government program or other service, check out our self advocacy tools. Self advocacy means speaking up for oneself. This includes all the basics about how to advocate for yourself, plus principles and practical tips to help you succeed.
Legislative Resources
Effective activists take time to know their state government and its process, identify their elected officials and the committees they serve on, track bills and state budget issues of interest, and the information is right at your fingertips.
The web sites below are easy to navigate and include links to vital information.
National MS Society: Learn more about federal priority issues, identify your congressional leaders and sign up to receive calls to action.
Federal Legislation: Search the Library of Congress site for updates on bills, committee listings, elected officials and more.