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Our MS activism and government affairs efforts focus on five priorities for people living with MS:

• Increased MS research 

• Health care reform

• Disability rights

• Access to quality health care

• Long-term care resources

• Accessible, affordable insurance

In addition, the National MS Society and MS activists nationwide also are involved throughout the federal budget process (.pdf) to ensure that programs and activities that benefit individuals living with MS and their families receive the funding they deserve. Many members of Congress have joined the Congressional Multiple Sclerosis Caucus. Find out how your Senators or Representative can join (.pdf).

Click here for updates on recent federal legislation and key votes on MS issues.

Increased MS research

We actively pursue public funding for MS-related biomedical, rehabilitative, and stem cell research. That includes securing increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and finding new avenues for MS research funding, such as the Department of Defense.

• National Multiple Sclerosis Disease Registry Position (.pdf)
• NIH Funding Position (.pdf)
• NIH Funding Background (.pdf)
• Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) Position (.pdf)
• Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act Position (.pdf)
• Stem Cell Research Background (.pdf)
• The National MS Society's Statement on Stem Cell Research(.pdf)

Health care reform

Our nation is poised to move forward by reforming our ailing health care system. For health care reform to be successful, it must be comprehensive and meaningful. On behalf of people living with MS and other chronic diseases and disabilities, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society urges support of comprehensive health care reform in the 111th Congress.

• Health Care Reform Position (.pdf)

Disability rights

For people living with MS and other disabilities, many obstacles can inhibit quality of life and community participation. We work to remove barriers to physical accessibility, prevent discrimination, and sustain independence.

Access to quality health care

Quality health care has no benefit to people with MS, if it is not affordable. We seek policies and programs that can make healthcare services, including the cost of prescription MS therapies, more affordable.

• Access to Life-Saving Medicine Act (Follow-on Biologic Drugs) Position (.pdf)

Long-term care resources

We help ensure the highest possible quality of life by providing quality, affordable alternatives for long-term care and more resources for caregivers.

• The Lifespan Respite Care Act Position (.pdf)
• Long-Term Care Support and Services Background (.pdf)

Accessible, affordable health insurance

We pursue access to health insurance coverage for more people at a more affordable price, including Medicare and Social Security disability benefits.

• Eliminate the 24-Month Medicare Disability Waiting Period Position (.pdf)
• Medicare Wheelchair Coverage Background (.pdf)
• The Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act Position (.pdf)
• Eliminate Specialty Tiering Position (.pdf)
• Limit Cost Sharing and Out-of-Pocket Prescription Drug Costs (.pdf)