- UPMC Resources
- MS Related Resources
- Financial Assistance Resources
- Discounted Medications
- Other Assistance Programs
- Psychological Support
- Additional Help
UPMC Resources
- Center for Assistive Technology (CAT) Devices - (412) 647-1310 - Mobility devices and seating (wheelchairs, scooters), augmentive communication devices, computer access technology evaluation
- Center for Assistive Technology (CAT) Driving - (412) 864-3068 - Adaptive driving evaluation and training
- Women with Disabilities Center at UPMC Magee Women’s Hospital - (412) 641-4030 - Provides ACCESSIBLE gynecological exams (pelvic exam, Pap smear), seated mammography, bone density (DEXA) testing and birth control
- Centers for Rehab Services - 1-888-723-4277 - Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, and Speech Language therapy- rehabilitation with the following specialized treatment programs: Neurorehabilitation, Balance and Vestibular Therapy, Bladder/Bowel and Pelvic Floor rehabilitation, and Lymphedema management with convenient centers throughout Western and Northern Pennsylvania
- Chartwell Specialty Pharmacy - 1-800-366-6020 - Provides fast friendly efficient and personal services for MS medications - Avonex , Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Rebif, Tecfidera, Plegridy, Rituxan, and IVIG for those with the following insurances: UPMC, AARP, Optum RX, Advantra/Coventry, Aetna Part D, Avalon SecureRX Part D, Blue RX Part D, Cigna Part D, Freedom Blue Part D, Gateway, PACE, Security Blue Part D, Silverscript, and Wellcare Part D
- MyUPMC - 1-866-884-8579 - MyUPMC.com is the easy way to connect to your health care. Technical support line
- Resolve Crisis Network - 1-888-796-8226 - Comprehensive crisis services for Allegheny County Residents, regardless of age or ability to pay, confidential telephone counseling, walk-in assistance, overnight/crisis residential in Allegheny County
- UPMC Outpatient Nutrition Counseling Service - (412) 692-4497 (covered by some insurances)
- UPMC Patient Relations - (412) 647-7615 - Patient and Family Support-Assistance with concerns about patient care or rights
- UPMC Billing Office - 412-864-0284
- UPMC Cost Estimator - 1-800-371-8359 ext. 5 - Can estimate the cost for any UPMC test, lab, or procedure
- Family House - (412) 647-7777 - Affordable overnight, nightly rates as low as $46 per night
- After Hours Medical Support - (412) 647-2345 ext. 2 - If it is after 4:30 pm and you require a refill of your seizure medication, or are a physician in need of a consult, please contact the neurologist on-call.
- UPMC Social Service Department - 412-647-4296 - Please leave a message if there is no answer
- UPMC Medicare Plans - 1-866-400-5077.
MS Related Resources
- National MS Society - The Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society serves 14,000 people MS living with in 56 counties of PA. We act with urgency to support MS Research and find solutions to help people with MS live their best lives in each community we serve. Locally we provide, educational opportunities, peer support and financial assistance for goods and services to help those affected by MS manage the disease. Types of services include Respite for Caregivers, funding for Durable Medical Equipment, Home and Car Modifications as well as Emergency Financial Assistance for Utilities and Safety and Relocation Services for Victims of Domestic Violence. We raise funds through WALK MS, BIKE MS, Community Sponsored Events, Individual and Corporate Giving. To contact the chapter please call 412-261-6347 or 1-800-FIGHT MS.
- Multiple Sclerosis Association of America - MSAA may provide financial help for those without insurance or who have low/moderate income with medical insurance (including Medicare) and who are not able to meet the financial costs of a MRI. To reach the helpline, call 800-532-7667 (ext. 154 for patient assistance programs).
- MS Foundation The MS Foundation has a program for assistance with transportation. Here is the link: http://msfocus.org/Get-Help/MSF-Programs-Grants/Transportation-Assistance-Grant
- MS World - “Patients helping patients”
- Multiple Sclerosis Coalition
- MS Caregiver
- Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers
- Medicare Advocacy
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - Multiple Sclerosis
- Guthy Jackson Foundation - Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) Spectrum Disease (Devic’s Disease)
- Pennsylvania Health Law Project - 1-800-274-3258 - PHLP is a nationally recognized expert and consultant on access to health care for low-income consumers, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
- Pennsylvania Occupational and Vocational Rehabilitation - The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, or OVR, provides vocational rehabilitation services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment. OVR provides services to eligible individuals with disabilities, both directly and through a network of approved vendors. Each state has their own OVR program if you are not from PA.
- Paralyzed Veterans of America
- Keystone Paralyzed Veterans of America - (412) 781-2474
- Star Transportation Group in Pittsburgh - Transportation company that operates wheelchair-accessible cabs in two of their divisions, Classy Cab and Veterans Taxi. Additionally, they offer an AirStar division of wheelchair accessible busses that can accommodate up to 4 wheelchairs. There are many ways to book or change a reservation: (1) download their free app, Pittsburgh Taxi, on iTunes or Google Play, (2) order online, (3) call 724-776-0044, or (4) email bookit@stgpgh.com to request a ride.
- Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation - 1-888-744-1938 - Helps people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians to acquire assistive technology devices and services.
- Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) - 412-683-7100 ext. 2179 - PIAT works to increase access to devices and services offered throughout the state. Services include: Public Awareness, Information and Referral, Advocacy, and Training and Technology.
Financial Assistance Resources
As changes occur within insurance plans we are finding that our patients are incurring more out of pocket costs for medications and procedures. There are many types of programs to assist patients with medication expenses. Some of these programs are through the drug manufacturers of the medication while others are independent of the manufacturers. Below is a list that we have compiled to assist you with finding potential assistance programs or lower cost pharmacies if you are finding that the additional medical costs are difficult for you at the time.
The following website allows you to find prices of medication www.drugs.com
Medications (oral or injection) | Company | Phone |
---|---|---|
Ampyra | Acorda Therapeutics | 1-888-881-1918 |
Avonex/Tecfidera/Plegridy | Above MS | 1-800-456-2255 |
BetaSeron | Beta Plus | 1-800-778-1467 |
Copaxone | Shared Solutions | 1-800-887-8100 |
Extavia | Extavia Patient Support | 1-866-398-2842 |
Rebif | MS Lifelines | 1-877-447-3243 |
Gilenya | Gilenya Go Program | 1-800-445-3692 |
Aubagio | MS One-to-One | 1-855-676-6326 |
Glatopa | GlatopaCare | 1-855-452-8672 |
Provigil | Cephalon Cares | 1-877-237-4881 |
Nuedexta (for pseudobulbar affect) | Avanir | 1-855-468-3339 |
Botox | Botox Reimbursement Solutions | 1-800-442-6263, option 4 |
Medications (Infusions) | Company | Phone |
---|---|---|
IVIG | Baxter | 1-877-655-4273 |
Mitoxantrone | MS Lifelines | 1-877-447-3243 |
Tysabri | Above MS | 1-800-456-2255 |
Lemtrada | MS One-to-One | 1-855-676-6326 |
Rituxan/Ocrevus | Access Solutions | 1-866-422-2377 |
Financial Assistance Program | Web Address | Comments | Phone |
---|---|---|---|
Ability Found | www.abilityfound.org | Provides medical/rehabilitation equipment | 1-877-231-4567 |
Financial Education Partners | www.nationalmssociety.org | Provides pro bono financial planning, consulting, and education |
1-800-344-4867 |
Medvantx (MedStart Connect) |
A cost effective pharmacy whether you are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicare Part D. Meds shipped to home |
866-744-0621 (1-888-825-8474) |
|
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America | www.mymsaa.org | Equipment distribution, cooling products, acquiring MRIs | 800-532-7667 |
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation |
www.msfocus.org | Provides assistive technology devices, laptops, cooling supplies, homecare assistance | 888-MSFOCUS |
National MS Society Financial Assistance Program | www.nationalmssociety.org | Offers a range of initiatives | 1-800-344-4867 |
NeedyMeds | www.needymeds.org | Does not provide direct financial support but acts as a clearing house for other programs | 800-503-6897 |
NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders) | www.rarediseases.org | For those underinsured or with no insurance. Offers medication and Disease Specific Assistance Programs. |
1-800-999-6673 |
Partnership for Prescription Assistance | www.pparx.org | Free service. Connects patients with assistance programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, Chip, Patient Assistance, and Low-Income. | 1-888-477-2669 |
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) | www.patientadvocate.org | Provides professional case management services | 800-532-5274 |
Patient Access Network | www.panfoundation.org | For those underinsured including Medicare | 866-316-7263 |
Rx Outreach | www.rxoutreach.com | For uninsured, underinsured, or insured, including Medicare and Medicaid. High volume discounts. Meds shipped to home. No additional fees. |
1-800-769-1234 OR 1-800-769-3880 |
RxAssist | www.rxassist.org | This site is a database/directory of patient assistance programs | |
SelectCare Benefits Network (My Rx Advocate) | www.myrxadvocate.com | Only for those who have no insurance. Fee required with initial application and for each drug you receive. | 1-877-331-0362 |
The Assistance Fund | www.theassistancefund.org | For all Medicare patients. A clearing house to assist with any government subsidized programs. | 855-845-3663 |
The HealthWell Foundation | www.healthwellfoundation.org | For those underinsured, including Medicare. Assists with out-of-pocket eexpenses > $25 | 800-675-8416 |
Together Rx Access | www.togetherrxaccess.com | Prescription savings programs for uninsured individuals | 1-800-444-4106 |
FamilyWize | www.familywize.org | Prescription saving program for insured or uninsured individuals | 866-810-3784 |
RxHope | www.rxhope.com | Information resource to help patients find the assistance they need | |
The Medicine Program | www.themedicineprogram.com | Free service to assist patients and their families find, apply, and qualify for the right Patient Assistance Programs |
PENNSYLVANIA PACE, PACENET, and PACE PlusMedicare
For Patients age 65 and older
PACE, PACENET and PACE plus Medicare are Pennsylvania’s prescription assistance programs for older adults, offering low-cost prescription medication to qualified residents, For information, call 1-800-225-7223.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for PACE and PACENET:
- You must be 65 years of age or older
- A Pennsylvania resident for at least 90 days prior to the date of application
- You cannot be enrolled in the Department of Public Welfare’s Medicaid prescription benefit
PACE and PACENET eligibility is determined by your previous calendar year’s income.
PACE
- For a single person, total income must be $14,500 or less
- For a married couple, combined total income must be between $17,700 or less
PACENET
- PACENET income limits are slightly higher than those for PACE
- For a single person, total income can be between $14,500 and $23,500
- For a married couple, combined total income can be between $17,700 and $31,500
PACE Plus Medicare
- Under PACE Plus Medicare, PACE/PACENET coverage is supplemented by federal Medicare Part D prescription coverage and offers older Pennsylvanians the best benefits of both programs. Older adults continue to receive the same prescription benefits while, in many cases, saving more money.
Information and Assistance with Application Process
For more information, to download an application, or to apply online, please visit the PACECares website. Or you can visit the following website: www.aging.state.pa.us. Look for the link to “PACE and affordable medications.”
Medicare Assistance
Pennsylvania offers a free health insurance counseling program (APPRISE) designed to help Pennsylvanians with Medicare. Counselors are specially trained staff and volunteers who can answer your questions about Medicare and provide you with objective, easy-to-understand information about Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicaid, and Long-Term Care Insurance.For more information call APPRISE Helpline is 1-800-783-7067, all services are free and confidential. If you live in Allegheny County call APPRISE at 412‐661‐1438.
UPMC also has a helpline for assistance on choosing the right UPMC Medicare Plan for you. They can be reach by calling UPMC plans at 1-866-400-5077.
The Commonwealth Fund
The Commonwealth Fund promotes a high-performing health care system that achieves better access, improved quality, and greater efficiency, particularly for society's most vulnerable, including low-income people, the uninsured, minority Americans, young children, and elderly adults. The organization's website provides a wealth of information regarding health care policies and reform.
Real Economic Impact (REI)
National Disability Institute and Acorda Therapeutics have worked together to provide FREE resources to help with: taxes and tax preparation, asset development, financial education, and benefits. To use these resources, to learn more about the Earned Income Tax Credit and other financial stability strategies, or to explore more ways to improve your financial wellness, visit the REI Network website.
Discounted MedicationsBecause major pharmacies do not often list drug prices, it is nearly impossible for patients to know the cost of their medication until they are at the cash register. Blink Health and GoodRx are two programs that collect drug prices at pharmacies around the country and connect consumers with lower prices. These are excellent options, especially if you are not eligible for other assistance programs. However, these sites and their apps cannot help a great deal with brand-name medications, which are made by a single manufacturer. |
Other Assistance Programs
MSAA MRI Access Fund (Multiple Sclerosis Association of America) – Provides funding for those without insurance or low/moderate income who have medical insurance (including Medicare) and are not able to pay or meet the co-payment or co-insurance of the MRI.
Western Pennsylvania Utility Assistance – Call 1-800-683-7036
LEAP-Low Income Energy Assistance Program – Call 1-866-674-6327
In Service of Seniors: Pittsburgh partnered with United Way’s Open Your Heart to a Senior Initiative and the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging – For people age 60 and older, offers services including transportation, friendly visits, home safety inspections, seasonal outdoor home projects, and more. Call 412-345-7420 or email ISOS@fswp.org.
North Hills Community Outreach – Provides services for income eligible individuals who live in the northern Allegheny County service area to help them become more self-sufficient. Call 412-487-6316 for the main office.
Highmark PALS (People Able to Lend Support) – Offers non-medical services to any member with Highmark Blue Shield medical coverage and Medicare who reside in the following counties:
Pennsylvania — Adams, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Crawford, Cumberland, Dauphin, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Mercer, Northampton, Perry, Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland, and York
West Virginia — Brooke, Cabell, Kanawha, Monongalia, Ohio, Putnam, Wetzel, and Wood
Call 1-800-988-0706
City of Pittsburgh Snow Angels – Pairs volunteers with elderly or disabled residents to help with snow removal. Must have a physical disability or be age 60 or older and must reside in Pittsburgh. Call 412-472-2459 or download this form and send to:
Snow Angels Program, c/o Health Active Living Program
5344 Second Avenue, 2nd Fl.
Pittsburgh, PA 15207
Allegheny County Bar Association – Provides the only living will and health care power of attorney form endorsed by both doctors and lawyers in Pennsylvania. Available for free; visit site or click here to download.
Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh - Provides assistance to people with low vision or blindness. Several offices throughout Western PA. Call 412-368-4400. 1816 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Psychological Support
- Crisis Support - A network that provides mental health crisis intervention and stabilization services for residents in each county. A crisis can be anything from loneliness to feeling overwhelmed with life, Life is full of stressors, but no matter the complexity of your situation, it helps to talk with someone. The first step to relief is picking up the phone and making the call.
- Allegheny County
- Call Re:Solve Crisis Network at 1-888-7-YOU-CAN (1-888-796-8226)
- Or you can walk in to their office at 333 North Braddock Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15208
- Washington County
- Call (724) 225-6940 or simply dial "911" and the dispatcher will link you to the helpline
- Westmoreland County
- Call 1-800-836-6010
- Fayette County
- Call (724) 437-1003
- Beaver County
- Call 1-800-400-6180
- Armstrong/Indiana County
- Call 1-877-333-2470
- If your county is not listed or you do not live in Southwestern Pennsylvania, please visit http://www.nami.org/ to find your local National Alliance on Mental Illness location near you.
- Allegheny County
- Domestic Violence Support - If you are a victim of domestic violence, please contact th National Domestic Violence Hotline. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can provide a vital link to resources
- Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Suicidal Crisis or Emotional Stress Support - If you have a suicidal crisis or emotional stress, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. The lifeline provides free and confidential support to callers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Local Support Group
- Christ Lutheran Church in Millvale offers a support group for chronic pain management. The meetings occur the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month from 7 to 9 p.m.
Additional Help
Helpline | Phone |
---|---|
US Suicide Hotline | 1-800-784-2433 |
NDMDA Depression Hotline - Support Group | 1-800-826-3632 |
Suicide Prevention Services Depression Hotline | (630) 482-9696 |
AAA Crisis Pregnancy Center | 1-800-560-0717 |
Child Abuse Hotline – Support & Information | 1-800-792-5200 |
Crisis Help Line – For Any Kind of Crisis | 1-800-233-4357 |
Domestic & Teen Dating Violence | 1-800-992-2600 |
Parental Stress Hotline – Help for Parents | 1-800-632-8188 |
Runaway Hotline (All Call are Confidential) | 1-800-231-6946 |
Sexual Assault Hotline | 1-800-223-5001 |
Suicide & Depression Hotline – Covenant House | 1-800-999-9999 |
National Child Abuse Hotline | 1-800-422-4453 |
National Domestic Violence Hotline (TDD) | 1-800-787-3224 |
National Youth Crisis Hotline | 1-800-448-4663 |
Addiction Referrals
Local resources for those suffering from addiction can be found here.