More MS news articles for September 2003

Man Rations Drugs After Benefits Are Cut Off

Facing Long Appeals Process, Multiple Sclerosis Patient Seeks Help

http://www.theindychannel.com/call6/2506668/detail.html

11:07 p.m. EST September 23, 2003
The Indy Channel
Indianapolis

Lester King says he couldn't wait the three months it may have taken him to reinstate his prescription-drug benefits.

King, who has multiple sclerosis, takes 11 prescription drugs for the condition. The Indianapolis man, whose drugs are subsidized by the state, is not supposed to abruptly stop his medication.

But recently, his benefits were stopped. The state says it sent him paperwork, and he didn't return it, leading to the benefit discontinuation.

King contacted his local Indiana Family and Social Services Administration office, which told him he could appeal. The process, however, could last 90 days -- too long for someone who needed to keep taking his medication.

King began taking lower doses of his medication because he feared running out. He contacted Call 6 for Help.

"If I don't make (the drugs) last longer, I'm going to be in crisis a lot sooner," King said.

Call 6 told the state FSSA about the problem, and the issue was resolved.

"We do not want somebody who needs medical benefits and needs medicine to go without those benefits and that medicine," FSSA spokesman Scott MacGregor said.