August 2015 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

MSAA is very proud to present our 2015 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

We have received many wonderful submissions from across the country and are delighted to share their work and their stories with you. Please visit our online gallery to view all of the new submissions.

August Artist of the Month:
Jeffrey Waldron – Granby, MA

 Jeffrey Waldron - Male Hummingbird and Flower

About the Artist:
“My name is Jeffrey Waldron, I’m 53 years old, and I was diagnosed with MS in 2001 – although there were symptoms some years before that. I used to be a teacher (math & computers) and a scientist. Before MS, those were the best ways for me to contribute and make a difference. With the MS, however, I notice that my perceptive strengths have shifted from the quantitative to the qualitative. Today I find that I can share insights of value more effectively through art and visual recreations of the beauty I see in the world.”
Read more

Be inspired – please send an online card featuring artwork by MS artist Jeffrey Waldron and spread awareness of MS and MSAA.

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Battling the Health Insurance Appeal

Insurance companies are like a business. They are out to make money and with that being said, they are looking out for their assets. If insurance companies approved every claim that came through, they would burn through their resources very quickly. This is why insurance companies work the way that they do. By providing a set list of covered benefits, they control the amount of claims that come through and can control the amount of money spent on those benefits.

With that being said, it does not mean that an individual cannot receive coverage for a needed device or treatment. It is just that the insurance company wants to know that this device or treatment is really needed AND is going to be helpful.

For example, the Bioness or WalkAide device used for the treatment of foot drop. For many, if they were to contact their insurance provider and inquire as to whether the device was covered under their plan, they would be told ‘no’. This can be very discouraging and can spark some anger in those who struggle with foot drop. But if we look at ‘why’ the insurance companies deny this device initially, it can make sense.

The Bioness or WalkAide devices have not been FDA approved for the treatment of foot drop in MS, meaning that there have not been clinical trials to prove that this device is clinically effective for those with MS. Unfortunately, without the FDA approval insurance companies may have the upper-hand. They are trying to protect their assets and don’t want to provide an expensive device and have that device not be effective.

So what can you do?

Insurance companies require what is called a ‘burden of proof’, meaning that you must provide enough proof and evidence to the insurance company that the device or treatment is helpful to you in your situation. Using the example of the Bioness or WalkAide, by locating a physical therapist that works with this device, or one that can assist with receiving a trial, you can help to build your case against the insurance company. Physical therapy reports of the devices effectiveness can be used in the appeal process to provide the burden of proof needed for the case.

While insurance appeals can be a challenge and possibly delay treatment or assistance from a medical device; decisions can be overturned and won. By understanding the system and how and why an insurance company requires this information, you give yourself the advantage in the appeals process.

 Have you won an insurance appeal? What steps did you take to ensure your success?

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Life Decisions

It’s not an easy thing to talk about or consider, but when it comes to making important decisions about the future it’s near the top of the list. It’s life insurance coverage. Yes, it can be a morbid topic to discuss sometimes but it’s one that warrants attention when making plans and preparations for future needs.

Life insurance can help pay for funeral costs, bills and other future financial needs of your family. The nonprofit organization Life Happens provides general information and education about life insurance and what to consider. It can be a challenging issue to face, and for those who experience chronic illness there may be some obstacles along the way to obtaining this coverage.

Some insurance companies may have stricter policies or limitations they impose for those who have been diagnosed with a chronic illness. This can vary according to the company’s policies and rules regarding coverage, and other issues like one’s medical history or current health situation. For these reasons it’s important to research a company and its policies before purchasing a plan. Higher premiums or limited coverage may be some of the barriers experienced by those trying to find a life insurance plan.

rsz_couple_smiling_and_talking_to_man_over_paperworkWorking with your state department of insurance and certified insurance brokers/agents can help you find a life insurance plan that works for your needs. Agents who specialize in ‘impaired or high risk’ life insurance can help as they have experience finding coverage for individuals with medical conditions. The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors has a search option to help find agents in your area. Looking for professional support in the insurance arena can hopefully help you attain beneficial outcomes when finding coverage.

*Be sure to use discretion when researching insurance professionals in your area.

Have you had any experience with life insurance planning?

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