Assessing Access to Five Types of Insurance by People with Multiple Sclerosis Using a Cross-sectional Online Survey

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Health Economics
• Public Health

Background:

• Premature workforce departure is common among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Employment-based insurance is a primary source of health, disability, long-term care, and life insurance in the US.
• Financial hardship due to lack of insurance affects many working individuals with MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the proportion of workers with MS who have insurance protection.
• To identify the sources of insurance coverage among individuals with MS.
• To assess the timing of insurance acquisition relative to MS diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed to individuals aged 18-65 registered with MS research or advocacy groups.
• Data collected included demographics, disease characteristics, insurance coverage status (health, disability income, long-term care, life), and policy acquisition timing.
• 2507 survey respondents provided data for the analysis.

Main Results:

• Health (96.3%) and life (58.8%) insurance were most common; long-term care insurance was held by only 9.7%.
• Most insurance policies, excluding life insurance, were obtained after an MS diagnosis.
• Respondents were predominantly female (82.9%), White (91.2%), and had a mean age of 53.5 years with a mean disease duration of 16.4 years.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with MS may not prioritize the benefits of various insurance types.
• Healthcare providers should guide patients toward resources that educate about insurance options.
• Emphasizing that insurance can be obtained post-diagnosis may encourage uptake among individuals with MS.