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What is Multiple Sclerosis?

What is Multiple Sclerosis?.

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What is Multiple Sclerosis?

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  1. What is Multiple Sclerosis? Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, long-term condition that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. MS is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks itself, targeting the central nervous system (CNS) consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves. The causes of multiple sclerosis are unknown & there is currently no known cure for the disease. Approximately 400,000 Americans acknowledge having MS, and every week about 200 people are diagnosed. Worldwide, MS may affect 2.5 million individuals.

  2. Who Gets Multiple Sclerosis? Unexpectedly, healthy individuals in the prime of life are confronted by a predator that changes their lives forever. This predator is called multiple sclerosis (MS). MS can strike anyone at any age, but more people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. Two-three times as many women as men have MS.

  3. What makes MS so devastating? MS stops people from moving. • MS randomly attacks multiple areas of the central nervous systems nerve fibers protective covering, wearing away control over the body. • People with MS never know when attacks will occur, how long they’ll last, or to what degree their abilities will remain undamaged after each attack. • Unpredictability adds to the devastation of this disease. The progression, severity, and specific symptoms of the disease cannot be foreseen. 

  4. Symptoms • As a result of the inflammatory, demyelization process in the central nervous system, people with MS can experience a wide variety of symptoms. The most common symptoms of MS include: • Fatigue • Problems with walking • Bowel and/or bladder disturbances • Visual problems • Changes in cognitive function, including problems with memory, attention, and problem-solving • Abnormal sensations such as numbness or "pins and needles" • Changes in sexual function • Pain • Depression and/or mood swings

  5. Who is the Lone Star Chapter? • Founded in 1955 to provide direct services to people affected by MS and to fund research in the movement toward a world free of MS.The Lone Star Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the largest Chapter in terms of geography, population served and monies raised • The Lone Star Chapter serves 174 counties in Texas and 20,000 people with MS, their families, friends, the professionals who serve them, and the general public. • Charity Navigator, the prestigious non-profit rating service, honored the Lone Star Chapter with four stars – its highest award for outstanding financial and service excellence.

  6. Our Mission & Strategic Goals Mission: To end the devastating effects of MS

  7. MS and Employment • Some people with MS remain productively employed, while others with similar levels of disability do not. According to NMSS research, certain factors appear to be related to job retention including knowledge of employment rights and career planning based on expert advice rather than well meaning but often uninformed advice of family friends and co-workers.

  8. MS and Financial Planning Planning for the financial future of a person with a lifelong medical condition requires preparation, careful research and often professional guidance. Shifting job or careers without careful financial and health benefit planning can have disastrous results. • COBRA • Small group and individual health policies • Long and short term disability policies and life insurance • Income tax issues • SSDI • Personal financial planning

  9. Partnership with FSP This year FSP received the National MS Society’s prestigious “Making a Difference” award Given to individuals whose volunteer work or special contributions have made a difference in the lives of people with MS.   FSP is the first organization to receive this award.  

  10. PlanningWise Program • A dynamic new program from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Dallas Society of Financial Service Professionals will help people living with MS evaluate and plan their career path and financial future

  11. PlanningWise Program • The PlanningWise program provides a 90-day one to one consultation for people with MS that offers career and job coaching, financial planning and insurance benefit counseling, and direct financial assistance with COBRA health insurance payments, if appropriate.

  12. PlanningWise Program The program is open to persons living with MS who: • Have lost employment within the last 30 days • Are at risk for losing employment • Are considering a career change because of MS

  13. Society of FSP Recruiting Goal: 2 from each professional discipline RHU COBRA CPA Tax Matters JD Employment Law JD Wills/Trusts/POA CFP/ChFC Financial Planning CLU Life Insurance Others as needed, including student/associate members

  14. 90 Day PlanningWise Goals ADAPTING 1st meeting: Determine financial “stress” and sophistication of client Homework assignment for client is to gather benefit booklets, COBRA notices and certificate of creditable coverage FEP volunteer delivers “Adapting” booklet and reviews with client Identify any critical issues, such as ADA 30 Day goals: Introduction to team members Estimate annual cost of client’s treatment plan Complete medical expense worksheet, based upon medical plan(s) Recommend for COBRA subsidy, if required 60 Day goals: Complete budget from Adapting, including debt management Determine game plan for 91st day 90 Day goals: Enrolled in health plan of new employer or alternate strategy Estimate savings to client of PlanningWise process Estate plan in good order Taxes filed and current

  15. What has been the time required of volunteers? • This will depend on the client needs, but our early experience from the pilot suggests the following • 1 Hour of fact finding by phone • Employment status • Access to benefit booklets and 401k/IRA statements • Communication by phone/email • 1 Hour per month for the Financial Planner to coach and keep on track • Other issues as needed, may just be a phone call • Teleconferences planned to reach a broader audience, where there is not a time urgency or a financial emergency. 1 Hour each with multi-disciplined team

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