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Legal Issues & Multiple Sclerosis
What are your rights as an employee if you become ill? Can you still work if you are disabled? To what degree or severity is a person considered disabled and who decides it for you? Does your insurance at work cover the cost treatments, medications, returning to work, etc...? If you do become disabled, will Medicare, Social Security, or the Veterans Administration be there for you and help? How quick an easy is all of this to handle?

You might be wondering why this section is titled "Legal" and not called "Insurance" or "Rights", but once you have dealt with any of these issues, you will certainly know why. Any time you deal with insurance and your rights, sick or not, everything comes down to what "is" required and what "is not" required. You need to know that: First, you are your only advocate. Second, you need to be ready for anything. This doesn't mean that you have to hire legal council but rather know what you are legally entitled to so you don't get taken advantage of by an employer, insurance company, or even the government.

One of the biggest issues for anyone with an illness is how to pay for it. With health care cost in the U.S. at around $8,000 per person, who can afford that with or without insurance? Anytime you get sick, use a doctor, get a prescription, work while sick, and so on, you have legal rights that are there to protect you. Those rights are different under every situation and in every state. It's important to know what your rights are so if they are violated you are able to know it and then act upon it. We something that should be covered and paid for isn't, you will be expected to pay if you don't stand up and fight for yourself. This is when knowing at least your basic rights comes in handy so you are not stuck paying when someone else legally and morally should.

Please note that this part of the site is only providing basic information regarding disability rights, private insurance, government insurance, as well as some disclaimers, and endorsements. All information contained on this website is for educational and informative use only and should not be taken in any form as legal advise. This website does not claim any legal status and does not provide any such legal advice but rather basic information. Any and all specific legal advice regarding this or any other subject must be obtained from legal council.

Outside of the United States, every other country will have its own rules and laws regarding the topics of this section. Multiple sclerosis (MS) societies around the globe should be able to assist or direct those in need to the appropriate information.

This section provides information and resources about staying financially secure by planning for their health coverage needs, staying covered when changes occur, about other types of insurance important to people with MS, and engaging in early and ongoing financial planning.

Many people with MS have health insurance provided by an employer or union. This section includes important information about how to get the most out of your coverage and how to keep covered even when changing or leaving jobs, getting divorced, when your working spouse goes on Medicare, or other changes occur.

If you do find it necessary to have or retain a lawyer at any time, then just remember there can be some humor in it all and it may help to lighten the burden:

Question: How many lawyers does it take to change a light bulb?
Answer 1: Three; one to do it and two to sue him for malpractice.

Answer 2: It only takes one lawyer to change your light bulb to his light bulb.

Answer 3: You won't find a lawyer who can change a light bulb. Now, if you're looking for a lawyer to screw a light bulb...

Answer 4: Whereas the party of the first part, also known as "Lawyer", and the party of the second part, also known as "Light Bulb", do hereby and forthwith agree to a transaction wherein the party of the second part (Light Bulb) shall be removed from the current position as a result of failure to perform previously agreed upon duties, i.e., the lighting, elucidation, and otherwise illumination of the area ranging from the front (north) door, through the entryway, terminating at an area just inside the primary living area, demarcated by the beginning of the carpet, any spillover illumination being at the option of the party of the second part (Light Bulb) and not required by the aforementioned agreement between the parties.

The aforementioned removal transaction shall include, but not be limited to, the following steps:

1.) The party of the first part (Lawyer) shall, with or without elevation at his option, by means of a chair, stepstool, ladder or any other means of elevation, grasp the party of the second part (Light Bulb) and rotate the party of the second part (Light Bulb) in a counter-clockwise direction, this point being non-negotiable.

2.) Upon reaching a point where the party of the second part (Light Bulb) becomes separated from the party of the third part ("Receptacle"), the party of the first part (Lawyer) shall have the option of disposing of the party of the second part (Light Bulb) in a manner consistent with all applicable state, local and federal statutes.

3.) Once separation and disposal have been achieved, the party of the first part (Lawyer) shall have the option of beginning installation of the party of the fourth part ("New Light Bulb"). This installation shall occur in a manner consistent with the reverse of the procedures described in step one of this self-same document, being careful to note that the rotation should occur in a clockwise direction, this point also being non-negotiable.

NOTE: The above described steps may be performed, at the option of the party of the first part (Lawyer), by any or all persons authorized by him, the objective being to produce the most possible revenue for the party of the fifth part, also known as "Partnership."
Just remember to try and keep a good sense of humor about it all, it's important.