By LYNDA CHOTT, Chapter President and MAUREEN HOWARD, Board Member/AGRC chair
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Greater Illinois
At this very moment, someone with multiple sclerosis (MS) is battling the bureaucracy of her insurance company so that she can continue getting coverage for the physical therapy services that have kept her out of a wheelchair, stopped atrophy in her muscles and kept her active in her community. It’s a battle that’s fought across the country, but here in Illinois, we are close to passing a law that will ensure that it will never happen to another person living with MS again.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society -- Greater Illinois Chapter is urging Governor Blagojevich to sign into lAt this very moment, someone with multiple sclerosis (MS) is battling the bureaucracy of her insurance company so that she can continue getting coverage for the physical therapy services that have kept her out of a wheelchair, stopped atrophy in her muscles and kept her active in her community. It’s a battle that’s fought across the country, but here in Illinois, we are close to passing a law that will ensure that it will never happen to another person living with MS again.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society -- Greater Illinois Chapter is urging Governor Blagojevich to sign into law SB 2917, which would secure insurance coverage of preventative physical therapy for people living with MS in Illinois. SB 2917 passed unanimously in both the Illinois House and Senate. The bill, drafted in cooperation with Blue Cross Blue Shield, will help thousands of people with MS maintain their mobility, enhance the quality of their lives, and remain vital members of the community.
The MS community extends its deepest appreciation to Speaker Michael Madigan for his leadership and support for this legislation. We sincerely thank our sponsors, Sen. Maggie Crotty, Sen. William Haine, and Rep. Robert Rita for their commitment to this legislation, as well as our many co-sponsors.
Physical therapy has been cliniclly proven to help thousands of MS patients maintain their mobility and strength. But currently, once a patient stops getting “better,” insurers decline coverage for continued physical therapy. The goal of physical therapy for MS patients is to maintain current mobility -- not to improve it so coverage is typically denied -- SB 2917 will right that wrong. By signing the bill, Gov. Blagojevich will help improve the access to care that people living with MS need.
