Resources

UPMC Resources

  • Center for Assistive Technology (CAT) Devices - ​(412) 647-1310 - Mobility devices and seating (wheelchairs, scooters), augmentive communication devices, computer access technology evaluation 
  • Center for Assistive Technology (CAT) Driving - (412) 864-3068 - Adaptive driving evaluation and training
  • Women with Disabilities Center at UPMC Magee Women’s Hospital - (412) 641-4030 - Provides ACCESSIBLE gynecological exams (pelvic exam, Pap smear), seated mammography, bone density (DEXA) testing and birth control
  • Centers for Rehab Services - 1-888-723-4277 - Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, and Speech Language therapy- rehabilitation with the following specialized treatment programs: Neurorehabilitation, Balance and Vestibular Therapy, Bladder/Bowel and Pelvic Floor rehabilitation, and Lymphedema management with convenient centers throughout Western and Northern Pennsylvania
  • Chartwell Specialty Pharmacy - 1-800-366-6020 - Provides fast friendly efficient and personal services for MS medications - Avonex , Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Rebif, Tecfidera, Plegridy, Rituxan, and IVIG for those with the following insurances: UPMC, AARP, Optum RX, Advantra/Coventry, Aetna Part D, Avalon SecureRX Part D, Blue RX Part D, Cigna Part D, Freedom Blue Part D, Gateway, PACE, Security Blue Part D, Silverscript, and Wellcare Part D
  • MyUPMC - 1-866-884-8579 - MyUPMC.com is the easy way to connect to your health care. Technical support line
  • Resolve Crisis Network - 1-888-796-8226 - Comprehensive crisis services for Allegheny County Residents, regardless of age or ability to pay, confidential telephone counseling, walk-in assistance, overnight/crisis residential in Allegheny County
  • UPMC Outpatient Nutrition Counseling Service - (412) 692-4497 (covered by some insurances)
  • UPMC Patient Relations - (412) 647-7615 - Patient and Family Support-Assistance with concerns about patient care or rights
  • UPMC Billing Office - 412-864-0284
  • UPMC Cost Estimator - 1-800-371-8359 ext. 5 - Can estimate the cost for any UPMC test, lab, or procedure
  • Family House - (412) 647-7777 - Affordable overnight, nightly rates as low as $46 per night
  • After Hours Medical Support - (412) 647-2345 ext. 2 - If it is after 4:30 pm and you require a refill of your seizure medication, or are a physician in need of a consult, please contact the neurologist on-call.
  • UPMC Social Service Department - 412-647-4296 - Please leave a message if there is no answer
  • UPMC Medicare Plans - 1-866-400-5077

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MS / Immune Illness Related Resources

  • National MS Society - The Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society serves 14,000 people MS living with in 56 counties of PA. We act with urgency to support MS Research and find solutions to help people with MS live their best lives in each community we serve. Locally we provide, educational opportunities, peer support and financial assistance for goods and services to help those affected by MS manage the disease. Types of services include Respite for Caregivers, funding for Durable Medical Equipment, Home and Car Modifications as well as Emergency Financial Assistance for Utilities and Safety and Relocation Services for Victims of Domestic Violence. We raise funds through WALK MS, BIKE MS, Community Sponsored Events, Individual and Corporate Giving. To contact the chapter please call 412-261-6347 or 1-800-FIGHT MS.
  • Multiple Sclerosis Association of America - MSAA may provide financial help for those without insurance or who have low/moderate income with medical insurance (including Medicare) and who are not able to meet the financial costs of a MRI. To reach the helpline, call 800-532-7667 (ext. 154 for patient assistance programs).
  • MS Foundation  The MS Foundation has a program for assistance with transportation. Here is the link: http://msfocus.org/Get-Help/MSF-Programs-Grants/Transportation-Assistance-Grant 
  • MS World - “Patients helping patients”
  • Multiple Sclerosis Coalition
  • MS Caregiver
  • Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers
  • Guthy Jackson Foundation - Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) Spectrum Disease (Devic’s Disease)
  • Pennsylvania Health Law Project - 1-800-274-3258 - PHLP is a nationally recognized expert and consultant on access to health care for low-income consumers, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
  • Pennsylvania Occupational and Vocational Rehabilitation - The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, or OVR, provides vocational rehabilitation services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment. OVR provides services to eligible individuals with disabilities, both directly and through a network of approved vendors. Each state has their own OVR program if you are not from PA.
  • Paralyzed Veterans of America
  • Keystone Paralyzed Veterans of America - (412) 781-2474
  • Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation - 1-888-744-1938 - Helps people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians to acquire assistive technology devices and services.
  • Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) - 412-683-7100 ext. 2179 - PIAT works to increase access to devices and services offered throughout the state. Services include: Public Awareness, Information and Referral, Advocacy, and Training and Technology.

  • The Sumaira Foundation-The Sumaira Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to generating global awareness of NMOSD and MOGAD, building communities of support for patients and their caregivers, supporting research and patient advocacy

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Low Cost Pharmacy Resources: 

Blueberry Pharmacy

Cost Plus Pharmacy

Because major pharmacies do not often list drug prices, it is nearly impossible for patients to know the cost of their medication until they are at the cash register. Blink Health and GoodRx are two programs that collect drug prices at pharmacies around the country and connect consumers with lower prices. These are excellent options, especially if you are not eligible for other assistance programs. However, these sites and their apps cannot help a great deal with brand-name medications, which are made by a single manufacturer.

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Financial Assistance Resources

As changes occur within insurance plans we are finding that our patients are incurring more out of pocket costs for medications and procedures. There are many types of programs to assist patients with medication expenses. Some of these programs are through the drug manufacturers of the medication while others are independent of the manufacturers. Below is a list that we have compiled to assist you with finding potential assistance programs or lower cost pharmacies if you are finding that the additional medical costs are difficult for you at the time.

The following website allows you to find prices of medication www.drugs.com

MEDICATIONS (ORAL OR INJECTION) COMPANY PHONE
Ampyra Acorda Therapeutics 1-888-881-1918
Avonex/Tecfidera/Plegridy Above MS 1-800-456-2255
BetaSeron Beta Plus 1-800-778-1467
Copaxone Shared Solutions 1-800-887-8100
Extavia Extavia Patient Support 1-866-398-2842
Rebif MS Lifelines 1-877-447-3243
Gilenya Gilenya Go Program 1-800-445-3692
Aubagio MS One-to-One 1-855-676-6326
Glatopa GlatopaCare 1-855-452-8672
Provigil Cephalon Cares 1-877-237-4881
Nuedexta (for pseudobulbar affect) Avanir 1-855-468-3339
Botox Botox Reimbursement Solutions 1-800-442-6263, option 4

 

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WEB ADDRESS COMMENTS PHONE
Ability Found www.abilityfound.org Provides medical/rehabilitation equipment 1-877-231-4567
Financial Education Partners www.nationalmssociety.org Provides pro bono financial planning, consulting, and education

1-800-344-4867
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America www.mymsaa.org Equipment distribution, cooling products, acquiring MRIs 800-532-7667

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation

 www.msfocus.org Provides assistive technology devices, laptops, cooling supplies, homecare assistance 888-MSFOCUS
National MS Society Financial Assistance Program www.nationalmssociety.org Offers a range of initiatives 1-800-344-4867
NeedyMeds www.needymeds.org Does not provide direct financial support but acts as a clearing house for other programs 800-503-6897
NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders) www.rarediseases.org For those underinsured or with no insurance. Offers medication and Disease Specific Assistance Programs.

1-800-999-6673
Partnership for Prescription Assistance www.pparx.org Free service. Connects patients with assistance programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, Chip, Patient Assistance, and Low-Income. 1-888-477-2669
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) www.patientadvocate.org Provides professional case management services 800-532-5274
Patient Access Network www.panfoundation.org For those underinsured including Medicare 866-316-7263
Rx Outreach www.rxoutreach.com For uninsured, underinsured, or insured, including Medicare and Medicaid. High volume discounts. Meds shipped to home. No additional fees.

1-800-769-1234

OR 1-800-769-3880
RxAssist www.rxassist.org This site is a database/directory of patient assistance programs  
SelectCare Benefits Network (My Rx Advocate) www.myrxadvocate.com Only for those who have no insurance. Fee required with initial application and for each drug you receive. 1-877-331-0362
The Assistance Fund www.theassistancefund.org For all Medicare patients. A clearing house to assist with any government subsidized programs. 855-845-3663
The HealthWell Foundation www.healthwellfoundation.org For those underinsured, including Medicare. Assists with out-of-pocket eexpenses > $25 800-675-8416
Together Rx Access www.togetherrxaccess.com Prescription savings programs for uninsured individuals 1-800-444-4106
FamilyWize www.familywize.org Prescription saving program for insured or uninsured individuals 866-810-3784
RxHope www.rxhope.com Information resource to help patients find the assistance they need  

 

PENNSYLVANIA PACE, PACENET, and PACE PlusMedicare

For Patients age 65 and older

PACE, PACENET and PACE plus Medicare are Pennsylvania’s prescription assistance programs for older adults, offering low-cost prescription medication to qualified residents, For information, call 1-800-225-7223.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for PACE and PACENET:

  • You must be 65 years of age or older
  • A Pennsylvania resident for at least 90 days prior to the date of application
  • You cannot be enrolled in the Department of Public Welfare’s Medicaid prescription benefit
  • PACE and PACENET eligibility is determined by your previous calendar year’s income.

PACE

  • For a single person, total income must be $14,500 or less
  • For a married couple, combined total income must be between $17,700 or less

PACENET

  • PACENET income limits are slightly higher than those for PACE
  • For a single person, total income can be between $14,500 and $23,500
  • For a married couple, combined total income can be between $17,700 and $31,500

PACE Plus Medicare

Under PACE Plus Medicare, PACE/PACENET coverage is supplemented by federal Medicare Part D prescription coverage and offers older Pennsylvanians the best benefits of both programs.  Older adults continue to receive the same prescription benefits while, in many cases, saving more money.

Information and Assistance with Application Process

For more information, to download an application, or to apply online, please visit the PACECares website. 

 

Medicare Assistance

Pennsylvania offers a free health insurance counseling program (APPRISE) designed to help Pennsylvanians with Medicare. Counselors are specially trained staff and volunteers who can answer your questions about Medicare and provide you with objective, easy-to-understand information about Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicaid, and Long-Term Care Insurance. For more information call APPRISE Helpline is 1-800-783-7067, all services are free and confidential. If you live in Allegheny County call  APPRISE at 412‐661‐1438.

UPMC also has a helpline for assistance on choosing the right UPMC Medicare Plan for you. They can be reach by calling UPMC plans  at 1-866-400-5077.

The Commonwealth Fund

The Commonwealth Fund promotes a high-performing health care system that achieves better access, improved quality, and greater efficiency, particularly for society's most vulnerable, including low-income people, the uninsured, minority Americans, young children, and elderly adults. The organization's website provides a wealth of information regarding health care policies and reform.

Real Economic Impact (REI)

National Disability Institute and Acorda Therapeutics have worked together to provide FREE resources to help with: taxes and tax preparation, asset development, financial education, and benefits. To use these resources, to learn more about the Earned Income Tax Credit and other financial stability strategies, or to explore more ways to improve your financial wellness, visit the REI Network website.

Other Assistance Programs

Western Pennsylvania Utility Assistance – Call 1-800-683-7036

LIHEAP-Low Income Energy Assistance Program – Call 1-866-674-6327

North Hills Community Outreach – Provides services for income eligible individuals who live in the northern Allegheny County service area to help them become more self-sufficient. Call 412-487-6316 for the main office.

Highmark PALS (People Able to Lend Support) – Offers non-medical services to any member with Highmark Blue Shield medical coverage and Medicare who reside in the following counties: 

Pennsylvania — Adams, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Crawford, Cumberland, Dauphin, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Mercer, Northampton, Perry, Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland, and York

West Virginia — Brooke, Cabell, Kanawha, Monongalia, Ohio, Putnam, Wetzel, and Wood

Call 1-800-988-0706

City of Pittsburgh Snow Angels – Pairs volunteers with elderly or disabled residents to help with snow removal. Must have a physical disability or be age 60 or older and must reside in Pittsburgh. Call 412-472-2459 or download this form and send to:
Snow Angels Program, c/o Health Active Living Program 
5344 Second Avenue, 2nd Fl.
Pittsburgh, PA 15207

Allegheny County Bar Association – Provides the only living will and health care power of attorney form endorsed by both doctors and lawyers in Pennsylvania. Available for free; visit site or click here to download.

Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh - Provides assistance to people with low vision or blindness. Several offices throughout Western PA. Call 412-368-4400. 1816 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

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Psychological Support

  • Crisis Support - A network that provides mental health crisis intervention and stabilization services for residents in each county. A crisis can be anything from loneliness to feeling overwhelmed with life, Life is full of stressors, but no matter the complexity of your situation, it helps to talk with someone. The first step to relief is picking up the phone and making the call.
    • Allegheny County
      • Call Re:Solve Crisis Network at 1-888-7-YOU-CAN (1-888-796-8226)
      • Or you can walk in to their office at 333 North Braddock Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15208
    • Washington County
      • Call (724) 225-6940 or simply dial "911" and the dispatcher will link you to the helpline
    • Westmoreland County
      • Call 1-800-836-6010
    • Fayette County
      • Call (724) 437-1003
    • Beaver County
      • Call 1-800-400-6180
    • Armstrong/Indiana County
      • ​Call 1-877-333-2470
    • If your county is not listed or you do not live in Southwestern Pennsylvania, please visit http://www.nami.org/ to find your local National Alliance on Mental Illness location near you.
  • Domestic Violence Support - If you are a victim of domestic violence, please contact th National Domestic Violence Hotline. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can provide a vital link to resources
    • Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
  • Suicidal Crisis or Emotional Stress Support - If you have a suicidal crisis or emotional stress, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. The lifeline provides free and confidential support to callers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
    • Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Local Support Group
    • ​Christ Lutheran Church in Millvale offers a support group for chronic pain management. The meetings occur the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month from 7 to 9 p.m.
HELPLINE PHONE
US Suicide Hotline 1-800-784-2433
NDMDA Depression Hotline - Support Group 1-800-826-3632
Suicide Prevention Services Depression Hotline (630) 482-9696
AAA Crisis Pregnancy Center 1-800-560-0717
Child Abuse Hotline – Support & Information 1-800-792-5200
Crisis Help Line – For Any Kind of Crisis 1-800-233-4357
Domestic & Teen Dating Violence 1-800-992-2600
Parental Stress Hotline – Help for Parents 1-800-632-8188
Runaway Hotline (All Call are Confidential) 1-800-231-6946
Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-223-5001
Suicide & Depression Hotline – Covenant House 1-800-999-9999
National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-422-4453
National Domestic Violence Hotline (TDD) 1-800-787-3224
National Youth Crisis Hotline 1-800-448-4663

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