A COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE COST OF MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS IN THE UNITED-STATES

Comprehensive data on the costs of multiple sclerosis is sparse. We co nducted a survey of 606 Persons with MS who were members of the Nation al Multiple Sclerosis Society to obtain data on their cost of personal health services other services equipment and earnings. Compensation o f such cost in the form of health insurance income support, and other subsidies was measured. Survey data and data from several secondary so urces was used to measure costs incurred by comparable persons without MS. Based on the 1994 date, the annual cost of MS was estimated at ov er $34 000 per person, translating into a conservative estimate of not ional annual cost of $6.8 billion, and a total lifetime cost per case of $2.2 million. Major components of cost were earnings loss and infor mal core. Virtually oil Persons with MS had health insurance, mostly M edicare/Medicaid. Health insurance covered 51 per cent of costs for se rvices, excluding informal core. On average, compensation for earnings loss was 27 per cent MS is very costly to the individual, health care system, and society. Much of the cost (57 per cent) is in the form of burdens other than personal health core, including earnings loss, equ ipment and alternations and formal and informal care. These costs ofte n are not calculated.