18 msfocusmagazine.org Hot Topics prior to the start date of health insurance coverage. Insurance companies can't refuse to cover treatment for your pre-existing condition or charge you more. It is important to note that there can be a pre-existing exclusionary period when switching insurances. When you switch policies, it is important to get a letterof creditable coverage from your previous insurance and present it to your new insurance to establish that your condition has been covered in the past. This will help to avoid any gaps in coverages or exclusions that may apply. • Formulary– Is a list of prescription drugs that are covered by a prescription drug plan or another insurance plan offering prescription drug benefits. As a person living with MS, it is critical to find your MS treatment on the formulary before selecting a plan option. • Durable Medical Equipment (DME) – Refers to equipment and supplies ordered by a healthcare provider for everydayor extended use. Coverage for DME may include, but is not limited to, wheelchairs, crutches, braces and scooters. • Medically Necessary – Refers to healthcare services or supplies needed to diagnose or treat an illness, injury, condition, disease orits symptoms and that meet accepted standards of medicine. • HIPAA – Is an acronym that stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Account- ability Act, a U.S. law designed to provide privacystandards to protect patients’ medical records and other health information provided to health plans, doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. ® Order Your Copy of RISE UP AGAINST MS Your guide to the SIMPLE FUNDRAISER EVENT that anyone and everyone can do. Sign up for a fun balloon challenge that also helps people with multiple sclerosis. The longer your balloon stays up in the air, the more funds go to people with MS. The proceeds go to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation’s free programs and services to help people live at their best with MS. Call Rob Beasley at 800-225-6495 Read more from regular contributor Matt Cavallo on page 20 and in the Web Exclusive section of msfocusmagazine.org.