World MS Day: A Guide for Employers on Multiple Sclerosis in the Workplace

Today is World MS Day, a global effort to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis (MS)—a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. While treatment options have improved significantly over the years, the journey from symptom onset to diagnosis and ongoing care can still be confusing, emotional, and expensive.

That’s why MS awareness—and action—matters.

What Is MS?

MS is a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerves, disrupting the flow of information between the brain and body. It can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Fatigue
  
• Numbness or tingling
  
• Vision problems
  
• Difficulty walking
  
• Muscle weakness
  
• Memory and cognitive issues

There is no cure for MS, but early diagnosis and treatment can help slow disease progression and improve quality of life.

Why Early Detection Is So Important

MS symptoms often start subtly and can be easy to ignore or misdiagnose. People might experience balance problems, blurry vision, or limb numbness long before a doctor officially connects the dots. In some cases, diagnosis can take years.

That delay matters. Early intervention with disease-modifying therapies can help reduce relapses, slow the accumulation of disability, and give people a stronger foundation for long-term health. The earlier someone gets on the right treatment path, the better the outcomes tend to be.

How Employers Can Help

Employers are in a strong position to offer meaningful support—starting with education. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides excellent resources to help organizations understand the condition, promote early detection, and create inclusive policies that support employees throughout their MS journey. Key resources include: 

MS Navigator: Friendly, personalized support for individuals navigating the MS journey. MS Navigators offer guidance and assistance every step of the way. Learn more. 

Programs and Services: A wide range of support resources tailored to meet the needs of those living with MS. Explore programs.

Access is another critical piece of the puzzle.

MS treatments are among the most expensive medications on the market, and many members face financial or logistical barriers to getting them. At SmithRx, we help bridge that gap. Our MS Program connects members with personalized support to navigate coverage and approvals, as well as explore lower-cost alternatives. In fact, our partnership with Cost Plus Drugs helps save 72-99.8% on MS medications compared to the retail price.

When awareness is paired with affordability and proactive support, the result is a better experience for employees—and better outcomes for everyone.

One More Step Toward a Better Future

MS affects more than 2.8 million people worldwide—and many of them are in the workforce today. On World MS Day, let’s move beyond awareness and take action to support early diagnosis, affordable access to treatment, and workplace policies that reflect the real needs of people living with MS.

For more information on MS symptoms and support, visit nationalmssociety.org, and https://worldmsday.org.