Never heard that you could get a prescription for cooling vest & the like from your doctor, but it is something to ask my Neuro. about when I go see him early next week because I am passing out & falling over pretty much daily lately & need to try something. This summer is getting brutal. What with the heat & the MS caused Epilepsy, I'm having a "fun" time lately trying to keep myself upright...

Interesting post question.

Take care,
Stay sane!

I would call a DME clinic first to find out. I was given a script for compression stockings and told that the insurance should cover it, but they do not. They mainly cover things like shower chairs wheel chairs, stuff that will last a while. So I would either call the insurance to check first or the DME shop first.

Your deductible or co-pay may be more than the cost of the vest.

I know about the scipt but my wife (rn66g) who is in the MS group has made cooling scarfs in the past. She could tell you cow she made them. They work really well. In the summers here in western CO the temp can break 100F and we use to use them alot when we would go out to the rodeo. Hope that helps.

I don't know about getting a prescription for a cooling vest, but in Canada, I was able to get a prescription from my doctor for an air conditioner. I have to pay the full cost up front, and then I am reimbursed for half of the cost in my tax return.

Awe rats...I just posted something about ice vest because I never saw this. LOL I bought one from amazon with the extra insets for under $100. I have never heard about ascript for that...wouldn't htat be wonderful!!

Go to MSAA website. Go to cooling program, see if you qualify (income). If you qualify fill out the forms, get your Prescription saying you have MS, send in your forms and wait by your mailbox.

Insurance information not needed. They never run out of there cooling products. There are 4 different choices. Some have 5 items in 1 package. I am anxiously waiting for mine.

MSAA is a great program, they even will give you a walker, bath railings and etc. Things you need and can't afford. Let me know if it works for you.

I was able to turn in my script for a cooling vest to my Flexible
Spending Plan through my work insurance. That's the only way that I know of that it will be covered - not by regular insurance.

@Nikz99 can you give me the link for the vest you found with inserts on Amazon for under $100? I've been searching online and haven't found one that cheap--especially with additional inserts.

I know the MSAA requires a DX, so for the lucky ones like me who are in limbo, there is nothing they can do for you. Although I did see on their site that they cover 1 MRI per year for undx possible MS'ers to aide in diagnosing the disease, so if that helps anyone out there. I've already had several this year, but I'll keep that in mind for future. I don't recall if there was a low-income qualifier to that.

Oleblue: I wish I could get a script for a cooling vest.....ARG. I'm going to try, but not too optimistic.

I got my script from my doc tuesday and am sending it to the MSAA today so hopfully they are not overloaded, that is wishfull thinking this time of year. I also have a link about insurance FAQ's from Polar Ice website and cooling vest are a DME and Vet's are entitled to a free one and they have the codes needed and the sample letters and for the appeals if needed

http://store.polarsoftice.com/polarshop/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=236

I recently went to msaa@msassociation.org (MSAA) and and type in search 'cooling vest program application' to apply for a cooling vest KIT. 1). yes you answer financial range questions to see if you qualify, but example ranges are given to know if you qualify. Also, NO personal financial records had to be given.2). I called and spoke with them first to ask questions and was told instead of a prescription I could make a copy of my med. or 'therapy' and that was sufficient. I made a copy of the copaxone box lid with the script info. with name and address. 3). It states 3 to 5 weeks for the paperwork process once received. I mailed the app. on 7/8/11 and received the cooling vest kit I chose on 7/17/11. And 4). these are available all year!!
You get the freezer gel packs + additional gel packs for all items in the kit. The kit I chose showed $190.00 but I paid $0.00. I have been using it and it is great. I feel like I am in a cooler!!!!

i got my vest and ice packs and wristbands and they were free, no postage, free. through the MSSA, cannot remember if it is because i am poor or what, but all i needed was a note from the doc, and that should not be a problem. if you live in a humid climate, the ice packs work the best, and i wish i had gotten the hat w/ice pack inserrt for top of your head.....i am sooo hot headed, tee hee. hope you get what you need, the MSAA is the best.