Ukrainian residents with MS relocating to Poland | Country-specific information

Polskie Towarzystwo Stwardnienia Rozsianego (Polish MS Society)       

• Name: Maryna Smekalova (Polish, Ukrainian, Russian)
• Name: Dominika Czarnota (Polish, English, German)
• Phone: +48 (22) 127 48 50; +48 535 535 089
• Email: cism@ptsr.org.pl

National governmental website explaining the administrative procedure for migrants who want to enter the country or who are seeking asylum in the country.

• https://www.gov.pl/web/ua

• It is not recommended to apply for a refugee status in Poland, if you are from Ukraine. It is better to apply for a PESEL number (the Universal Electronic Population Registration System).
• From March 16, 2022, citizens of Ukraine have the opportunity to get a PESEL number. PESEL will allow you to work, use social assistance, medical services, access to the education system or start your own company in Poland. PESEL registration is carried out by commune administrations.
• https://www.gov.pl/web/gov/uzyskaj-numer-pesel--usluga-dla-cudzoziemcow-ua
• You cannot leave Poland for more than 30 days, otherwise you will lose your war refugee status and all benefits, including health insurance.

Refugees have the same access to healthcare services as Polish citizens. First you need to see a GP (general practitioner). He or she will order tests when needed or refer you to a specialist. If this is an urgent case, you can go to ER (Emergency Room) in the nearest hospital.

What documents are needed to apply for medical insurance for Ukrainian refugees?

• PESEL Number

Duration of obtaining medical insurance

• Only a few days
• You cannot leave Poland for more than 30 days, otherwise you will lose your war refugee status and all benefits, including health insurance.

Coverage of medical insurance (including treatments for MS?)

• Almost everything, including treatments for MS.

Where can people get specialised MS care?

• Treatment of multiple sclerosis takes primarily place through drug programs, which are carried out in selected facilities. It is fully reimbursed. The patient does not pay for the drugs he/she receives. There are currently two MS drug programs: first and second line.
• The first line is available in approximately 130 locations, the second line in approximately half of them. In order to obtain continuation of treatment, the patient needs a referral from a GP to a neurological clinic. For more information, please call our helpline. If you are not eligible for disease-modifying therapy (DMT) or do not know if you meet the criteria, you can get support from any neurology clinic (you still need a referral from your GP).

What treatments for Multiple Sclerosis are available in Poland?

• Drugs available as first-line treatment: Interferon beta-1a (Avonex, Rebif), Interferon beta-1b (Betaferon), Peginterferon beta-1a (Plegridy), Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Remurel), Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) and Teriflunomide (Aubagio).
• Drugs available as second-line treatment: Fingolimod (Gilenya), Natalizumab (Tysabri), Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus), Cladribine (Mavenclad) and Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada).

Do pharmaceutical companies allow/support patients to continue a clinical study which they started in Ukraine?

• Yes, pharmaceutical companies allow and support patients to continue a clinical study which they started in Ukraine. For more information on this please call:
• Roche Hotline: +36 146 182 58 (available in the following languages: Ukrainian, English, Russian);  +48 22 345 15 58 (Polish)
• Sanofi Hotline: +44 122 377 7070 (available in: Ukrainian and English)
• Janssen - contact person: +48 696 496 748 (Ukrainian and Polish)

Where and how can Ukrainian refugees apply to get official disabled status in Poland?

• The application for a decision should be submitted to the District Disability Adjudication Team, competent according to the place of residence.

Are there any benefits available for people with disabilities?

• https://www.pfron.org.pl/o-funduszu/programy-i-zadania-pfron/programy-i-zadania-real/pomoc-obywatelom-ukrainy-z-niepelnosprawnoscia/komunikaty/pomoc-dla-obywateli-ukrainy-z-niepelnosprawnoscia-na-zaopatrzenie-w-wyroby-medyczne/
•   https://wcpr.pl/osoby-niepelnosprawne/wsparcie-osob-niepelnosprawnych/pomoc-obywatelom-ukrainy-z-niepelnosprawnoscia-ua
•   For more information please call the Mudita Association Helpline dedicated to Ukrainian refugee families with disabilities. Helpline coordinators provide information and organizational support. The line operates daily 10.00 am – 6 pm at the number: +48 539 866 471 and at the e-mail address: ukraina@stowarzyeniemudita.pl (Ukrainian, Russian, Polish)