BIAA News and Announcements

Supreme Court Upholds ACA

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Supreme Court today upheld the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-152, the “Affordable Care Act” or ACA), finding the individual mandate is constitutional under congressional taxing authority and that Medicaid expansion is constitutional but limited in terms of how states can be penalized. The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) is gratified by the decision. We led the fight to include rehabilitation as an essential health benefit under the law. BIAA will continue to advocate on behalf of individuals with brain injury and their families. Please watch our website for further analysis and visit the Advocacy and Government Affairs section for BIAA’s comments on proposed rules and regulations under the law.

Go here to view the remarks by President Obama on this decision.

BIAA Comments on Federally Facilitated Exchanges

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Last month, BIAA presented comments on the Health and Human Service’s (HHS’s) Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight’s (CCIIO’s) newly released “General Guidance on Federally Facilitated Exchanges. (FFE)” The Guidance describes the concept of the FFE, which will operate in states that do not have a fully operational state Exchange in place by 2014. BIAA made several observations and recommendations to Mike Hash, FFE’s interim director.

Click here to read BIAA’s recommendations and observations.

On Anniversary of Olmstead, Obama Admin. Reaffirms Commitment to Help Americans with Disabilities

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

[From the White House] On June 22, 1999, the Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead v. L.C. the unjustified institutional isolation of people with disabilities is a form of unlawful discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Obama Administration has made significant progress continuing to enforce Olmstead as well as more broadly helping to level the playing field for people with disabilities.

“Olmstead affirmed the rights of Americans with disabilities to live in their communities,” said President Obama. “As we mark the anniversary of this historic civil rights decision, we reaffirm our commitment to fighting discrimination, and to addressing the needs and concerns of those living with disabilities.”

In April of this year, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the creation of the Administration for Community Living (ACL), which brings together key HHS organizations and offices dedicated to improving the lives of those with functional needs into one coordinated, focused and stronger entity. ACL combined the Administration on Aging, the Office on Disability and the Administration on Developmental Disabilities into a single agency that supports both cross-cutting initiatives and efforts focused on the unique needs of individual groups, such as children with developmental disabilities or seniors with dementia. This agency will work on increasing access to community supports and achieving full community participation for people with disabilities and seniors.

HHS also has worked closely with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to develop and subsidize rental housing for very low-income adults with disabilities and implement the new Section 811 Project Rental Assistance Program, which will assist extremely low-income adults with disabilities in accessing integrated affordable housing. Last month, HUD announced a new $85 million funding opportunity under the Section 811 program for state housing agencies that meet certain eligibility criteria, including having a partnership with a state health and human services agency and Medicaid agency, to provide essential support and services that help people live in integrated settings in the community. This funding opportunity works to align critical health and housing services and aims to assure integration by promoting Medicaid efforts to serve people in the most appropriate integrated setting.

The Department of Justice also continues to enforce the ADA and Olmstead. Over the last three years, the Civil Rights Division at the Department has been involved in more than 40 Olmstead matters in 25 states. Recently, in Virginia, the Department entered into a landmark settlement agreement with the Commonwealth, which will shift Virginia’s developmental disabilities system from one heavily reliant on large, state-run institutions to one focused on safe, individualized, and community-based services that promote integration, independence and full participation by people with disabilities in community life. The agreement expands and strengthens every aspect of the Commonwealth’s system of serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in integrated settings, and it does so through a number of services and supports. The Department has a website dedicated to Olmstead enforcement, which includes links to settlements, briefs, findings letters, and other materials.

Nominations Now Accepted for BIAA’s Esteemed Awards

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The Brain Injury Association of America seeks nominations for outstanding researchers and clinicians for recognition.

The William Fields Caveness Award recognizes the individual who, through research on both a national and international level, has made outstanding contributions to bettering the lives of people who have sustained brain injury.

The Sheldon Berrol, M.D. Clinical Service Award recognizes the individual who, through a long service career, has made outstanding contributions to improving the quality of care, professional training and/or education in the field of brain injury.

Both awards will be presented at the October 9-13, 2012, joint Conference of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and American Society of Neurorehabilitation in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

The nomination form for both awards is here. All nominations must be received by 5 p.m. ET July 18, 2012. For more information, contact Marianna Abashian.

Previous Sheldon Berrol, M.D. Clinical Service Award Recipients:
1988 Mitchell Rosenthal, Ph.D.
1989 Muriel D. Lezak, Ph.D.
1990 Thomas E. Kay, Ph.D.
1991 L. Don Lehmkuhl, Ph.D.
1992 Guy L. Clifton, M.D.
1993 Nathaniel Mayer, M.D.
1994 Jeffrey S. Kreutzer, Ph.D.
1995 James P. Kelly, M.D.
1996 Randall Matthew Chestnut, M.D.
1997 Anne-Lise Christensen, Dr.h.c.
1998 Jam Ghajar, M.D., Ph.D.
1999 Catherine F. Bontke, M.D.
2000 Kathleen B. Fralish, Ph.D.
2001 Douglas Katz, M.D.
2002 Roberta DePompei, Ph.D.
2010 Jeffrey Englander, M.D.
2011 Nathan D. Zasler, M.D.

Previous William Caveness Award Recipient1981 W. Bryan Jennett, M.D., FRCS
1982 Yehuda Ben-Yishay, Ph.D.
1983 Sheldon Berrol, M.D.
1984 Thomas Gennarelli, M.D., FRCS
1985 Harvey S. Levin, Ph.D.
1986 Lawrence F. Marshall, Ph.D.
1987 Leonard Diller, Ph.D.
1988 Donald P. Becker, M.D.
1989 Murray Goldstein, DO, MPH
1990 George P. Prigatano, Ph.D.
1991 John T. Povlishock, Ph.D.
1992 Robert G. Grossman, M.D.
1993 Freda Gladys Newcombe, Ph.D.
1994 Howard M. Eisenberg, M.D.
1995 Anthony Marmarou, Ph.D.
1996 Andres M. Salazar, M.D.
1997 Raj K. Narayan, M.D., FACS
1998 John A. Jane, Sr., M.D., Ph.D., FRCS(c)
1999 Tracy Kahl McIntosh, Ph.D.
2000 Sureyya Dikmen, Ph.D.
2001 John D. Corrigan, Ph.D.
2002 John Whyte, M.D., Ph.D.
2010 Wayne A. Gordon, Ph.D., ABPP/Cn
2011 Flora M. Hammond, M.D.

HHS Announces Availability of State Funding

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on May 31, 2012, announced a new $25 million funding opportunity made possible by the Affordable Care Act to help states strengthen and expand their ability to help seniors and people with disabilities access home and community-based long-term services and supports. Over the next one to three years, funding will support Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) in nearly every state.

Each year, more seniors, people with disabilities and their families are confronted with often challenging decisions about how to obtain the long-term services and supports they need. Choices range from care in their home to care in a nursing home; social supports for daily living to home health care; transportation to physical therapy to name a few. ADRCs will make it easier for people to learn about and access the services that are available in their communities and best meet their needs.

“We are pleased to make it easier for Americans to get the care and support they need where they need it,” said Secretary Sebelius. “This opportunity, supported by the new health care law, will help states continue to improve their long-term service and support systems.”

The initiative, known as the Aging and Disability Resource Center Program, is established through a partnership between the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

The VHA will make an additional $27 million available over three years in ADRC-funded states through the VA Medical Centers. This funding will increase access to home and community-based services for veterans through ADRC programs.

"Veterans with disabilities are increasingly looking for services that help them remain in their own homes with their loved ones," said VA Under Secretary for Health Robert A. Petzel. This“offers one more opportunity for VA to continue to thank our Veterans by providing them support in a setting of their choice, in this case their own home."

The ADRC Program will help state agencies administer and better coordinate state and federal long-term service and support programs for older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans with disabilities. Approximately eight states will be competitively selected to accelerate the development over a three-year period of the creation of single entry point models, which provides one-on-one options counseling to streamline the intake and eligibility determination processes for consumers accessing long-term service and support programs.

Kathy Greenlee, ACL’s administrator and assistant secretary for aging, said, “Options counseling is an important tool that can provide custom-tailored advice about all the services available in a person’s community, reducing unnecessary time and energy spent searching for answers in a variety of places.”

“We want these programs to serve as high-performing ‘one-stop shop’ models across the country,” said CMS’ Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner.

In addition to accelerating activities in the eight states selected, funding will be provided by ACL to up to 40 states next year to support their current ADRC programs. This will help them develop a sustainable infrastructure that is critical to ensuring ongoing coordinated access to services.

This announcement is part of the Obama administration’s long-standing commitment to ensure that seniors, people with disabilities, and those living with chronic illness have the necessary services and supports to stay in their own homes when they wish to do so. In April, Secretary Sebelius announced the creation of the new ACL, bringing together key HHS offices dedicated to improving the lives of Americans with functional needs into one coordinated, stronger entity. This new agency, which acts as a key partner in today’s announcement, will work on increasing access to community supports and achieving full community participation for seniors and people with disabilities.

Go here for more information on the Administration for Community Living.

CQ Researcher Releases Special Report on TBI

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

CQ Researcher just released a special, comprehensive report on traumatic brain injury. BIAA was one of the main sources of information for this piece, which covers diagnosis and treatment of TBI, a chronology, the possible tie to dementia, and much more. Go here to download a copy of this special report. If you would like to purchase additional copies of the report, go here.

UDATE Rep. Pascrell Introduces Legislation to Broaden Scope of Federal Support for TBI Programs

Tue, 29 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ), co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, held a news conference on May 30, 2012, at the Kessler Institute on legislation to better serve the millions of Americans who have sustained traumatic brain injury. Joining Rep. Pascrell were a number of the nation's leaders in the research and treatment of traumatic brain injury, including BIAA President and CEO Susan H. Connors. Please click here to read Susan Connors' remarks. Click here for the Media Alert.

Spring issue of THE Challenge Focuses on Community Resources

Tue, 29 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The spring issue of BIAA's quarterly publication, THE Challenge!, is ready for download. Check out the many wonderful articles about community resources, including Dr. Janet Williams' cover story on transitioning to community life after a brain injury. Cindy Daniels provides helpful tips on how to prepare for an emergency. BIAA spring intern, Meg Woodbury, interviewed members of BIAA's Alumni Council for their tips and suggestions for reintegration following a brain injury. And you can read all about BIAA's new board members. Click here to download the spring issue, and click here to see all of the past issues of THE Challenge! going back to 2008.

Helmet Replacement and Education Partnership Launches

Mon, 21 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

CDC’s Heads Up program joined with multiple sports entities and equipment manufacturers (see list below) to launch a youth football safety and helmet replacement program for youth in underserved communities. The effort, initiated by CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum, is expected to educate thousands of youth football coaches on vital health and safety issues, including concussion, and provide nearly 13,000 new helmets to youth football players in low-income communities beginning in July 2012.

To help get concussion information into the hands of coaches, CDC’s Heads Up concussion resources on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to a suspected concussion are incorporated throughout the program.

The goal is to remove 10 year or older helmets in under-served areas and provide eligible leagues with new helmets for their players. Applications are being accepting for a pilot of the program that will be facilitated in New York, NY; Cleveland, OH; New Orleans, LA; and San Francisco and Oakland, CA prior to the 2012 youth football season. Go HERE for the application (due May 23, 2012).

Learn More
• Helmet Replacement Program
• CDC Heads Up Educational Materials

Partners:
NFL, NFL Players Association, USA Football, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Athletic Equipment Reconditioners Association (NAERA), NCAA, National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE), Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA), Rawlings, Riddell, Schutt, and Xenith is supported by U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission

BIAA Applauds Victory for Coverage of Cognitive Rehabilitation

Thu, 10 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) applauds the recent decision by Maximus®, a national leader in independent health appeals services, to overturn a denial by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi for cognitive rehabilitation for James Butler of Madison, Miss. Mr. Butler sustained a stroke in October 2010.

The external analysis states: “In a review of the literature concerning patients that receive cognitive rehabilitation, the conclusion reached is that ‘there is sufficient information to support evidence protocols and implement empirically-supported treatments for cognitive disability after traumatic brain injury and stroke.’ This patient’s neurorehabilitation is consistent with established programs in the treatment of chronic stroke and the literature indicates that cognitive rehabilitation is not experimental or investigational in nature. The use of cognitive rehabilitation is clearly medically necessary and is consistent with good medical practice for this diagnosis.”

The review concludes, “Cognitive rehabilitation meets the health plan’s definition of ‘medical necessity’ as it is appropriate with regard to current standards of good medical practice and is not solely for the convenience of the member or his provider.”Through a year-long appeals process, the decision of the external review, which was just handed down, was to overturn the denial.

The potential use of this precedent for people who have sustained a traumatic brain injury or stroke is very important.

“Coverage for cognitive rehabilitation has been a centerpiece of BIAA’s advocacy efforts for the past six years,” said Susan H. Connors, president and CEO. “BIAA will continue its efforts to bring attention to the nationwide disparities in access to medically necessary treatment, including cognitive rehabilitation, for individuals with brain injury.”

According to Ms. Connors, “Getting a treatment (in this case, cognitive rehabilitation) acknowledged as a viable treatment is only the first hurdle in accessing care. Public and private payers of all types will cover a service if and only if all other conditions are met, including if the treatment is deemed ‘medically-necessary.’” Medicare and Medicaid have no national policy for brain-trauma rehabilitation, Connors says. Private insurers' coverage varies considerably. Most say they cover cognitive therapy and other brain-injury services, but each policy carries limitations.

The benefits of cognitive rehabilitation have been discussed in more than 700 published research studies and are evident in positron emission tomography (PET) scans and other neuroimaging techniques in both human beings and animal models. Numerous scientific organizations and professional associations have adopted treatment guidelines or position statements in support of cognitive rehabilitation for individuals with brain injury. Federal and state governments have acknowledged the value of cognitive rehabilitation by allocating taxpayer funds for services. Lawmakers in selected states have required private insurance companies to include cognitive rehabilitation and related therapies in their accident and health insurance policies. Because of the growing body of testimonials and evidence-based literature, more and more payers are covering cognitive rehabilitation treatment.

Many patients and their families do not realize rehabilitation services are available. "Patients have no idea," said Dr. Brent Masel, national medical director for BIAA. "Insurance companies don't want people to know that there's another step after they leave the hospital."

Mary Hawkins Butler, wife of James Butler, fought tirelessly on her husband’s behalf. She recognized this decision could also benefit many, many more people. Ms. Butler said, “The mission was that something good would come out of this for others. I hope this ruling is just the beginning. No one with a brain injury should be put in ‘storage’ to live out their life because they are not allowed the coverage that would offer the rehabilitation to restore their dignity and give them the quality of life they deserve,” as her husband has been able to achieve. “I hope the house of cards that prevents people from getting cognitive rehabilitation from their insurance providers comes tumbling down because it is so wrong and such an injustice to the people who have already experienced such a loss to not have an avenue of hope.”

Click here for the full press release.
Click here the timeline of BIAA’s advocacy efforts in support of cognitive rehabilitation services.

New Brain Injury Resources Posted by BIAA

Thu, 03 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

BIAA has posted three new Fact Sheets with basic information about brain injuries and the Brain Injury Association of America to its website. Feel free to print or link to any of BIAA’s Fact Sheets.

About Brain Injury includes typical causes and symptoms of both Traumatic Brain Injury and Acquired Brain Injury, as well as tips to aid in recovery.

Brain Injury Statistics is a one-pager reference sheet including the latest statistics on brain injuries, as well as references.

About Brain Injury Association of America gives an overview of the products and services provided by BIAA.

BIAA thanks Meg Woodbury for working with us to produce these new Fact Sheets. Meg is a senior at the University of Maryland and expects to graduate in May 2012 with a B.S. in Community Health from the School of Public Health. As a part of her program of study, Meg accepted a fulltime internship with the Brain Injury Association of America for the spring semester. As an intern, she helps maintain the National Brain Injury Information Center, create fact sheets, and attend meetings and events on Capitol Hill. Meg is applying to medical school for the fall of 2013. Eventually, she would like to become a neurologist and continue to work in the field of brain injury.

Go here to see all of BIAA's Fact Sheets.

BIAA Announces Upcoming Webinars

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Register now for the Brain Injury Association of America's upcoming webinars. Please note that payment must be received by 5 p.m. ET two business days prior to the webinar. If you miss the deadline, you can purchase the recorded webinar in our bookstore.

Thursday, May 10, 2012, at 3 p.m. ET:

Resource Facilitation
Lance Trexler, Ph.D.
Business of Brain Injury Webinar

Dr. Trexler will discuss results of current research on the utilization of resource facilitation.

Registration Price: $55
Continuing Education awarded: 1 hour

Registration closes at 5 p.m. ET on May 8.
Click here for more information. Information on how to join the webinar will be sent to registrants on May 9.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012, at 11 a.m. ET:

TBI in Prisoners
Professor Huw Williams
Rosenthal Memorial Lecture

Dr. Williams, guest editor of the current issue of the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, will discuss the issue and his own research.

Registration Price: $55
Continuing Education awarded: 1 hour

Registration closes at 5 p.m. ET on May 18.
Click here for more information. Information on how to join the webinar will be sent to registrants on May 21.

Monday, June 11, 2012, at 3 p.m. ET:

Use of Amantadine in Severe TBI
Joseph Giacino, PhD, John Whyte, M.D., Ph.D., and Emilia Bagiella, Ph.D.
Strauss Memorial Lecture

ACBIS Certificant Registration Price: $50
Non-Certificant Registration Price: $55
Continuing Education awarded: 1 hour

Registration closes at 5 p.m. ET on June 7.
Click here for more information. Information on how to join the webinar will be sent to registrants on June 8.

Thursday, July 19, 2012, at 3 p.m. ET:

Get Things Done & Have Some Fun with Smart Devices
Michelle Ranae Wild, M.A.
Caregiver's Education Series

Registration Price: $30
Continuing Education awarded: 1 hour

Registration closes at 5 p.m. ET on July 17.
Click here for more information. Information on how to join the webinar will be sent to registrants on July 18.

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U.S. Dept. of Labor Announces Availability of $20 Million in Grants

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of approximately $20 million in grants to fund cooperative agreements that will improve educational, training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

These grants represent the third round of funding through the Disability Employment Initiative, a joint program of the Labor Department’s Employment and Training Administration and its Office of Disability Employment Policy.

“These grants are a wise investment in America’s greatest resource, our nation’s workers,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “The mission of the programs awarded under these grants will be to improve services for people with disabilities so they can more easily and effectively participate in the workforce.”

Grants will be awarded to state workforce agencies, which will collaborate with local workforce investment boards. Programs supported by the grants will build upon the Labor Department’s Disability Program Navigator Initiative and other models of service delivery strategies. The department anticipates awarding six to 10 grants, ranging from $1.5 to $6 million, to be spent over a three-year period.

The complete solicitation for grant applications is available here. Prospective applicants are encouraged to view the online tutorial “Grant Applications 101: A Plain English Guide to ETA Competitive Grants” here.

BIAA Advocates for Funding Increases for TBI Programs

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

On April 12, 2012, BIAA submitted FY13 written testimony to both the Senate and House Appropriations Subcommittees on Labor Health and Human Services and Related Agencies. Both letters proposed the following funding increases for TBI Act programs and the TBI Model Systems of Care Program:

•   $10 million (+ $4 million) for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention TBI Registries and Surveillance, Brain Injury Acute Care Guidelines, Prevention and National Public Education/Awareness

•   $8 million (+ $1 million) for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Federal TBI State Grant Program

•   $4 million (+ $1 million) for the HRSA Federal TBI Protection & Advocacy (P&A) Systems Grant Program

• $11 million (+ $1.5 million) for the TBI Model Systems of Care Program, and line item status within the broader NIDRR budget

Go here to view the testimony submitted to the Senate.
Go here to view the testimony submitted to the House.

BIAA Increases Understanding of Brain Injury During Brain Injury Awareness Month

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

As Brain Injury Awareness Month comes to a close, BIAA would like to reflect on some of our accomplishments and thank everyone who participated in Brain Injury Awareness Month events.

On March 19, 2012, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled “A Review of Efforts to Prevent and Treat Traumatic Brain Injury.” Dr. Mark Ashley testified on behalf of the Brain Injury Association of America. You can read Dr. Ashley’s testimony and watch the hearing by going here.

BIAA staff and members of BIAA’s Business and Professional Council met March 21, 2012, with several key agencies and organizations that will be involved in implementing aspects of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, including:

•   American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association to exchange ideas on inpatient rehabilitation and the concept of Continuing Care Hospitals

•   National Quality Forum to discuss measurers that pertain to brain injury treatment and care.

•   Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to educate MedPAC statisticians and policy analysts about brain injury and discuss the impact of bundling of payments for post-acute care in brain injury.

•   Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) to discuss the differences in neurological rehabilitation as compared to orthopedic rehabilitation.

•   Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to discuss the draft priorities for comparative effectiveness research required by the health reform law.

•   CMS Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to discuss innovations that could make brain injury rehabilitation and long-term care more available, acceptable and affordable for individuals who sustain injuries and public and private payers.

On March 21, 2012, Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) and Representative Todd Russell Platts (R-PA) introduced the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Act, H.R. 4238. The Brain Injury Association of America, along with TBI stakeholders, looks forward to committee action on the TBI Act and a companion bill introduced in the U.S. Senate.

BIAA thanks the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force for a successful Brain Injury Awareness Day, which was held March 21, 2012! Thank you to everyone who participated in the events and met with their Senators and Representative to spread awareness for brain injury. This year, BIAA and 35 TBI stakeholders exhibited at the Brain Injury Fair held in the Rayburn House Office Building. Reps. Bill Pascrell, Jr. and Todd Platts, co-chairs of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, held a news conference on the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Act, H.R. 4238 followed by a briefing entitled; “Traumatic Brain Injury, Anytime, Anyone, Any Age”. After the briefing, The Brain Injury Association of America presented Rep. Platts with an award for his service as co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force since 2005. Rep. Platts plans to retire at the end of this Congress after serving the 19th district of Pennsylvania since 2001. The day ended in celebration at a reception hosted by Reps. Pascrell and Platts in the Rayburn House Office Building. The staff at BIAA looks forward to seeing everyone again at Brain Injury Awareness Day in 2013!

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

There are only a few days left in March to celebrate Brain Injury Awareness Month! What are YOU doing to spread the word? Go here to download the new graphics and the promotion guide. Go here to follow us on Facebook and here to follow us on Twitter.

'WHACK'ed' Exhibit Artist Featured on CNN

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

"WHACK'ed...and then everything was different," a solo art exhibition by artist Eliette Markhbein which honors people with traumatic brain injury (TBI), was featured today on CNN (go here to see the clip and read the story). The exhibition runs through April 15 at MSB Gallery in New York City. Together with the Brain Injury Association of America and the Society for the Arts in Healthcare, Ms. Markhbein plans to auction the TBI Portraits to underwrite the development of a pilot Artist-in-Residence program to serve people with TBI in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities.

White House Issues New Report on Affordable Care Act

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The White House today released a new report highlighting the benefits of the Affordable Care Act. The report discusses how the Affordable Care Act has improved the health care system for millions of Americans and includes stories of Americans who have been helped by the law. Go here to see the full report.

“Today, two years after we passed health care reform, more young adults have insurance, more seniors are saving money on their prescription drugs, and more Americans can rest easy knowing they won’t be dropped from their insurance plans if they get sick,” said President Obama. “The law has made a difference for millions of Americans, and over time, it will help give even more working and middle-class families the security they deserve.”

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act:

•   2.5 million more young adults have health insurance on their parent’s plan.
•   5.1 million people with Medicare saved an average of $635 on the cost of their prescription drugs. And everyone on Medicare can get preventive services like mammograms for free.
•   Insurance companies must spend at least 80 percent of your premium dollars on health care and not overhead and cannot raise your premiums by 10 percent or more with no accountability.
•   It is illegal for insurance companies to deny coverage to children because of a pre-existing condition. And in 2014, discriminating against anyone with a pre-existing condition will be illegal.

The report released today also discusses how the new law is investing in public health and improving the quality of health care for all Americans. New health policies that cut red tape will save providers and health plans an estimated $12 billion. Additionally, investments in public health will expand the number of health care providers in underserved areas by supporting the National Health Service Corps and strengthening community health centers.

For additional information on your State and stories from Americans already benefitting from the law, go here.

New: Press Conference on Brain Injury Awareness Day - March 21, 2012

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill will be held Wednesday, March 21, 2012. As in years past, there will be an awareness fair, briefing and reception. A Press Conference has just been added to the schedule. See below for details.

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Brain Injury Awareness Fair
First Floor Foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Press Conference: REP. PASCRELL TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO BROADEN THE SCOPE OF FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY PROGRAMS
Capitol Visitors Center, Congressional Meeting Room – North
Click here for more information.

Changes to the TBI Act of 2005 will make treatment available to more Americans. U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ), co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, will hold a brief news conference to announce his legislation that would broaden the scope of federal support for traumatic brain injury programs.

Also participating will be: U.S. Rep. Todd Russell Platts (R-PA), Co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force; Jordan Grafman, Ph.D., Director of Traumatic Brain Injury Research, Kessler Foundation; and Susan Connors, President and CEO, Brain Injury Association of America.

2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Briefing: “The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury: Any Time, Anyone, Any Age”
Capitol Visitors Center – Congressional Meeting Room North
Click Here for the full briefing schedule and list of panelists.

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Reception Celebrating Brain Injury Awareness Month
B-354, Rayburn House Office Building

Navigating Capitol Hill

Please follow this map of the key House and Senate buildings to help you navigate Capitol Hill.

*BIAA will provide printed maps of the Senate and House buildings as well as easy to follow Issue Briefs outlining the issues that you will be advocating for in your meetings -- visit the BIAA booth during the Fair to pick up your materials. Electronic versions of the Issue Briefs are posted here. BIAA will also provide color copies at the Brain Injury Awareness Fair. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Amy Colberg, director of government affairs.

BIAA is committed to helping the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force plan a successful event. Stay tuned for more details including a list of speakers for the briefing.

Dr. Mark Ashley to Testify for BIAA at TBI Hearing March 19

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Dr. Mark Ashley, co-founder and president/CEO of Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS), will testify on behalf of the Brain Injury Association of America at a hearing for the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, focused on “A Review of Efforts to Prevent and Treat Traumatic Brain Injury.” This hearing will take place at 3 p.m. Monday, March 19, 2012, in the Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C., in room 2123. Other witnesses include representatives from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the National Association of State Head Injury Administration (NASHIA), and Dr. Flaura Winston; a pediatrician practicing in Pennsylvania.

Click here to download Dr. Ashley's testimony.

Click here to view the full hearing on C-SPAN.

Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill is Wednesday, March 21

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill will be held Wednesday, March 21, 2012. As in years past, there will be an awareness fair, briefing and reception. The full schedule for the day is as follows:

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Brain Injury Awareness Fair
First Floor Foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building

2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Briefing: “The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury: Any Time, Anyone, Any Age”
Capitol Visitors Center – Congressional Meeting Room North
Click Here for the full briefing schedule

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Reception Celebrating Brain Injury Awareness Month
B-354, Rayburn House Office Building

Other Activities

BIAA strongly encourages everyone who plans to attend Brain Injury Awareness Day to make appointments with their Representatives and Senators to advocate for increased funding for the programs authorized through the TBI Act. Please see tips below:

Congressional Appointments

To find House of Representatives information, go here:

Type in your ZIP code to locate your representative. Click on your member’s link for their website where you will find their office location and phone number.

To find Senate information, go here:

Select your state and view Senators’ individual websites for office location and phone number.

When calling the main number of the Senator or Representative, ask to meet with the health legislative assistant (House) or the health policy staff (Senate).

• Make sure to let them know that you are a constituent.
• Ask them for a few minutes of their time on March 21, 2012 to discuss the need for increased resources for brain injury programs in their state.

Sample script:
"Hello ______________ my name is ______________________. I am a constituent of yours and will be visiting Capitol Hill on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 as part of Brain Injury Awareness Day. Could I have a few minutes on that day to talk to you about (state’s) brain injury resources and how they affect the brain injury community in your district/state?"

Navigating Capitol Hill

If you are coming in from out of town and require a hotel, below you will find a list of accommodations within a few miles of Capitol Hill:

Hyatt Regency

Courtyard, Marriott

Capitol Hill Suites

Hotel George

Marriott, Residence Inn

Please follow this map of the key House and Senate buildings to help you navigate Capitol Hill.

*BIAA will provide printed maps of the Senate and House buildings as well as easy to follow Issue Briefs outlining the issues that you will be advocating for in your meetings -- visit the BIAA booth during the Fair to pick up your materials. Electronic versions of the Issue Briefs are posted here. BIAA will also provide color copies at the Brain Injury Awareness Fair. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Amy Colberg, director of government affairs.

BIAA is committed to helping the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force plan a successful event. Stay tuned for more details including a list of speakers for the briefing.

2012 BIAA Issue Briefs Available

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

BIAA has released its updated Issue Briefs for all advocates to use when meeting with national, state and local government officials. The five Issue Briefs provide important information about critical public policy issues for people with brain injury, including: military, access to care, research, TBI Act appropriations and reauthorization, and membership in the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force. Go here to download the 2012 Issue Briefs.

Winter Issue of THE Challenge! Ready for Download

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The winter issue of THE Challenge! focuses on advocacy and the introduction of BIAA's new theme for Brain Injury Awareness month (March 2012). We have provided the tools for you to use to bring national attention to our cause by speaking out, speaking up and showing everyone that brain injuries can and do happen anytime, anywhere, and to anyone. Brain injuries do not discriminate. In this issue, you will find tips and suggestions for how you can be an advocate for our cause and spread the word. Click here to download now.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month!

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. A brain injury can happen anytime, anywhere, to anyone. Brain injuries do not discriminate. Did you know that 1.7 million people will sustain a brain injury each year? An injury that happens in an instant can bring a lifetime of physical, cognitive and behavior challenges and early, equal and adequate access to care will greatly increase overall quality of life. Please go here to download the new graphics and a promotion guide, which provide many ideas for how to participate and spread the word.

The Brain Injury Association joins a nationwide network of state brain injury organizations affiliated with BIAA, including self-advocates, families and volunteers across the nation to mark Brain Injury Awareness Month this March. “Brain Injury Awareness Month honors the millions of people with brain injury, who with proper acute care, therapeutic rehabilitation and adequate long-term supports, are living with the successes and challenges that each day brings,” said Susan H. Connors, president/CEO of the Brain Injury Association of America. “Our goals this year are to continue to sustain and bolster brain injury programs, increase access to care and preserve vital brain injury research.”

“Since anyone can sustain a brain injury at any time, it is important for everyone to have access to comprehensive rehabilitation and ongoing disease management,” said Dr. Brent Masel, national medical director for the Brain Injury Association of America. “Doing so eases medical complications, permanent disability, family dysfunction, job loss, homelessness, impoverishment, medical indigence, suicide and involvement with the criminal or juvenile justice system. Access to early, comprehensive treatment for brain injury also alleviates the burden of long term care that is transferred to tax payers at the federal, state and local levels.”

Our mission is to be the voice of brain injury. Through advocacy, education and research, we bring help, hope and healing to millions of individuals living with brain injury, their families and the professionals who serve them.

HHS Provides FAQ on Essential Health Benefits

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released a ‘frequently asked questions’ document (FAQ) on the essential health benefits bulletin that was released in December 2011. Go here to download the FAQ on essential health benefits.

HHS stated it will release regulations to the Affordable Care Act in the near future. BIAA is closely monitoring this issue and will update stakeholders as new information related to the Affordable Care Act is released from HHS.

Santa Clara Brain Injury Conference Feb. 23-25

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The 2012 Santa Clara Valley Brain Injury Conference: Building on the Legacy of Coma to Community, takes place Feb. 23-25, 2012, at the Dolce Hayes Mansion in San Jose, California. There is still time to secure your spot at the west coast's premier brain injury conference! Go here for more information and to register.

Five reasons you do not want to miss this event:

1.   The content: From cutting-edge stem cell research to practical rehabilitation and post-acute applications, this event has more than 40 sessions and is filled to the brim with useful information. Concurrent sessions cover return to work and community, medical complexity, innovative treatment approaches, advocacy, and military and veteran issues.
2.   The speakers: This is your opportunity to listen, meet and network with the leaders in the field of brain injury treatment. Keynote presenters include Chris Nowinski, co-founder and president of the Sports Legacy Institute; Alan Brightman, vice president of Global Accessibility at YAHOO!; George Visger, TBI advocate and former defensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers; and Dr. Shane Mcnamee, M.D., medical director General Inpatient Rehabilitation & Chief PM&R Service.
3.   The value: The conference is held at the beautiful Dolce Hayes Mansion in San Jose. Breakfast and lunch are being provided as part of the low 2-day cost of $400 (or 1-day cost of $200). Pair this with the number of CME hours provided (13 hours for the general conference, up to 19 hours for both the pre-conference and the general conference) and you have an educational value that can't be beat. Some brain injury conferences offering far less variety are charging from two to five times this registration cost.
4.   The recognition: This event has been endorsed by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Brain Injury Association of America, and the International Brain Injury Association. You can't have a better pedigree.
5.   The venue: San Jose weather is generally mild in late February and the venue itself brings a major contribution to the conference. The resort-like setting with its built-in amenities and a low level of distraction make it easier to focus on the information and the people. The site provides a more intimate sense of a retreat. Close to San Francisco, the wine country, and the beach. What more could you ask for in a location?

The Santa Clara Valley Brain Injury Conference is planned in collaboration with a host of community-based service providers, including Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, the Veterans Administration, the Department of Rehabilitation, and the Brain Injury Association of California.

TBI Portraits Exhibition Opening March 15

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

WHACK'ed...and then everything was different, the world premiere of a touring exhibition of the TBI Portraits opens March 15, 2012, at MSB Gallery in New York City. The solo exhibition by artist Eliette Markhbein honors survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI) who changed perceptions of TBI and disability in general and became role models for millions of others. The exhibition is one of hundreds of events across the country celebrating Brain Injury Awareness Month in March. Go here to see more about the exhibition.

Together with the Brain Injury Association of America and the Society for the Arts in Healthcare, Ms. Markhbein plans to auction the TBI Portraits to underwrite the development of a pilot Artist-in-Residence program to serve people with TBI in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. The opening reception is sponsored by Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine and the exhibition runs from March 15 to April 15.

Important Information Regarding the President’s Fiscal Year 2013 Budget Proposal

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

After analyzing President Barack Obama’s proposed FY2013 budget, BIAA is pleased to report that programs authorized by the TBI Act, including the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Federal TBI Program and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) important TBI work, have both been recommended to receive level funding found in FY11 final and FY12 CR appropriations bills. The funding would include $10 million for HRSA and just under $7 million for CDC. In the current fiscal climate, this is good news for TBI advocates. This would indicate TBI funding is not on the chopping block when the government is looking to cut a trillion and a half dollars in federal spending.

The CDC collects data, links both military and civilian populations with TBI services, increases public awareness, and conducts public health research. The HRSA Federal TBI Program funds 21 states to improve systems coordination access to care for people with brain injury.

On another note, the budget recommends reducing funds for the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) of the U.S. Department of Education. In FY 2012, NIDRR was funded at $109 million with FY 2013 funding to be decreased to $107 million.

NIDRR administers grants to the TBI Model Systems, which is a collection of research centers located across the United States that conduct disability and rehabilitation research. The TBI Model Systems are the only source of non-proprietary longitudinal data on what happens to people with brain injury. The TBI Model Systems are a key source of evidence-based medicine, and serve as a “proving ground” for future researchers.

The funding decrease was to the overall budget of NIDRR, not the TBI Model Systems. BIAA will address the issue with both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to ensure that Congress is aware of the importance of full funding for NIDRR.

BIAA will continue to work to ensure that legislators understand the importance of these programs and how they affect the 1.7 million people across the United States with brain injury. Grassroots advocates should be ready for appropriations alerts to drive home this vital message this spring.

BIAA Unveils New Brain Injury Awareness Month Campaign

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The Brain Injury Association of America is happy to unveil a new, multi-year campaign for Brain Injury Awareness Month -- March 2012. The Strategy & Long Term Planning Committee of BIAA worked hard over the past year to develop a campaign theme and strategy that is broad reaching and adaptable for all affiliates and communities. The new theme is:

Brain Injury: Anytime, Anywhere, Anyone. The supporting message is: Brain Injuries do not discriminate.

BIAA has developed materials to support the new theme and we encourage you to use them anywhere and everywhere you can. Please go here to download the new flyer/poster and fact sheet. And keep checking back here for updates on how you can get involved.

Fight for the CLASS Act Continues - Call your Representative Today

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote today on the Fiscal Responsibility and Retirement Security Act (H.R. 1173) a bill that would repeal the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act.

If you want to help protect the CLASS Act, please call 855-218-2109 to connect with Congress. Here is what you can tell your legislators:

I strongly support the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act. Please oppose H. R. 1173, which would repeal the program.

The primary public program now covering long-term services and supports is Medicaid.

The CLASS Act was designed to be a fiscally responsible alternative that will encourage more personal responsibility and give American families a structure for planning for their own long-term care costs.

Every family needs this protection. No one has proposed a better alternative to CLASS Act for financing long-term services and supports.

Please allow continued dialogue on the CLASS Act and development of a viable program moving forward.

Background: CLASS addresses the need for long-term care in the United States in a completely voluntary way that honors the need for consumer choice, dignity and independence – without forcing people to impoverish themselves to qualify for Medicaid. If CLASS is repealed without an alternative being put into place, the need for a coordinated long-term care system will only grow, as will the financial strain on Medicaid. The need for the program is reflected in its popularity with the American people. According to a joint Kaiser Family Foundation/Harvard School of Public Health poll, 76 percent of Americans support CLASS - including 69 percent of Republicans, 71 percent of Independents, and 87 percent of Democrats.

Current attempts to repeal the CLASS Act really have nothing to do with CLASS – they are part of a continuing attempt to bring down health reform. On November 2, 2011, after Senator Thune’s attempt to repeal CLASS without debate or discussion, Senator Sessions stated, “I think this is a death knell for the entire health care concept.”

Allowing CLASS to be repealed gives health reform opponents a long-sought political victory – without holding them accountable for solutions on long-term care. Opponents have not produced their own viable alternative to CLASS, and are willing to let the millions of Americans in need of long-term services and supports fend for themselves in a broken patchwork of programs.

Repealing CLASS is no solution at all. Simply allowing CLASS to be repealed does nothing to address the dire need for real long-term care solutions. CLASS is not perfect, but repealing it without replacing it will not solve our growing long-term care crisis. Seniors, people with disabilities, and their caregivers have waited long enough for Congress to focus on this problem.

Preserving CLASS provides a framework for Congress to move forward effectively. This may involve working with some of the fiscally responsible options put forth by the CLASS Act actuary, tweaking or amending the law, and/or developing additional alternatives; but repealing CLASS turns out the light on real efforts to solve the problem.