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BIAA Announces 2021 Legislative Issue Briefs

February 24, 2021

Computer screen showing BIAA Legislative Issue Brief on Increasing Access to Care for Individuals with Brain Injury

Each year, the Brain Injury Association of America releases updated Legislative Issue Briefs detailing the critical public policy issues of importance to people with brain injury. Advocates are encouraged to use our issue briefs when working with national, state, and local government officials to educate them on topics ranging from access to care, research, and information about the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force. 

Advocacy To-Do List for Brain Injury Awareness Month:

  • Download the 2021 Legislative Issue Briefs.
  • Click here to find your elected officials.
  • Register for our virtual Brain Injury Awareness Day briefing.
  • Learn about the new #MoreThanMyBrainInjury campaign and download materials to share online.

BIAA is the Voice of Brain Injury on Capitol Hill. We advocate for greater access to care, expanded brain injury research, adequate resources for state programs, and increased congressional awareness of brain injury issues. Join our network of grassroots advocates and help improve care and support for individuals with brain injury at the federal and local level. Click here for a list of our current policy priorities.

About Brain Injury:

An acquired brain injury (ABI) is any injury to the brain that is not hereditary, congenital, degenerative, or induced by birth trauma. There are two types of ABI: non-traumatic and traumatic. Non-traumatic injuries arise from internal causes; traumatic injuries are caused by external forces. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 2.8 million children and adults sustain TBIs annually and at least 5.3 million people live with a TBI-related disability. The cost to society for medical care and lost wages associated with TBI is $76.5 billion (in 2010 dollars) annually.

Individuals with brain injury may experience memory loss, concentration or attention problems, slowed learning, and difficulty with planning, reasoning, or judgment. Emotional and behavioral consequences can include depression, anxiety, impulsivity, aggression, and thoughts of suicide. Physical challenges may include fatigue, headaches, difficulty with balance or motor skills, sensory loss, and seizures. Brain injury can lead to respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and neurological diseases – including epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. Poor outcomes after brain injury result from shortened lengths of stay in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings. Payers point to a lack of sufficient evidence-based research as a primary reason for coverage denial of medically necessary treatment. This occurs particularly when behavioral health services and cognitive rehabilitation are needed.

 

Stay connected with the brain injury community!

The Brain Injury Association of America has many educational opportunities, events, and resources that are shared throughout the year. Be sure to stay in the know by joining our mailing list.

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