Litigation

Brain Injury Legislative Update

By Michael Kaplen

This week's brain injury legislative update has been prepared by the Brain Injury Association of America:

Health Care Reform Update
 
This week the Senate Finance Committee engaged in three daylong sessions to discuss various policy options that may be included in a Health Care Reform bill later this year.

As reported by Congressional Quarterly, Senator Baucus, the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, was not very enthusiastic when asked whether committee members had reached consensus on any issues. However, he did say that he sensed some common ground on broader issues and believes his committee is moving towards a "convergence" on these issues that are expected to be debated next month.

As always, BIAA will continue to monitor any health care reform related progress. 

Senate Finance Committee Health Care Delivery System Comments

On Friday, May 15, 2009, BIAA submitted comments to the Senate Finance Committee in response to their proposed set of recommendations regarding health care delivery system reform. 

BIAA expressed support for several recommendations with respect to the coordination of chronic conditions but also made clear within the submission that the organization is strongly opposed to the bundling of post-acute care as it applies to persons with brain injury. 

On Thursday May 21, 2009, The Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) launched a public awareness campaign focused on combating the stigma associated with seeking care and treatment for psychological health and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). 

The Real Warriors Web site features articles and resources as well as video interviews with service members, their families and others dealing with psychological health and/or TBI. 

BIAA has been an active partner in this campaign and will continue to work towards its success with the DCoE.

Full post as published by Brain Injury News and Information on May 23, 2009 (boomark / email).