With SB 28, MBIPC Notes Legislative Acknowledgment of a Looming Crisis of Care; Group Urges Collaboration in Determining Permanent Fix

Tonight’s House passage of an amended version of SB 28 shows need for continued legislative commitment to protecting Michigan’s vulnerable

BRIGHTON, Mich. – (June 24, 2021) — The Michigan House late Monday night passed an amended version of Senate Bill 28 — legislation that establishes a fund for post-acute care providers who care for victims of catastrophic auto accidents.

“The Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council appreciates the House of Representatives formally recognizing the gap in funding for the essential specialized services thousands of accident victims need throughout the state, crafting a program with objectives to provide a short-term gap fill, while laying the groundwork for exploration of long-term solutions,” said MBIPC President Tom Judd.

Judd noted that the good faith effort is the beginning of temporary support, but expressed concern that the pending gap in care cannot be filled based on the $10 million allocation made in this program and the timeframe in which the stop-gap funding would be provided.  

“We appreciate the intentions of this lifeline — but unfortunately, the rope isn’t long enough to get everyone safely to shore,” Judd said. “This program does not offer enough relief in a timely fashion, or to the degree necessary to allow many providers the opportunity to maintain operations, especially small businesses, due to the impending losses they face after July 1 – resulting in the imminent disruption of care and displacement of accident victims throughout the state. MBIPC will continue to engage, advocate, and work collaboratively with lawmakers to build off this first step toward a desperately needed long-term solution.”  

Auto reform legislation set to take effect after July 1 slashes by nearly half what providers of specialized rehabilitative care can be reimbursed for their work supporting survivors of life-altering auto crashes. The devasting 55% reimbursement cap has already, well in advance of July 1, forced providers around the state to issue closure notices, leaving survivors and their families without viable options for care.

This legislative session, four bills have been introduced that would provide the narrow, technical fix needed for a permanent solution to this small but vital aspect of the 2019 auto reforms: HB 4486, HB 4992, HB 5125 and SB 314. None, however, have been allowed hearings.