BIAMI and MBIPC Applaud Bill Ensuring Commercial Health Plans Cover Necessary Brain Injury Rehabilitation Services

BRIGHTON, Mich.—(Nov. 27, 2024)—The Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI) and the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council (MBIPC) today applauded the introduction of HB 6154, which significantly addresses gaps in access to care by ensuring commercial health plans cover necessary brain injury rehabilitation services.

The bill was introduced by State Rep. Julie Rogers, a long-time supporter of Michiganders living with brain injuries.

“There are thousands of Michiganders living with brain injuries; sadly, many of these people have been unable to access rehabilitation services because they lack funding and have inadequate insurance coverage,” said Nichole Shotwell, president and CEO of BIAMI. “Earlier this year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services added brain injury to their list of recognized chronic health conditions. We need all healthcare systems and health insurance plans to catch up, make the same recognition and cover services that lead to effective recovery and positive healthy outcomes.”

Michigan citizens may sustain a brain injury at any time, and it can come from a stroke, aneurysm, tumor, infections disease, lack of oxygen to the brain, or traumatic brain injury. The impacts can be severe and immediate, and they may also last for a lifetime.

“All citizens deserve early and equitable access to rehabilitation services and quality long-term care,” Shotwell said. “HB 6154 is a necessary step forward and, as the voice of brain injury survivors in Michigan, we look forward to being a resource for the legislature to ensure this bill becomes law.”

Tom Judd, executive director of MBIPC, said MBIPC looks forward to partnering with BIAMI and legislative allies to ensure everyone sustaining a brain injury has early and equitable access to care.

“Far too often post-acute rehabilitation providers have had to turn away people in need of their quality services – services that would help people get back to school, work and their communities,” Judd said. “HB 6154 removes unnecessary barriers by ensuring that people paying for healthcare coverage have access to the services they need after sustaining a brain injury. We have examples from other states where the legislature has passed similar legislation and the outcomes are evident: more access to services and better outcomes, without adding significant cost to in the insurance market.”