MBIPC Calls for Swift Passage of Sen. Hertel Bill Breaking Down Barriers to Provider Relief Fund

Judd: To be clear, today’s legislative action doesn’t offer needed long-term solutions

BRIGHTON, Mich.—(July 1, 2022)—Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council (MBIPC) President Tom Judd today called for swift passage of SB 1126, introduced by State Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr. The bill breaks down barriers for providers to access the “Provider Relief Fund” and provide a path to access the funds that does not currently exist. The $25 million emergency fund was passed by the Legislature in 2021—purportedly to help providers, although bureaucratic red tape has rendered the fund effectively useless.

“While many providers have not been able to withstand the financial carnage the nearly 50% reimbursement cuts create, those that have been able to hold on could use these funds to survive a bit further and provide the essential rehabilitation and care survivors need and deserve,” Judd said. “To be clear, however, the Band-aid approach will not be able to withstand the continued financial hemorrhaging companies are experiencing with every passing hour.”

Judd added that providers still serving car crash victims are doing so at a financial loss.

“Providers still serving car crash victims are doing so out of dedication to their patients and with hopes of a long-term legislative solution,” he said. “Immediate relief is needed; but, these efforts will be in vain if the legislature does not act on any of the viable long-term solutions that have been introduced.”

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Members of the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council are committed to providing high quality, ethical rehabilitation services, with the mission of achieving the best outcomes for patients. As a trade association established in 1987 and based in Brighton, Michigan, MBIPC offers resource-sharing, information exchange, professional development and education, advocacy for brain injury standards of care and legislation protecting Michigan families, and the promotion of ethical conduct. For more information, go to mbipc.org https://www.mbipc.org, and connect with MBIPC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.