MBIPC eager to work with House and Senate leadership to lower insurance premiums while maintaining necessary care for auto accident survivors

LANSING, Mich.— (Jan. 15, 2019)—The following statement comes from Tim Hoste, president of the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council. It is in response to two recent sets of comments. State House Speaker Lee Chatfield (R-Levering) said he expects “serious conversation” around the issue of auto no-fault, with everyone at the table — and he expects compromise. Chatfield has announced a temporary House special committee to be chaired by Rep. Jason Wentworth (R-Farwell) to address no-fault. State Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) said that reforming auto no-fault would be the No. 1 priority of his caucus in 2019, and that they were still in the “listening and learning phase” when it comes to potential solutions.

“The Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council is in full support of Speaker Chatfield’s desire to find a compromise that leads to balanced reform of Michigan auto no-fault. The members of our association, who provide ethical rehabilitative care, look forward to the opportunity to be at the table and work with Rep. Wentworth toward a solution that includes appropriate care for auto accident survivors, while providing rate relief for Michigan drivers.

“We are pleased that Sen. Shirkey and other leaders are willing to listen to all sides, because for too long the no-fault discussion in the Legislature has been dominated by the insurance industry, to the detriment of consumers and accident victims. Each day, brain injury providers see first-hand how no-fault protections save lives. Eliminating these protections would be devastating to thousands of Michigan families, many of whom would be forced into medical bankruptcy and have no choice but to put their loved ones into state-funded nursing homes ill-equipped to handle their needs. MBIPC looks forward to the Legislature addressing our legitimate ideas and concerns as we work together to lower auto insurance premiums without depriving auto accident survivors of the care they need.”

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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.