MBIPC Marks the Fifth Anniversary of the Crisis in Care

Judd: ‘Every day that passes without a legislative solution marks a missed opportunity to end this sad chapter in our state’s history’

BRIGHTON, Mich.—(May 28, 2024)—Tom Judd, executive director of the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council (MBIPC), today released the following statement in response to the fifth anniversary of the signing of PA21 of 2019 and the start of the Crisis in Care.

“Five years ago this week, Governor Whitmer signed legislation that significantly altered our auto insurance system in this state—and more importantly, set into motion the Crisis in Care. With Mike Shirkey and Lee Chatfield at her side, Governor Whitmer—intentionally or not—made it impossible for rehabilitation and long-term care providers to accept new catastrophically injured patients due to the unreasonable and draconian reimbursement cut of nearly 50%.

Since then, the Governor, as well as Republican and Democratic leaders, have acknowledged the need for action to end this humanitarian crisis; however, to this point, it has been mostly lip service except for the Senate bipartisan passage of Senate Bills 530, 531, and 575 in October 2023. These bills offer a narrow solution that will restore the continuum of care and the promise of expert quality care. Unfortunately, they have languished in the House Insurance and Financial Services Committee without further public hearings.

Every day that passes without a legislative solution marks a missed opportunity to end this sad chapter in our state’s history and a conscious decision by our leaders to neglect our catastrophically injured citizens. As legislators once again head back to Mackinac, they need to reconsider what side of history they want to be on.

Since 2019, every legislative body has chosen to be on the wrong side—opting instead to follow the disinformation campaign of the powerful auto insurance lobby and allow them to sell policies they know they can’t pay out on the benefits paid for. This year could be different—our leaders can come together at this annual conference and agree to instead follow the truth and act for fairness and justice. 

MBIPC joins the voices of injured crash victims, their families, moral and religious leaders, and disability advocates in calling on Senate Majority Leader Brinks, House Speaker Tate, and Governor Whitmer to use their time in Mackinac to agree on a course of action that will lead to the end of the Crisis in Care”. 

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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, and connect with MBIPC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.