Record-Eagle editorial: “The worst predicted side-effects of Michigan’s 2019 car insurance reform are coming true”

#MICareCrisis Impact Dashboard finds almost 700 patients have lost needed care, more than 1,500 jobs eliminated

BRIGHTON, Mich. – (Aug. 18, 2021) — With the #MICareCrisis impacting every corner of the state, the Traverse City Record-Eagle has weighed in with a blistering editorial slamming lawmakers for their failure to protect auto accident victims, saying that “the worst predicted side-effects of Michigan’s 2019 car insurance reform are coming true.”

 The Record-Eagle’s editorial is highlighted in the Aug. 18 edition of the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council’s #MICareCrisis Impact Dashboard, which finds that 699 patients have lost needed care since the crisis began on July 1. In addition, at least 1,529 health care jobs have been lost, while at least 42 companies have been rendered unable to care for patients with auto insurance funding. 

 The dashboard, which was launched on July 29, tracks key metrics stemming from the fallout of the Legislature’s failure to protect auto accident victims. The dashboard gives legislators, taxpayers, and the media a clear picture of what gravely injured auto accident survivors and their families are now facing since the 55% cap on reimbursements for specialized rehabilitation care went into effect on July 1.

 “So, again, we find ourselves calling out to our lawmakers on behalf of the people most hurt by the reimbursement cuts,” the Record-Eagle writes in the editorial. “Fix the law, close the gap and ensure people who need intensive care receive it. After all, the consequences we’re watching unfold simply aren’t acceptable.”

 MBIPC president Tom Judd said the Record-Eagle’s editorial should make lawmakers sit up and take notice.

 “Michigan’s catastrophic care crisis is devastating for auto accident victims and their families throughout the state—and the Record-Eagle correctly lays the blame at the feet of the Legislature,” Judd said. “Only a permanent legislative fix will ensure that survivors get the care they need, and have a right to receive.”

 This week’s dashboard also highlights Ethan, a father of four who was involved in a catastrophic accident in March of 2020. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and now uses a wheelchair for all mobility needs.

 Because of his brain injury, Ethan can exhibit unpredictable behaviors, including threats of suicide and potential for physical aggression, so he requires 1:1 staffing for the physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy he needs to recover. Due to the #MICareCrisis, his 1:1 staffing has been discontinued, putting Ethan at tremendous risk of harm. In addition, his outpatient in-clinic therapy has been reduced from five days per week to two days per week. On the days that he does attend the therapy sessions, his mother is required to travel from out-of-town to accompany him since no providers are available to ensure his safety. Because Ethan is only 16 months post-injury, these in-clinic therapies are necessary to maximize his rehabilitation potential.

 Last legislative session, bills were introduced that would have provided the narrow, technical legislative fix needed for a permanent solution to the 55% reimbursement cap. None, however, were allowed hearings in the face of fierce lobbying from the auto insurance industry. The only action taken was the passing of Senate Bill 28, a bill that offers no solution for most survivors and unnecessarily utilizes $25 million in taxpayer dollars for a problem created by a draconian government-mandated price fix.

Judd noted that many of the legislators who refused to consider a long-term fix said they needed more data to be persuaded. The #MICareCrisis dashboard will capture that data, as well as the heartbreaking personal stories of survivors and their families scrambling as the care they were promised is ripped away. The dashboard will be updated—and sent to legislators—every Wednesday. 

“As the days and weeks go on, we are confident that Michigan’s leaders will see that continued inaction in the face of this crisis is inhumane and unacceptable,” Judd said. “The Legislature has the power to end this travesty right now. MBIPC looks forward to being an active partner in the process to find a viable, long-term solution.”  

The dashboard can be viewed at mbipc.org/dashboard.

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.