AP News: Michigan car crash victims could lose care under new rules

In this excellent AP News story, reporter Anna Liz Nichols takes readers deeper into the crisis facing auto accident survivors, who will have their care ripped away as they lose access to vital rehabilitative services come July 1.

Survivors Courtnie Bush and Lane Bargeron are both uncertain about their futures. Despite her traumatic brain injury, Jenna Bush says her daughter Courtnie is working toward getting back to her passions. Lane is able to live at home with his family and make strides in his recovery, thanks to his rehabilitative care. Now, that’s all at risk.

In the article, Jenna Bush shares, “She woke up swinging, I mean she woke up, she gave a thumbs up and she’s been progressing ever since.”

Lane’s wife, Emily, said his rehabilitative care impacts every area of their lives, and without it, they are not sure what they’ll do.

Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center CEO and President Tammy Hannah tells Nichols the center is limiting its admission requirements to those with less catastrophic injuries. “Origami will not be able to keep operating the way that we operate today for longer than another year,” she said.

Tom Constand, Brain Injury Association of Michigan president and CEO, says the fee schedule is “a kick in the teeth” to the provider industry.

Read the full story and learn more about why we need lawmakers to pass HB 4486 and SB 314, before it’s too late for survivors in need of access to life-saving rehabilitative care.