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Brain Injury Association of America Legislative Alert - May 9, 2008

Dear Advocates:

Two weeks remain until Congress leaves for Memorial Day recess, and legislative activity is expected to center on efforts to pass a war supplemental spending bill as well as potentially achieving progress on a fiscal 2009 budget conference report.

Several events and developments related to traumatic brain injury took place this week in our nation’s capital.

On Tuesday, the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the issue of competitive bidding of durable medical equipment under the Medicare Fee-For-Service program. As a member of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), BIAA signed on to several letters urging Congress to ensure that the Medicare competitive bidding program does not decrease access to and the quality of assistive devices.

Also this week, Democrats included legislation which would place a moratorium until March 2009 on several harmful Medicaid regulations (H.R. 5613), in the FY 2008 war supplemental appropriations bill. BIAA continues to strongly endorse H.R. 5613 and supports efforts to keep the bill in the war supplemental legislation as it moves towards final passage, expected within the next two weeks.

In addition, BIAA Government Affairs Associate Robert Demichelis attended “Brain Pacemakers: A Promising Approach and a New Era of Hope for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders,” a symposium on deep brain stimulation sponsored by The Office on Disability, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Cleveland Clinic Center for Neurological Restoration.

As a final note, BIAA continues to wait to see if Congress will be able to agree on a budget this year before sending out its Legislative Action Alert on FY 2009 TBI Appropriations. In the meantime, BIAA has signed on to a coalition letter urging Appropriations Committee Chairs in both chambers to allocate an additional $15 billion over last year’s funding levels for the Labor-HHS-Education Subcommittees.

*Distributed by Laura Schiebelhut, BIAA Director of Government Affairs, on behalf of the Brain Injury Association of America; 703-761-0750 ext. 637;
lschiebelhut@biausa.org

The Policy Corner is made possible by the Adam Williams Initiative, Centre for Neuro Skills, and Lakeview Healthcare Systems, Inc. The Brain Injury Association of America gratefully acknowledges their support for legislative action.

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Medicare Competitive Bidding Program Under Congressional Scrutiny

On Tuesday, the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the issue of competitive bidding of durable medical equipment (DME) under the Medicare Fee-For-Service program. As a member of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), as well as the Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition, BIAA signed on to several letters urging Congress to ensure that the Medicare competitive bidding program does not decrease access to and the quality of assistive devices.

The competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment, orthotics, prosthetics, and supplies was enacted as part of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, although the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) is just now beginning to implement the first round of the program. The program is expected to lower Medicare reimbursements to DME suppliers by 26 percent, and disability rights organizations including are concerned this will result in a decrease in the quality of assistive devices and technologies, which are essential to the consumer’s function and independence.

The testimony given by Peter W. Thomas, Co-Chair of CCD’s Health Task Force - as well as the coalition letters BIAA recently signed on to - call on Congress and the Administration to delay implementation of the competitive bidding program and/or initiate appropriate safeguards to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not harmed as a result of the program’s implementation. Implementation of the first round of the program is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2008.

To view a copy of the CCD and ITEM coalition letters BIAA signed on to this week, please visit our website 
Here

Legislation to Delay Harmful Medicaid Regulations Added to War Spending Bill

Also this week, Democrats included legislation which would place a moratorium until March 2009 on several harmful Medicaid regulations (H.R. 5613), in the FY 2008 war supplemental appropriations bill. BIAA continues to strongly endorse H.R. 5613 and supports efforts to keep the bill in the war supplemental legislation as it moves towards final passage, likely within the next two weeks.

According to CQ Today, by attaching H.R. 5613 to the war spending bill, Democrats hope to avoid an extra set of cloture votes in the Senate, where the Medicaid moratorium bill on its own had been facing a GOP filibuster (Alex Wayne, CQ Today, 5/6/2008).

The House of Representatives passed H.R. 5613 by a veto-proof margin, 349-62, on April 23. Without a moratorium, all seven of the regulations would go into effect by June 30 of this year, including regulations which would limit access to essential services for individuals with brain injury.

Stay tuned to BIAA for further potential Legislative Action Alerts on this issue in coming weeks.

Symposium on Deep Brain Stimulation Held in Washington, D.C.

On Tuesday, BIAA Government Affairs Associate Robert Demichelis attended “Brain Pacemakers: A Promising Approach and a New Era of Hope for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders,” a symposium on deep brain stimulation sponsored by The Office on Disability, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Cleveland Clinic Center for Neurological Restoration.

The symposium featured a number of esteemed speakers including Rep. Bill Pascrell, Co-Chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force and Dr. Andrew C. von Eschenbach, Commissioner of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

Symposium discussions focused on the emerging applications and preliminary research findings in the use of deep brain stimulation to treat individuals with disabling neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Initially developed for the treatment of movement disorders, deep brain stimulation also has been found to hold great potential for treating various neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions as well.

The symposium specifically explored promising data and emerging research regarding the benefit of deep brain stimulation in the treatment of individuals with movement disorders, epilepsy, psychiatric disorders, and TBI, as well as the translation of such research into treatment therapies.




Brain Injury Association of America Legislative Alert - May 7, 2008

Dear Advocates:

Urge Your Senator to Cosponsor The Caring for Wounded Warriors Act of 2008

BIAA has strongly endorsed The Caring for Wounded Warriors Act of 2008 (S. 2921), legislation introduced on Monday, April 28 by Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton which would increase support for family caregivers of servicemembers with TBI. Several recommendations made by BIAA during the legislative drafting process were incorporated into the bill.

BIAA encourages you to urge your Senator to sign on as a cosponsor of this important legislation.

The bill would require two pilot programs to be implemented through the Department of Veterans Affairs, improving the resources available to those caring for returning servicemembers with TBI.

The first pilot program, which would provide for training, certification and compensation for family caregiver personal attendants for veterans and members of the Armed Forces with TBI, is very similar to a provision in last year’s Heroes At Home Act of 2007, which BIAA also strongly endorsed.

The second pilot program would leverage existing partnerships between Veterans Affairs facilities and the nation’s premier universities, training graduate students to provide respite care for families caring for wounded warriors suffering from TBI.

To urge your Senator to become a cosponsor of S. 2921, click
Here




Brain Injury Association of America Legislative Alert - April 28, 2008

Dear Advocates:

The Brain Injury Association of America has just learned that President Bush signed legislation to reauthorize the TBI Act this afternoon:
White House Press Release 

President Bush Signs S. 793 into Law

On Monday, April 28, 2008, the President signed into law:

S. 793, the "Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2008," which authorizes appropriations and makes changes to the Department of Health and Human Services programs that provide grants for State programs for: tracking and reporting of brain injuries; and brain injury rehabilitation.

Congratulations to all BIAA state affiliates, advocates and national stakeholders who worked to make this happen!!!




Brain Injury Association of America Legislative Alert - April 25, 2008

Dear Advocates:

After legislation to reauthorize the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Act successfully passed Congress on April 10, the bill still needs to be considered by the President for his signature into law. BIAA anticipates this consideration will occur within the next week, and is closely monitoring the situation.

This week the House of Representatives passed by a veto-proof margin H.R. 5613, important legislation which would place a moratorium until March 2009 on seven harmful Medicaid regulations issued by the Department of Health and Human Services. BIAA issued a Legislative Action Alert earlier this week before the vote encouraging advocates to urge their Representative to vote YES on the bill. The fate of the bill is now up to the Senate.

Also this week, BIAA submitted written testimony to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee in charge of funding TBI programs within the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education. BIAA’s testimony urges an increase in funding in Fiscal Year 2009 for programs authorized through the TBI Act, as well as TBI research programs conducted within the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR).

In addition, a representative of BIAA was invited to attend an event hosted by President George W. Bush on Thursday, April 24, at the White House. The inspiring event honored a group of wounded warriors as they kicked off the Wounded Warrior Project’s second annual “Soldier Ride: White House to Light House Challenge.”

And lastly, BIAA was proud to sign on as a supporter of the National Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Week Resolution (S. Res. 518), which passed the Senate on Monday. The Resolution, introduced by Senator Dodd (D-CT), dedicates this week (the week of April 21st through 25th) to raise awareness of Shaken Baby Syndrome and to ultimately eliminate its occurrence.

*Distributed by Laura Schiebelhut, BIAA Public Affairs Manager, on behalf of the Brain Injury Association of America; 703-761-0750 ext. 637;
lschiebelhut@biausa.org

The Policy Corner is made possible by the Adam Williams Initiative, Centre for Neuro Skills, and Lakeview Healthcare Systems, Inc. The Brain Injury Association of America gratefully acknowledges their support for legislative action.

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House Overwhelmingly Passes Bill to Delay Harmful Medicaid Regulations

This week the House of Representatives passed by a veto-proof margin H.R. 5613, important legislation which would place a moratorium until March 2009 on seven harmful Medicaid regulations issued by the Department of Health and Human Services. BIAA issued a Legislative Action Alert earlier this week before the vote encouraging advocates to urge their Representative to vote YES on the bill. The fate of the bill is now up to the Senate.

The legislation, which was originally introduced on March 13, 2008, would delay the implementation of seven harmful Medicaid regulations through March 2009, including several rules which would be especially deleterious to individuals with brain injury.

One of these rules would limit rehabilitation services for Medicaid beneficiaries, severely curtailing the ability of people with disabilities – including TBI – to receive rehabilitation services now covered under Medicaid. Access to these rehabilitative services is essential, as in many cases, these services play a vital role in allowing people with TBI to live independently in the community.

As the House considered and passed H.R. 5613 by a vote of 349-62 on Wednesday, Senate Republican leadership began circulating a letter defending the Medicaid regulations and urging colleagues to reject such legislation in the Senate. According to news sources, this letter forms part of a Republican strategy to demonstrate to supporters of H.R. 5613, through the gathering of a sufficient number of signatures, that they will not be able to override a veto in the Senate.

If enough Senators sign on to the Republican leadership letter, effectively backing up the president’s veto threat, there is speculation that the White House could then offer a limited moratorium on only two of the harmful regulations. Unfortunately, these two regulations are not the ones addressing targeted case management and rehabilitative services, which stand to directly impact individuals with brain injury. (CQ Healthbeat News, April 24, 2008, John Reichard).

Without a moratorium, all seven of the regulations would go into effect by June 30 of this year.

BIAA thanks advocates for contacting their Representatives this week, and will shortly issue another Legislative Alert anticipating Senate action on the bill.

A copy of BIAA’s letter endorsing H.R. 5613 can be obtained by visiting BIAA’s website: 
Here


BIAA Submits Testimony to Senate Appropriations Subcommittee

Also this week, BIAA submitted written testimony to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee in charge of funding TBI programs within the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education. BIAA’s testimony urges an increase in funding in Fiscal Year 2009 for programs authorized through the TBI Act, as well as TBI research programs conducted within the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR).

Within the testimony, BIAA requests $30 million in funding for programs authorized through the TBI Act, as well as sufficient funding to sustain and increase medical rehabilitation research within NIDRR. The testimony also urges an allocation of at least $8.3 million to allow NIDRR to continue to fund 16 TBI Model Systems research centers.

In addition, BIAA played a leading role, along with other national organizations, in recent weeks in drafting and circulating an organizational sign-on letter in support of FY09 TBI appropriations. The letter, which was signed by over 25 organizations - including several veterans organizations - was recently delivered to both the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education.

Copies of both BIAA’s written testimony and the Organizational Sign-On Letter in support of appropriations for TBI programs can be obtained by visiting BIAA’s website: 
Here


BIAA Roots On Servicemembers at Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride White House Kickoff

A representative of BIAA was invited to attend an event hosted by President George W. Bush on Thursday at the White House. BIAA Government Affairs Director Laura Schiebelhut was proud to be part of the inspiring event, which honored a group of wounded warriors as they kicked off the Wounded Warrior Project’s second annual “Soldier Ride: White House to Light House Challenge.”

Soldier Ride, sponsored by the Wounded Warrior Project, is a rehabilitative cycling program for wounded warriors, including individuals with brain injury. For many of these combat-wounded veterans, Soldier Ride provides the first steps in the return to an active lifestyle.


BIAA Signs On In Support of National Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Week Resolution

BIAA was proud to sign on as a supporter of the National Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Week Resolution (S. Res. 518), which passed the Senate on Monday. The Resolution, introduced by Senator Dodd (D-CT), dedicates this week (the week of April 21st through 25th) to raise awareness of Shaken Baby Syndrome and to ultimately eliminate its occurrence.

BIAA was included as a supporter of the resolution in Senator Dodd’s floor statement that was submitted to the Congressional Record when it was introduced on Thursday, April 16, 2008






Brain Injury Association of America Legislative Alert - April 18, 2008

Dear Advocates:

After legislation to reauthorize the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Act successfully passed Congress last week, the bill still needs to be considered by the President for his signature into law. BIAA anticipates this consideration will occur in the very near future.

This week saw major activity occur on H.R. 5613, legislation recently introduced which would place a moratorium until March 2009 on seven Medicaid regulations issued by the Department of Health and Human Services. On Wednesday, the bill was unanimously approved by the full House Energy and Commerce Committee, setting up a potential veto showdown with the White House. BIAA has strongly endorsed this legislation and submitted an official letter of endorsement to the bill’s sponsors, Rep. Dingell (D-MI) and Rep. Murphy (R-PA), last week.

Also this week, The Rand Corporation published an important comprehensive study of the mental health and cognitive needs of U.S. servicemembers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. This groundbreaking study - which focuses specifically on the post-deployment health-related needs and economic costs associated with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression and TBI - estimates that 320,000 servicemembers may have experienced TBI as a result of recent combat operations.

*Distributed by Laura Schiebelhut, BIAA Public Affairs Manager, on behalf of the Brain Injury Association of America; 703-761-0750 ext. 637;
lschiebelhut@biausa.org

The Policy Corner is made possible by the Adam Williams Initiative, Centre for Neuro Skills, and Lakeview Healthcare Systems, Inc. The Brain Injury Association of America gratefully acknowledges their support for legislative action.

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Bill to Delay Harmful Medicaid Regulations Advances Despite Veto Threat

This week saw major activity occur on H.R. 5613, legislation recently introduced which would place a moratorium until March 2009 on seven Medicaid regulations issued by the Department of Health and Human Services. On Wednesday, the bill was unanimously approved by the full House Energy and Commerce Committee, setting up a potential veto showdown with the White House. BIAA has strongly endorsed this legislation and submitted an official letter of endorsement to the bill’s sponsors, Rep. Dingell (D-MI) and Rep. Murphy (R-PA), last week.

The legislation, which was originally introduced on March 13, 2008, would delay the implementation of seven harmful Medicaid regulations through March 2009, including several rules which would be especially deleterious to individuals with brain injury.

One of these rules would limit rehabilitation services for Medicaid beneficiaries, severely curtailing the ability of people with disabilities – including TBI – to receive rehabilitation services now covered under Medicaid. Access to these rehabilitative services is essential, as in many cases, these services play a vital role in allowing people with TBI to live independently in the community.

Despite changes made through a Manager’s Amendment last week at the Health Subcommittee level in order to assuage Republican concerns about the bill, the White House earlier this week issued a veto threat against the bill.

However, according to an article published this week in CQ Today, “During a break in the markup, ranking Republican Joe L. Barton of Texas said he did not think Republicans would vote to sustain the veto threatened by the administration. ‘I don’t think the veto threat was appropriate, and I don’t think it will be successful if vetoed, because the votes simply aren’t there,’ Barton said.” (CQ Today Print Edition – Health, 4/16/08, Drew Armstrong).

If the House of Representatives is able to successfully override a veto by the President, the potential sticking point could be the Senate, where it is unclear if a veto-proof margin exists in favor of the bill.

Several of the regulations are set to go into effect on May 25, so Rep. Dingell has indicated that he will push for swift action on the bill by the full House of Representatives. BIAA will continue to monitor the progress of the bill and strongly advocate for its successful passage.

A copy of BIAA’s letter endorsing H.R. 5613 can be obtained by visiting BIAA’s website:
Here

Groundbreaking Study on TBI Among Servicemembers Issued by Rand Corporation

Also this week, The Rand Corporation published an important comprehensive study of the mental health and cognitive needs of U.S. servicemembers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. This groundbreaking study - which focuses specifically on the post-deployment health-related needs and economic costs associated with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression and TBI - estimates that 320,000 servicemembers may have experienced TBI as a result of recent combat operations.

The study is the first of its kind to consider mental health and cognitive problems associated with deployment to Afghanistan and Iraq from a broad societal perspective. BIAA is working to help disseminate the study’s findings to Members of Congress.

The study can be accessed by visiting
Here





Brain Injury Association of America Legislative Alert - April 11, 2008

BIAA News Flash - Senate Passes TBI Act Reauthorization BIll!!!

Last night, the Senate passed a slightly revised version of S. 793, the Traumatic Brain Injury Act, which exactly matches the House version passed earlier this week. The bill has now been cleared entirely by Congress and will be forwarded on to the President for his signature!!!

Passage of TBI Act reauthorization has been the number one legislative priority of BIAA in 2008, and much behind-the-scenes work with Members of Congress and their staff has occurred in recent weeks and months. In addition, BIAA grassroots advocates played an essential role in moving this legislation and ensuring that Congress passed it THIS YEAR, so a huge THANK YOU to all of you who contacted your Representatives and otherwise worked to ensure the progress of this key legislation.

Since the President has not threatened to veto this bill, BIAA is not asking advocates to contact the President at this time. Instead, BIAA will be asking advocates to craft thank you notes to key legislators in the near future. Of course, if you do feel individually moved to contact the President, you are welcome to do so.

More information on the TBI Act reauthorization bill, and other key legislation, will be forthcoming in today's Policy Corner E-Newsletter.






Brain Injury Association of America Legislative Alert - April 5, 2008

TBI Act Reauthorization Expected on House Floor This Tuesday, April 8, 2008!!!
Take Action!

Urge Your Representative to Vote Yes BIAA has just learned that the TBI Act Reauthorization bill is scheduled for consideration by the full House of Representatives on Tuesday, April 8, 2008.

The bill is due to be on the House floor Tuesday afternoon around 2:30pm under suspension of the rules, and will appear as S. 793 (the Senate number of the bill).

Please click on the "Take Action" link in the upper right-hand corner of this email to urge your Representative to vote YES on S. 793, and reauthorize the TBI Act!!!





Brain Injury Association of America Legislative Alert - April 4, 2008

Dear Advocates:

This week BIAA submitted written testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee in charge of funding TBI programs within the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education, urging an increase in Fiscal Year 2009 funding for TBI programs.

On Wednesday, April 2, the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on TBI Related Vision Issues, which highlighted the high rate of vision disturbances in cases of servicemembers returing from Iraq and Afghanistan with TBI.

Also this week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on H.R. 5613, legislation recently introduced which would place a moratorium until March 2009 on seven Medicaid regulations issued by the Department of Health and Human Services. BIAA has endorsed this legislation, and signed a letter of support spearheaded by the Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) in favor of the legislation.

Unfortunately, no activity occurred this week on H.R. 1418, the House version of legislation to reauthorize the TBI Act, which was passed by the House Energy and Commerce Act on March 13, 2008. BIAA will continue to advocate strongly for floor consideration of the bill by the entire House of Representatives and full passage by Congress into law as quickly as possible.

*Distributed by Laura Schiebelhut, BIAA Public Affairs Manager, on behalf of the Brain Injury Association of America; 703-761-0750 ext. 637;
lschiebelhut@biausa.org

The Policy Corner is made possible by the Adam Williams Initiative, Centre for Neuro Skills, and Lakeview Healthcare Systems, Inc. The Brain Injury Association of America gratefully acknowledges their support for legislative action.

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BIAA Submits Testimony to House Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee

This week BIAA submitted written testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee in charge of funding TBI programs within the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education. BIAA’s testimony urges an increase in Fiscal Year 2009 funding for programs authorized through the TBI Act, as well as for TBI research programs conducted within the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR).

In the testimony, BIAA’s President and CEO Susan H. Connors states, “BIAA was gravely disappointed that last year, even as Congress had the good judgment to add hundreds of millions dollars to the budgets of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to help address the problem of TBI among returning servicemembers, funding for the HRSA Federal TBI Program was reduced from $8.91 million to $8.754 million.”

Within the testimony, BIAA requests $30 million in funding for programs authorized through the TBI Act, as well as sufficient funding to sustain and increase medical rehabilitation research within NIDRR. The testimony also urges an allocation of at least $8.3 million to allow NIDRR to continue to fund 16 TBI Model Systems research centers.A copy of the testimony can be obtained by visiting BIAA’s website at the following address:
http://www.biausa.org/policyissues.htm

House VA Subcommittee Holds Hearing on TBI And Vision Problems

On Wednesday, April 2, the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on TBI Related Vision Issues.

Testimony highlighted the high rate of vision disturbances in cases of servicemembers returing from Iraq and Afghanistan with TBI, and the need for a seamless system of care within the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to address these eye injuries, including greater use of specialized vision screening.

In the hearing, the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) noted research showing that 75 percent of servicemembers with documented TBI injuries also have complaints about vision problems, and that approximately 60 percent of those injured have associated neurological visual disorders. A study conducted by one of the panelists, Gregory L. Goodrich, who is a research psychologist at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System, found that both Polytrauma Level I and Level II patients had high rates of visual impairment and/or visual dysfunction, and that injuries caused by a blast event were associated with more vision related loss and/or deficits than other causes.

In his testimony, Tom Zampieri, Director of Government Relations at BVA, asserted, “At present the current system of screening, treatment, tracking, and follow-up care for TBI vision dysfunction is inadequate. Adding visual dysfunction to this complex mix, especially if undiagnosed, makes attempts at rehabilitation even more daunting and potentially disastrous unless there are significant improvements soon.”

Mr. Zampieri urged the Subcommittee to request that DoD/VA provide for the full implementation of the “Military Eye Trauma Center of Excellence and Eye Trauma Registry,” which was recently authorized as one of the Wounded Warrior provisions in last year’s defense authorization bill (H.R. 4986). BIAA has officially endorsed legislation (S. 1999) to create such a Center.

BIAA Supports Bill to Enact Moratorium on Harmful Medicaid Regulations

Also this week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on H.R. 5613, legislation recently introduced which would place a moratorium until March 2009 on seven Medicaid regulations issued by the Department of Health and Human Services. BIAA has endorsed this legislation, and signed a letter of support spearheaded by the Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) in favor of the legislation.

The legislation, which was introduced by Representatives John D. Dingell (D-MI) and Tim Murphy (R-PA) on March 13, 2008, would delay the implementation of seven harmful Medicaid regulations through March 2009, including several rules which would be especially deleterious to individuals with traumatic brain injury.

One of these rules would limit rehabilitation services for Medicaid beneficiaries, severely curtailing the ability of people with disabilities - including TBI - to receive rehabilitation services now covered under Medicaid. Access to these rehabilitative services is essential, as in many cases, these services play a vital role in allowing people with TBI to live independently in the community.






Brain Injury Association of America Legislative Alert - March 17, 2008

You Are Encouraged to Participate in NIDRR Conference Call THIS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2008

Recently, the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) appears to be deemphasizing medical rehab research, including valuable research related to TBI. BIAA is working as part of a coalition of advocacy groups to send NIDRR a message that resources for medical rehabilitation research (referred to by NIDRR as "health and function" research) needs to be increased, not decreased. We need your help!

In the past six months, NIDRR has eliminated funding for four Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RTCs) focused on medical rehabilitation research, including centers focused on neuromuscular research, arthritis, TBI community reintegration, and spinal cord injury. Four additional medical rehab RTCs (stroke, MS, aging with a disability, and psychiatric aspects of disability) have been delayed and NIDRR intends to announce these grants with a greater focus on employment and vocational rehab.

As an advocate for increased TBI services and research, you are encouraged to join NIDRR's national meeting/conference call on NIDRR's long range plan scheduled for Wednesday, March 19th, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. and express your views. The toll-free conference call number is (800) 762-6085. An operator will ask if you would like to submit input or just listen to the event. The operator will track the order of the people who want to provide input.

(Note: There are other ways to submit comments as well by the end of March if you cannot make the call. Please contact Laura Schiebelhut, BIAA's Director of Government Affairs, at
lschiebelhut@biausa.org, if you have questions.)

We suggest making some or all of the following points:

1. NIDRR has served as the nation’s lead federal agency on rehabilitation and disability research - including valuable research on TBI - and as such has maintained a broad portfolio of research as reflected in its current Long-Range Plan. This research portfolio includes three broad domains designed to enhance the quality of life of persons with disabilities in the areas of employment, community living, and health and function, including medical rehabilitation research.

2. This approach is to be commended as it recognizes the critical interplay between medical rehabilitation research, health and functioning, and the ability to return to school or work where appropriate.

3. A shift in focus at NIDRR away from health and function research is unwise and seriously erodes our nation's ability to solve the important questions that confront people with disabilities in seeking to return to functional and fulfilling lives after the onset of a disabling condition.

4. NIDRR should continue and re-emphasize the importance in its funding priorities of health and function research, including medical rehab research.

Please see the press release below for further information. Thank you.


----------------------------------------------------------------

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2008

NATIONAL VIDEOCONFERENCE AND WEBCAST TO SOLICIT INPUT ON THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION RESEARCH 2010-2014 LONG-RANGE PLAN

The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) today announced a national videoconference to solicit remarks regarding NIDRR’s long-range plan for fiscal years 2010-2014. The purpose of the videoconference is to obtain ideas from the public on the content and direction of the new NIDRR long-range plan.

NIDRR, a component of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services at the US Department of Education, is the major federal agency sponsoring disability research.

Videoconference:
The videoconference will take place:
March 19, 2008
1 p.m. to 5 p.m. EST
There are several ways to participate:
· Attend in person at one of the eight sites across the country;
· Access the meeting via webcast; or
· Participate in a toll-free teleconference.
To learn more about locations and methods of participation and how to RSVP, please visit:
http://www.neweditions.net/nidrrlrp/
Other Input Opportunities: If you are unable to participate in the videoconference, webcast or teleconference, there are several alternate ways to submit comments through March 31, 2008.

Comments may be submitted via email, using the following address:  NIDRR-Maibox@ed.gov
or through the Web, using the following address: 
http://www.neweditions.net/nidrrlrp/
or by mail:
Donna Nangle
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Room 6029
Washington, DC 20202-2700






Brain Injury Association of America Legislative Alert - March 15, 2008

Dear Advocates:

This week was an another extremely eventful one on Capitol Hill, including passage of legislation to reauthorize the TBI Act by the full House Energy and Commerce Committee!

On Tuesday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health approved the Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2008 (H.R. 1418) and forwarded it on for consideration by the full Committee.

Yesterday afternoon, the full Energy and Commerce Committee passed the bill, and the legislation is expected to be brought up on suspension for consideration on the House floor when Congress reconvenes after a two-week recess set to begin on Monday, March 17.

Also this week, the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) joined the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, and a variety of other advocacy groups, in successfully conducting Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill. The day’s events drew the participation of several Members of Congress and their staff.

Please note that as Congress will be in recess for the next two weeks, the next edition of Policy Corner will be distributed on Friday, April 4. As always, though, in the meantime, please continue to watch your inboxes for BIAA News Flashes and Legislative Action Alerts. *Distributed by Laura Schiebelhut, BIAA Public Affairs Manager, on behalf of the Brain Injury Association of America; 703-761-0750 ext. 637; l
schiebelhut@biausa.org

The Policy Corner is made possible by the Adam Williams Initiative, Centre for Neuro Skills, and Lakeview Healthcare Systems, Inc. The Brain Injury Association of America gratefully acknowledges their support for legislative action.


TBI Act Reauthorization Bill Passed by House Energy and Commerce Committee

On Tuesday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health approved the Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2008 (H.R. 1418) and forwarded it on for consideration by the full Committee.

Yesterday afternoon, the full Energy and Commerce Committee passed the bill, and the legislation is expected to be brought up on suspension for consideration on the House floor when Congress reconvenes after a two-week recess set to begin on Monday, March 17.

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) wishes to thank Rep. Pascrell, Rep. Platts, as well as Rep. Pallone and Chairman Dingell, for swiftly moving this bill forward. In addition, BIAA enthusiastically thanks all of its grassroots advocates for both longstanding and recent efforts to support timely reauthorization of the TBI Act! This is a very positive development towards the goal of getting the TBI Act reauthorized before the end of this year, and a very exciting development for Brain Injury Awareness Month!

Right at this moment, no further grassroots activity is needed, but please stay tuned to BIAA for more information as things move forward.


Brain Injury Awareness Day Held on Capitol Hill

Also this week, on Wednesday, March 12, the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) joined the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, and a variety of other advocacy groups, in successfully conducting Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill. The day’s events drew the participation of several Members of Congress and their staff.

The first event of the day was the Brain Injury Awareness Fair, which was held in the foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building, and featured exhibits by numerous brain injury services and advocacy organizations. BIAA’s exhibit was highlighted by a colorful display of hundreds of “brain cranes,” hand-crafted by individuals with TBI from all over the nation. More information on the Brain Crane project, including a picture of the beautiful display, is available on the homepage of BIAA’s website 
HERE

The day also featured a very well-attended Congressional Briefing on the subject of “TBI and Community Needs.” The briefing included the perspectives of returning servicemembers with TBI and their families, as well as views from the civilian perspective, and explored the need for increasing collaborative efforts between the military and civilian sectors when it comes to TBI treatment, research, and services - including community supports.

The day finished with an evening reception held in a spirit of celebration, which honored Congressional leaders on TBI issues, including Congressional Brain Injury Task Force Co-Chairs Rep. Pascrell and Rep. Platts.





Brain Injury Association of America Legislative Alert - March 13, 2008

BIAA News Flash - TBI Act Reauthorization Bill Passed By Full House Energy and Commerce Committee!!!

This afternoon, the full House Energy and Commerce Committee passed H.R. 1418, legislation to reauthorize the Traumatic Brain Injury Act.

Earlier this week, the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health approved the Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2008 and forwarded it on for consideration by the full Committee. Now that the full Committee has passed the bill, the legislation is expected to be brought up on suspension for consideration on the House floor when Congress reconvenes after a two-week recess, which will begin on Monday.

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) wishes to thank Rep. Pascrell, Rep. Platts, as well as Rep. Pallone and Chairman Dingell, for swiftly moving this bill forward. In addition, BIAA enthusiastically thanks all of its grassroots advocates for both longstanding and recent efforts to support timely reauthorization of the TBI Act! This is a very positive development towards the goal of getting the TBI Act reauthorized before the end of this year, and a very exciting development for Brain Injury Awareness Month!

Right at this moment, no further grassroots activity is needed, but please stay tuned to BIAA for more information as things move forward.






Brain Injury Association of America Legislative Alert - March 11, 2008


BIAA News Flash - TBI Act Reauthorization Bill Approved by House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee!!!

Earlier this evening, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health approved the Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2008 and forwarded it on for consideration by the full Committee. The bill which was passed by the Subcommittee tonight was a slightly amended version of H.R. 1418.

The bill is now ready to be taken up by the full House Energy and Commerce Committee. This is a very positive development towards the goal of getting the TBI Act reauthorized before the end of this year, and a very exciting development for Brain Injury Awareness Month!

Right at this moment, no further grassroots activity is needed, but please stay tuned to BIAA for more information as things move forward.






Brain Injury Association of America Legislative Alert - March 9, 2008



Updated Information for Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill
   
Take Action

Urge Your Members of Congress to Attend!

Please note the updated logistical information (below) for Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill, taking place this Wednesday, March 12, 2008 in Washington, D.C.

In addition, please click on the "Take Action" tab in the upper right hand corner of this email to call your representatives in Congress and urge them to attend at least one of the day's events!


Congressional Brain Injury Awareness Day

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Capitol Hill – Washington, D.C.

To celebrate March as Brain Injury Awareness Month, the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force is hosting a "2008 Brain Injury Awareness Day," on Wednesday, March 12, 2008, on Capitol Hill.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Brain Injury Awareness Fair
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
First Floor Foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building

Advocacy Training Session

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
1116 Longworth House Office Building

Congressional Briefing on “Traumatic Brain Injury and Community Needs”
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
H-137 United States Capitol Building

Congressional Reception Celebrating Brain Injury Awareness Day

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
1100 Longworth House Office Building

*Reception sponsored by National Brain Injury Treatment and Training Foundation (NBIRTT), the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) and the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA).




Brain Injury Association of America Legislative Alert – March 7, 2008

Dear Advocates:

This week was an eventful one on Capitol Hill, including a long-awaited breakthrough on legislation to reauthorize the TBI Act.

On Wednesday, March 5, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee announced its plans to markup the Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act (H.R. 1418) the following day, on Thursday, March 6. Although the markup session was ultimately stalled (see below for more information), this development still marks very positive progress towards the goal of getting the TBI Act reauthorized before the end of this year, a leading BIAA policy priority.

Also this week, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1424, mental health parity legislation sponsored by Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) which would require health insurers to offer mental health benefits equal in cost and scope to medical and surgical benefits. BIAA issued an enthusiastic letter of endorsement for the bill shortly before it was considered on the House floor.

Looking ahead to next week, the fiscal 2009 budget resolutions are expected to be the focal point of legislative activity in both the House and Senate, as both chambers will consider their respective budget plans before adjourning for the two-week spring recess which begins on March 17. Of course, next week will also include multiple TBI advocacy and awareness activities on Wednesday, March 12, as part of Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill.

*Distributed by Laura Schiebelhut, BIAA Public Affairs Manager, on behalf of the Brain Injury Association of America; 703-761-0750 ext. 637  lschiebelhut@biausa.org

The Policy Corner is made possible by the Adam Williams Initiative, Centre for Neuro Skills, and Lakeview Healthcare Systems, Inc. The Brain Injury Association of America gratefully acknowledges their support for legislative action.

TBI Act Reauthorization Scheduled for Markup in House Committee

On Wednesday, March 5, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee announced its plans to markup the Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act (H.R. 1418) the following day, on Thursday, March 6. This development marks very positive progress towards the goal of getting the TBI Act reauthorized before the end of this year, a leading BIAA policy priority. BIAA Government Affairs Director Laura Schiebelhut attended the markup session yesterday, in anticipation of expected approval of the TBI Act reauthorization bill. Unfortunately, the TBI Act reauthorization bill was listed as the last of eight total bills to be considered during the markup, and the Subcommittee got stalled in its attempt to approve the first bill, which pertained to tobacco regulations.

The markup session has now been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 11.

BIAA will provide news and grassroots action alerts as developments warrant, but for now, no further grassroots activity is necessary.

House Passes Mental Health Parity Bill Endorsed by BIAA

Also this week, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1424, mental health parity legislation sponsored by Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) which would require health insurers to offer mental health benefits equal in cost and scope to medical and surgical benefits. BIAA issued an enthusiastic letter of endorsement for the bill shortly before it was considered on the House floor.

NOTE: This letter will be publicly available shortly on BIAA’s website
HERE

In its endorsement letter, BIAA urged passage of the bill, noting that, “An intricate and intertwined relationship exists between substance abuse, mental health, and traumatic brain injury (TBI)… TBI is one of the most common and tragic consequences of substance abuse, especially by teenagers and young adults. In addition, neurobehavioral problems commonly arise as a direct result of TBI, and psychotherapeutic services are integral to successful neurorehabilitation programs.”

The outlook for ultimate passage of the bill this year is unclear at this time, as Congressional Quarterly (CQ) News reported on March 5, 2008, “[H.R. 1424] now goes to the Senate, where it will have to overcome a strongly worded White House statement opposing it and warnings from key senators that the Senate prefers its version [S. 558] and will not conference the issue.”

The Senate version of the bill is generally viewed as the “weaker” bill in terms of requirements on insurers, and has the support of business and insurance lobbies, who oppose the House bill. Unlike the Senate bill, the House bill would require insurers to cover a broad variety of mental health conditions.

As things move forward, BIAA will continue to enthusiastically support the stronger House version of the bill.

House and Senate Budget Committees Approve Fiscal 2009 Budget Resolutions

The House and Senate Budget Committees both passed fiscal 2009 budget resolutions this week which would provide significant increases for health discretionary programs.

In its markup on Wednesday, the House Budget Committee provided a $4.4 billion increase in health discretionary programs. On Thursday, the Senate Budget Committee provided an even higher $5.27 billion increase for such programs in its budget resolution. These increases represent a good sign for health program funding in this year’s budget and appropriations cycle. Earlier this year, BIAA joined nearly 450 other health advocacy organizations in signing on to a letter to Congress urging a $5.3 billion increase over the level provided last year.

Next week, these fiscal 2009 budget resolutions are expected to be the focal point of legislative activity on the floors of both the House and Senate, as both chambers will consider their respective budget plans before adjourning for the two-week spring recess which begins on March 17.

Note: The budget resolution is non-binding, and represents the first step in the year-long budgeting and appropriations process. The next steps will be to pass the budget resolution – which can often present a challenge in the Senate – and then to work to ensure that the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee receives an allocation reflecting the health community’s recommendation. Meanwhile, BIAA continues to actively advocate for increased funding for TBI programs within the ultimate fiscal 2009 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee bill.





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