Monthly Archives: May 2008
National Public Radio’s Diane Rehm Show to Feature New Brain Injury Book
On Tuesday, May 27, at 11 am EDT, nationally-recognized talk show host Diane Rehm will interview Susan Connors, Brain Injury Association of America president/CEO, and Michael Mason, author of Head Cases, the compelling compilation of individual stories of brain injury and its aftermath.
Tune your radio to the National Public Radio Station in your area. When the show starts, call 1-800-433-8850 or send an email to drshow@wamu.org to participate.
Urge Your Representatives in Congress to Increase Federal Funding for TBI Programs!
As Congress adjourns for Memorial Day Recess next week, formal appropriations action on federal TBI programs is just around the corner.
Beginning in June, both the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees are expected to hold markups on the Fiscal 2009 Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education Appropriations bill, which provides federal funding for multiple TBI programs.
Fiscal 2009 Appropriations Update
Floor consideration of a possible final version of the fiscal 2009 budget resolution (S. Con. Res. 70) could take place next week, as Congress works to accomplish legislative goals before leaving town for a week-long Memorial Day Recess beginning on Monday, May 26.
Debate over War Supplemental Bill Continues
An amendment related to the war supplemental bill passed by the House earlier this week contained a provision, strongly supported by the Brain Injury Association of America, which would delay implementation of seven Bush administration Medicaid regulations.
Symposium on Deep Brain Stimulation Held in Washington, D.C.
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.
Legislation to Delay Harmful Medicaid Regulations Added to War Spending Bill
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.
Medicare Competitive Bidding Program Under Congressional Scrutiny
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.
VA Inspector General Releases Report Criticizing TBI Care for Veterans
Also this week, a report was released by the Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General which found that the VA is not providing the necessary standard of support and long-term follow-up assistance needed by veterans with TBI and their families.
BIAA Strongly Endorses The Caring for Wounded Warriors Act of 2008
In other exciting news, BIAA proudly 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.
President Bush Signs TBI Act Reauthorization Bill Into Law
This week marked a major legislative victory for the brain injury community, as President Bush officially signed into law legislation reauthorizing the TBI Act (S. 793) on Monday, April 28! Congratulations to all BIAA state affiliates, advocates, and national stakeholders who helped make TBI Act reauthorization a reality.
