Monthly Archives: July 2009
Final NIDRR RRCT Priorities Released
As reported in an earlier edition of Policy Corner, BIAA submitted comments to the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) in June specifically regarding the fourth priority included in the proposed plan for the Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs) entitled, “Developing Strategies to Foster Community Integration and Participation for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury.”
Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009 (S. 252)
After being favorably reported out of the Senate Veterans Affairs committee last week, the full Senate plans to consider S. 252, the Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009 in the coming days.
FY10 National Defense Authorization Act (S. 1390)
On Thursday, July 23, 2009, the Senate passed its version of the FY10 National Defense Authorization Act. During debate, Senator John McCain for Senator Graham offered an amendment that authorizes the Secretary of Defense to carry out a pilot program for providing cognitive rehabilitation therapy services under TRICARE. Both BIAA and the Wounded Warrior Project have worked tirelessly to advocate for the inclusion of this amendment. To view the amendment, click on the link below:
Health Care Reform Update
Health Care Reform remains in a holding pattern as Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus announced this week that his Committee would not formally consider health care legislation until after the August recess.
Appropriations Update
On Thursday, July 30, 2009, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved its fiscal 2010 spending bill for Health, Education and Labor programs.
Most Valuable Advocates (MVAs)
In a year that has been bursting at the seams with important policy making and legislation affecting the brain injury community, BIAA would like to take a step back and thank our grassroots for the heavy lifting they have done in the past six months!
Call your Senators and urge them to vote for S. 252, The Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009
In the coming days the Senate will consider S. 252, the Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009. Among the provisions of the bill, the legislation authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs(VA) to provide care to veterans with traumatic brain injury through contracts with non-VA providers when necessary.
Call your Senators today to encourage passage of S. 252! Click the “call now” button below this message to get started, then type your zip code in the “call now” box and click go to access phone numbers and talking points for your call!
Health Care Reform Update July 27, 2009
House
After more contentious private and public negotiations on a health overhaul between House leaders and moderate Democrats, prospects are uncertain for a vote on the bill before lawmakers leave for a long August recess.
The Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman, Henry Waxman, is aiming to come to an agreement by Monday or Tuesday of this week in order to report the bill to the full house.
House Democratic leaders will attempt to convince their caucus of the merits of the legislation Monday evening, in the hope of holding a vote at the end of this week or early next week.
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, had earlier dismissed the idea that Energy and Commerce might have to discharge the bill without voting on it — something Waxman said, in the heat of his dispute with moderate democrats, that he was considering himself. “I’m not interested in that, and I don’t think the Speaker is either,” Hoyer said. (CQ)
He said chances are “very small” they will take the bill to the floor before the House’s scheduled July 31 break for the August recess. However, he said it was possible the leadership would hold the chamber in session beyond that date.
Senate
Senate leaders last week abandoned plans to pass their own bill before August, but work continues among a bipartisan group of six Finance Committee members – backed by their leadership – to reach agreement on an overhaul.
Appropriations Update: TBI Act
On Friday, July 24, 2009 the House of Representatives passed a $730.5 billion bill to fund health, education and labor programs in fiscal 2010. The bill (HR 3293) allocates $10 million to the HRSA state grant and protection and advocacy programs. The accompanying committee report states:
“The Committee provides $10 million for the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) program. This is $123,000 above the fiscal year 2009 funding level and the budget request. The TBI program funds the development and implementation of statewide systems to ensure access to care, including pre-hospital care, emergency department care, hospital care, rehabilitation, transitional services, education and employment, and long-term community supports. Grants also go to State protection and advocacy systems. In fiscal year 2009, 16 States will receive TBI awards, and 57 State and territorial protection and advocacy systems will be funded. The Committee intends that HRSA allocates the TBI funding increase to States and protection and advocacy systems in the same proportion as they received with fiscal year 2009 funding.”
The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Also, considered as part of the bill, funding for the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research as stated in the Committee Report is as follows:
“The Committee recommends $110,741,000 for the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, which is $3,000,000 above the fiscal year 2009 funding level and the same as the budget request. The Institute supports research, demonstration, and training activities that are designed to maximize the employment and integration into society of individuals with disabilities of all ages. The Committee encourages the Administration to establish an Interagency Committee on Disability Research to develop a comprehensive government-wide strategic plan for disability and rehabilitation research, including capacity building and knowledge translation.”
Social Security Administration
The Social Security Administration’s program that supports seniors and the disabled received $11.4 billion in the bill, $993 million above 2009, for a limitation on administrative expenses for SSA. The Committee expressed dedication to helping the Social Security Administration (SSA) address several challenges, including processing a rising number of retirement and disability claims, reducing the backlog of disability claims, and improving service to the public.
BIAA will continue to monitor the bill as the Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to begin marking up its version of the bill July 28. Look for more details and action alerts in the coming weeks. In the meantime, BIAA thanks grassroots advocates for their assistance!
Health Care Reform Update
This week the Senate, Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee approved its draft Health Care Reform measure, and the Finance Committee is expected to begin consideration next week.
In the House, the Education and Labor Committee approved its section of the bill (HR 3200) after a very long session lasting through the night on Thursday. The Ways and Means Committee also finished action on its portion of the legislation early Friday, while the Energy and Commerce Committee is expected to continue its proceedings on Monday.
BIAA will continue to monitor the situation closely as the House is hoping to send their bill to the floor before the August recess.
