After the devastating Massachusetts special election, House and Senate leaders are expected to resume negotiations this week to attempt to finish the health care overhaul. Although a clear path is still unknown, BIAA will continue to monitor the situation closely. A big thank you to all of our grassroots advocates who answered the call last week to urge members of Congress to push forward on Health Care Reform!

State Concussion Legislation

Following the extraordinary success of BIA of Washington and BIA of Oregon in the adoption of state level sports concussion legislation, BIAA, in partnership with the Sports Legacy Institute, has become committed to encouraging, and assisting wherever possible, the enactment of sports concussion legislation in all states.

BIAA has developed a sample piece of legislation based on current laws and pending bills that exist throughout the country. This model legislation along with a sample testimony for use in state concussion hearings, distributed on January 25, 2010 to BIAA’s state affiliates, is a step foward in facilitating action in each state. 

Due to the increased visibility of sports concussions within the National Football League in recent weeks, BIAA is encouraged that all states will be able to tip the scales in favor of protecting our youth athletes.

Brain Injury Awareness Day 2010

This year’s Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill is set to take place on March, 17, 2010. BIAA will be unveiling our 2010 legislative agenda and encouraging the grassroots community along with state affiliates to participate in advocating for increased TBI Act appropriations, increased access to care, federal and state level concussion legislation, increased TBI research, military coverage of cognitive rehabilitation and caregiver assistance. 

All issues mentioned will be outlined in fact sheets that advocates will receive that day and can use as reference during congressional visits and may leave behind for review by congressional staff.

Below is the schedule of events for the day:

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM - Brain Injury Awareness Fair, First Floor Foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM - Briefing: “From the Playground to the Pros: A Heads-Up on Concussion”, Capitol Visitors Center – Congressional Meeting Room South
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM - Reception Celebrating Brain Injury Awareness Month, First Floor Foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building

The Policy Corner is made possible by the Centre for Neuro Skills, James F. Humphreys and Associates, and Lakeview.  Brain Injury Association of America gratefully acknowledges their support for legislative action.b

CALL THE CAPITOL SWITCHBOARD AT 800-828-0498

Over the past week, you may have seen news reports suggesting that health care reform is in serious jeopardy. WE MUST INSIST THAT CONGRESS COMPLETE HEALTH CARE REFORM NOW!

Too many Americans with disabilities and chronic conditions are not well served by the current system and will make tremendous gains through enactment of health care reform.

Take action NOW! Starting TODAY and continuing until the final votes on legislation, call your members of Congress and tell them NOT TO GIVE UP ON AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES AND CHRONIC CONDITIONS! TELL THEM THAT YOU WANT THEM TO CONTINUE FIGHTING FOR HEALTH CARE REFORM!!!

• Health care reform will end discrimination based on health status in the private market - discrimination that currently leaves millions of vulnerable Americans uninsured
• Health care reform will include new, affordable voluntary long term care insurance coverage—the CLASS Act—and expand Medicaid coverage for home and community based services
• Health care reform will expand Medicaid eligibility and provide subsidies in the private market, creating more affordable coverage for people with disabilities
• Health care reform will prohibit annual and lifetime limits on coverage so that individuals with serious conditions will not be forced into medical bankruptcy

CALL THE CAPITOL SWITCHBOARD AT 800-828-0498. (If you can't get through on the 800 number, call the Capitol switchboard (202-224-3121) or your member's district office.)

Tell your Senators and Representatives that NOW is the time for Congress to complete meaningful health care reform that prevents discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions, includes the CLASS Act and expands coverage of Medicaid home and community based services. 

People with disabilities and their families cannot wait any longer for relief!