Bill Summary for Bill Number Presentation by Brain Injury Alliance

Date: 04/16/2013

Final
Presentation by Brain Injury Alliance

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH CARE & HUMAN SERVICES

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01:55 PM -- Presentation by Brain Injury Alliance

Representative McCann called the meeting to order. She noted that Representative Primavera would return to the meeting as chair as soon as she was done presenting a bill in another committee.

Gavin Atwood, executive director, and Mark Condon, resource navigator, representing the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado (BIAC), presented to the committee. Mr. Atwood described BIAC and the issues individuals with brain injuries face on a day-to-day basis. Mr. Condon discussed his experience and recovery from a severe brain injury.

02:05 PM

Mr. Condon continued to describe his struggle with recovering from his brain injury. He showed the committee a deck of cards with some that were blacked out to illustrate the blind spots that exist for a person recovering from, and coping with, brain injuries. He commented that he hopes the committee will consider Coloradans with brain injuries when proposing public policy. Mr. Condon responded to questions from the committee regarding what are the typical causes of severe brain injuries.

02:13 PM

Mr. Atwood noted that BIAC has had a positive working relationship with the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. He noted that some individuals are unable to access services due to various barriers, one being rules from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that have lowered the number of waivers available to individuals with brain injuries. Representative Tyler shared a story about his son working with BIAC clients. Mr. Atwood responded to questions from Representative Landgraf about the available waivers. He noted that there are 12 waivers available for individuals on Medicaid and that additional services are available for individuals that qualify for the waivers. Mr. Condon responded to questions from Representative Conti regarding recovery times and thresholds.