Brain Injury Industry News | RainbowVisions Magazine

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Industry Topics cover concussions along with legal and funding issues that impact brain and spinal cord injury patients.

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Concussions in sports; an interview with Chris Nowinski (188 KB) – Former WWE wrestler Chris Nowinski was at the top of his game when his career suddenly ended due to the effects of post-concussion syndrome. A 2000 graduate of Harvard, Chris now works in the field of concussion research and advocacy and authored the book “Head Games” which discusses the risks concussions pose to young athletes.

Concussion Prevention is Front and Center (121 KB) – As professional, collegiate and high school athletes return to the gridiron, they will be competing under new rules that set out to protect athletes from the potentially long-term effects of concussion.

CPAN: Protecting Michigan's auto no-fault insurance (126 KB) – The Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault (CPAN) continues to gain significance as groups try to eliminate some of the fundamental elements of Michigan's auto no-fault insurance. Learn why it is more important than ever to rally behind CPAN in Rainbow President Bill Buccalo's article.

Guardianship (176 KB) – When parents have a child with a traumatic brain injury, it is important that they understand their rights and the legal system as it applies to caring for their child. This article covers the various aspects of guardianship.

Guardianship II (166 KB) – The medical and financial decisions that need to be made after an adult suffers a traumatic brain injury can be daunting. If the injured person has been determine to be "legally incapacitated," that can bring a host of legal issues for which the family must make decisions.

Health Care Reform Becomes Law (458 KB) – On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law. The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 was signed one week later. These new laws dramatically expand coverage and provide important consumer protections. Brain Injury Association of America President Susan H. Connors explains what it means for the brain injury community.

New study finds funding threats would impact jobs (192 KB) -- In September, the Anderson Economic Group (AEG) released a report titled “Impact of Proposed ‘PIP Choice’ Law in Michigan.” We break down the study's key findings on the impact of the proposed legislature.

Proposed Michigan Auto No-Fault Reform Leaves Injured Without Care (178 KB) -- Michigan Senate Bill 293 proposes to allow Michigan drivers to under insure the risk of operating a vehicle by purchasing as little as $50,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. The consequences of this legislation will be devastating to automobile accident victims, shift millions of dollars of health care costs from private insurance companies to state government welfare programs, and eliminate thousands of jobs in a brain and spinal cord rehabilitation industry that is unique to Michigan.

Reduced PIP, Fee Schedules and Attendant Care Legislation (129 KB) – In April 2010, Michigan House Bills 6094 and 6095 were introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives. Learn about the impact these bills would have on the Michigan brain injury community in Rainbow Rehabilitation Centers President Bill Buccalo's article.

Special Needs Trust (204 KB) – This article provides practical advice on how to set-up a special needs trust that will provide some private funds while preserving governmental benefits for those with disabilities.