Michigan Legislature Takes Yet Another Break Without Action to End State’s Catastrophic Care Crisis

Judd: ‘Legislators enjoying their spring break should take a moment to reflect on the suffering of survivors’  

BRIGHTON, Mich.—(March 21, 2024)—As the Michigan Legislature prepares to take yet another break without fixing the catastrophic care crisis that has roiled the state, the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council today called on legislators to spend their time off reflecting on the suffering that has befallen thousands of Michigan’s most vulnerable people.

“Legislators could choose to end this crisis today,” said Tom Judd, MBIPC executive director. “A fair and sustainable solution has already been passed by the Senate—one that has the support of crash survivors, their loved ones, disability rights advocates, an interfaith coalition, and the care providers who help seriously injured people heal. The only possible reason for the lack of action is that some legislators believe the grossly inaccurate disinformation being spread by the big insurance companies. It’s time that the Legislature stand up to these lies and move forward on the reasonable fix that survivors are pleading for.” 

It's been more than five months since Senate Bills 530, 531 and 575 were passed by the Michigan Senate with bipartisan support. The bills were then sent to the House Insurance and Financial Services Committee, chaired by State Rep. Brenda Carter. Although Rep. Carter has committed to holding a hearing on the bills in the coming weeks, such action has yet to occur.

“Every day that goes by, three more people will be injured in a car crash and will require significant post-acute rehabilitation and care,” Judd said. “As legislators enjoy their spring breaks with their families, they should take a moment to think about survivors like 6-year-old Annabelle Marsh, a brave young girl who recently lost the physical therapy she needs because of this cruel law. We hope they will return in April with a renewed vigor to end this sad chapter in our state’s history.”

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Members of the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council are committed to providing high-quality, ethical rehabilitation services, with the mission of achieving the best outcomes for patients. As a trade association established in 1987 and based in Brighton, Michigan, MBIPC offers resource-sharing, information exchange, professional development and education, advocacy for brain injury standards of care and legislation protecting Michigan families, and the promotion of ethical conduct.