Legislative and Advocacy Round-up for January 2023

Legislative and Advocacy Round-up

To inform brain injury advocates about

grassroots advocacy and public policy

January 2023

Upcoming Events

February 4
March 4
April 1
May 6
June 3
July 8
August 5
September 9
October 7
November 4
December 2

Brain Injury Resource Center

Whether you have a brain injury or concussion, are a caregiver or a professional, the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey has resources available for you. If you’re in need of further assistance, please contact the Helpline at 1-800-669-4323, or [email protected].

Visit the Resource Library

Brain Injury Support Groups

Brain injury support groups allow people with brain injuries and their family members to meet others in similar situations. They gain valuable emotional support, form friendships, obtain information, and discuss a variety of brain injury topics.

Find a Support Group

CARES Program

The BIANJ CARES (Care, Assistance, Resources, Education and Support) Program supports individuals and families impacted by brain injury through care management. This program focuses on assessing current needs and developing a plan to help individuals achieve greatest potential and improve quality of life.

More about CARES

Support Coordination

The Alliance is an approved Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) /Medicaid-approved Support Coordination agency. Support Coordinators provide care management services to adults 21 + who are eligible for DDD services. Individuals and their families are assisted in identifying services and developing individualized plans based on a person’s needs.

In Case You Missed It

NJ Human Services Implements $50 SNAP Minimum Benefit as SNAP Federal Emergency Allotments Set to Expire in February

Committee Approves Bill Establishing Minimum Reimbursement Rates

for Traumatic Brain Injury Special Care Nursing Facilities

Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer that would establish a minimum NJ FamilyCare reimbursement rate for traumatic brain injury special care nursing facilities was advanced by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

"Reimbursement rates for brain injury services have remained static in recent years despite growing costs. This threatens the ability of providers to meet the complex needs of individuals with brain injuries and provide services within a safe and fulfilling community environment," said Singer. "My legislation will more than double the reimbursement rate for special care nursing facilities, which will help offset the increased costs of staff and therapy services. This will ensure that people with brain injuries can continue to thrive and reach their optimal recoveries in community settings."

The current reimbursement rate for a special care nursing facility is $340.01. Under Singer's bill, S-2369, the rate would increase to $740.01 per diem. This rate increase will align the reimbursement rate for traumatic brain injury special care nursing facilities with the reimbursement rate for other special care nursing facilities.

ACL to Host TBI Partners Day

Please join the Administration on Community Living (ACL) in observance of Brain Injury Awareness Month. The ACL will be hosting a virtual Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Partners Day on February 28, 2023, 12:00 – 4:00 PM ET.

Each year, ACL convenes interested parties to discuss important issues around TBI services, supports, and systems and to learn from other partners, brain injury survivors, family members, support networks, and state and federal representatives. This year, we will have sessions on aging, employment, the intersectionality of TBI and other medical and social issues, and peer support.

If you require additional accommodations to participate or if you have any questions about the event, please contact [email protected].

Thank You!

The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey supports a broad range of legislation that relates to brain injury. We appreciate those members of the State Legislature or the United States Congress who support bills by registering as a cosponsor of or introducing legislation. We would like to publicly thank the following member(s) for sponsoring the following bills:

In the State Legislature

S-3494 - Requires helmet while operating bicycle, scooter, or motorized scooter.

Senator Joseph Vitale

S-2369 – Establishes minimum NJ FamilyCare reimbursement rate for traumatic brain injury special care nursing facilities; establishes enhanced NJ FamilyCare reimbursement rate for nursing facilities under certain circumstances; makes an appropriation.

Senators Fred Madden, Holly Schepisi, Edward Durr

A-357 - Requires Adjutant General of DMVA create program for veterans to receive evaluation and treatment for PTSD and total brain injury.

Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis

A-962 - Exempts disabled veterans from certain fees at State parks and forests.

Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis

A-3250 - Requires DHS to employ Transportation Planning Coordinator to manage and oversee transportation services provided to DHS clients.

Assemblywoman Angela McKnight

A-3793 - Requires certain permit holders to complete practice driving hours to obtain probationary driver’s license.

Assemblymembers Yvonne Lopez, Benjie Wimberly. William Moen

Legislation that Advanced

Legislation listed below has advanced in the New Jersey State Legislature. Please contact Tom Grady, Director of Advocacy and Public Affairs if you would like more information about these bills at [email protected] and/or whether you would like to contact your elected representatives to express your views on these bills.

In the State Legislature

S2369 - Establishes minimum NJ FamilyCare reimbursement rate for traumatic brain injury special care nursing facilities; establishes enhanced NJ FamilyCare reimbursement rate for nursing facilities under certain circumstances; makes an appropriation.

S3494 - Requires helmet while operating bicycle, scooter, or motorized scooter.

S3495 - Provides for presumptive eligibility for home and community-based services under Medicaid.

A3250 - Requires DHS to employ Transportation Planning Coordinator to oversee provision of transportation services.

A3793 - Requires certain permit holders to complete practice driving hours to obtain probationary driver's license.

In the United States Congress

H.R. 105 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy to veterans with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey www.bianj.org