April 8 at 10:00

Today I would like to tell you about a couple we have met here at Madonna. Their complete story is at caringbridge.org then brantburt (website) and then Journal. Their entry of Mar 25 is below.

Kellie is 33 (Timothy's age) her husband Brant is 35. He is the one with the brain injury through no fault of his own. They have 3 children, the oldest is in kindergarten. They live in Lee's Summit. My heart goes out to them. I hope some of you reading this about Timothy will feel compelled to help with her efforts to contact legislative members.



Wednesday, March 25, 2009 12:25 AM, CDT

Through this experience with B.B. and dealing with brain injury, I have learned alot. First, that Missouri does not take care of it's residents. At least not completely.

In 2005, Governor Blunt cut all funding for gov. assistance for outpatient rehabilitation benefits. They will take mercy on you if you are under the age of 22, blind or pregnant. Otherwise, if you are in need of rehab benefits due to a serious injury, such as brain injuries, than you are a lost cause and deserve to be in a nursing home.

Pretty horrible huh? Well, I just learned yesterday that there is a bill trying to be passed to override this. It is senate bill 77 and is titled, Inclusion of Comprehensive Day Rehabilitation Services in Mo HealthNet. This is exciting!!!

Most people that are dealing with brain injuries are having to turn to Medicaid to help with services that their insurance company will not pay for. Such as medical equipment, medications and extended care in an inpatient facility.

The reason this is so important, is because there is not an insurance plan out there that will provide rehab benefits for a lengthy amount of time. What we have learned is that the brain heals slowly and a month or two isn't enough. A lot of insurance companies, will pay for inpatient/out patient rehab -for a limited amount of time. Then what happens when they are finished with inpatient rehab? According to Matt Blunt they should either be completely functional @ that point or live in a nursing home.

I do not believe that's right. Those people deserve a chance to continue their rehab!! If insurance is not paying for the outpatient rehab, than what are you to do? Pay out of pocket? That is not possible for the average person. Especially, if they do not have an income, due to their injury. This saddens me greatly.

Right now, we do have an opportunity for our voices to be heard.You can contact your local legislator asking them to support this bill. This bill is sponsored by Senator Stouffer and is SB77/HB530. You can go to www.moga.mo.gov and click on legislator look-up. Based on your zipcode, you can find the name and contact information for your state representative and senator. You may also call 573-751-3824, which is the senate communications line.

The "Talking Points" for letters when contacting state reps and senators regarding bill SB 77, are as follows.

1) Following discharge from a hospital, most adults have no options to continue their rehabilitation.

2) These services can help individuals to participate in their communities and return to work.

3) These services bridge people with brain injuries to other services such as vocational, technical, educational, and supported employment.

4) This rehabilitation keeps people out of nursing homes or institutions which cost taxpayers more money (approx. savings of $67,242 per person per year)

5) Many people are able to return to work and become a taxpayer upon completion of rehab.


It is very important to realize, this could be any one of us!!! This could be you, your spouse, your parent, best friend, sibling etc...

I'm sure you would want the best for their future. By supporting this bill, it can provide comfort for your future, should some chance this situation would be yours.

Not only could this benefit my husband, but so many other families that are faced with these challenges. I want to stand up and shout "BRAIN INJURED PEOPLE ARE NOT A LOST CAUSE!"

As you can see, I am very passionate about this issue. Your voice DOES matter. Please contact our legislators to show your support. You will be doing a wonderful thing for B.B. and so many other families!! It gives people opportunities to reclaim their lives. At least, let them have that chance! Please, Please, Please help me support this cause!!!

Love, Kellie