The tragic events on January 8, 2011 near Tucson, Arizona brought brain injury into the national spotlight with the shooting of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.  Rep. Giffords has made remarkable progress since her injury and continues to thrive at TIRR Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital. Unfortunately, many individuals having experienced a brain injury may not have the resources access to fully-funded rehabilitative care.  MSNBC health writer JoNel Aleccia discusses the disparity of access to comprehensive and/or affordable rehabilitative care for individuals having experienced similar brain trauma to that of Rep. Giffords.

Through a federal workers compensation program, Rep. Giffords is afforded essentially unlimited time and financial resources to assist her in regaining her cognitive, physical, and social functioning.  Unlike Rep. Giffords, many Americans with brain injury are limited to private or public insurance (i.e. Medicare, Medicaid) to pay for their rehabilitation; however, many health insurance plans do not cover or provide limited coverage for traumatic brain injury and necessary rehabilitation to recover.  Ms. Aleccia’s article highlights the experience and struggles of Steven Jones, 18, who experienced a brain injury after being shot in face in by a 9-millimeter handgun in 2006.  While Mr. Jones has had much of his health care expenses covered by state Medicaid and other providers, his care was still limited in terms of resources and expertise available.  Additionally, Mr. Jones’ recovery process has been marked by delays and inconsistent quality of treatment due to paperwork and bureaucracy.  While Rep. Giffords receives specialized treatment 6-hours a day, Mr. Jones was relegated to sporadic treatment of once or twice a week for a few hours a day.

Access to early, intensive therapy is believed to be the key to the fullest recovery but many individuals with brain injury like Mr. Jones receive limited and inconsistent treatment.  Moreover, of the hundred thousands of individuals hospitalized for brain injuries every year two-thirds are sent home without further medical treatment.  Ms. Aleccia goes on to provide startling statistics regarding the cost of rehabilitative care and the need for rehabilitation to stimulate and treat the brain injury providing thousands of individuals with an opportunity for recovery.

Here at NARIC, we are very happy for and continue to wish all the best for Rep. Giffords and her family.  We wish every family had the opportunity to experience the benefits of expert, coordinated, evidence-based rehabilitation. Unfortunately, this story is all too common based on the calls and emails we receive.

For further reading please visit http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41315890/ns/us_news/#.