Financial Help & Rehabilitation for Brain Injuries

The cost of medical care and rehabilitation services for patients with brain injuries can cause a severe burden for individuals and families. Inpatient and outpatient medical expenses, plus rehabilitation and occupational therapy can deplete health insurance coverage. Brain injuries can leave a person unable to return to work because of the extent of his injuries, resulting in a troublesome situation. Brain injury patients need medical care, but lack the income necessary to cover their expenses. If you or someone you know needs financial help and rehabilitation for a brain injury, there are several methods to get assistance.

Disability Coverage

• If the person was employed when she sustained a brain injury, it may be possible to receive short-term or long-term disability coverage. Provided by the employer, the benefits vary depending on a person's base pay and the length of time of the disability. Regular reports should be provided by the neurosurgeon or other applicable specialist to determine if coverage should be continued.

SSI

• When a brain injury is disabling or permanent, Supplementary Security Income may be an option. This federal benefit is granted if the injury sustained will last a year or longer. The program focuses on those who are blind, disabled, or aged who have no means of obtaining income. The payments are based on financial need and help to cover food, clothing and housing expenses. SSI for brain injuries can cover children as well as adults.

Discount Programs

• Some hospitals participate in the federal Hill-Burton program or indigent care programs offered through the states. These programs can minimize your payments for rehabilitation costs or eliminate them altogether. However, some of the payments are made for in-patient or on-site outpatient services only and may not cover in-home rehabilitation.

Private Funds

• Many organizations provide funds for short-term or long-term needs. When someone has suffered a brain injury, it may be possible to obtain assistance from civic organizations such as Elks, Moose Lodge, Legion, local churches and other groups in the community. Private funders, such as the Brain Injury Hope Association, provide financial assistance for those with mild traumatic brain injuries. Access to a database like those maintained by the Foundation Center (see Resources) can be of help in locating additional funding sources.

Fundraising

• It can be difficult to ask for help, but sometimes a family member requests that a feature article be written about the situation in order to ask readers to provide donations to cover costs related to the brain injury. Some may even make requests for help with housing to offset medical expenses for rehabilitation after a brain injury.