Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can affect individuals long after the immediate injury has healed. There are often lingering affects of the original injury that may affect you or your loved one’s ability to work, to cope in the home, and to live life to the fullest. Many people who sustain a brain injury will need ongoing care for a period of time and, in some cases, for the rest of their lives. Medical bills can be overwhelming, and caring for these patients can be a tremendous financial strain. Knowing what resources are available to assist you financially can be a tremendous advantage. The following are but a few of the resources available for TBI patients and families:

Short and Long-term Disability- Many people are afforded this benefit through work, although some purchase this insurance privately. Short-term disability pays a large percentage of a person’s wage for a specified period of time, after which long-term disability takes over. Long-term disability generally pays less than short-term disability, and periodic physician assessments are usually required.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income)- This program is federally funded, and assists people who are disabled to pay for basic necessities. To qualify for SSI, you must have little or no income from other sources.

Social Security Disability- Eligibility for this program is based on your prior work history. If you qualify for SSI, you may qualify for disability as well. In most cases, you won’t have to be examined a second time by a physician; the medical requirements are similar.

Medicaid/Medicaid- A federal program which provides free health insurance to those who qualify.

The Catastrophic Injury Resource Center is dedicated to assisting injury patients who have been involved in an accident and are looking to obtain affordable medical treatment for their injuries. We provide counseling to patients regarding the nationwide availability of reduced cost or free medical services from various organizations and referrals to those organizations. In cases that qualify, medical treatment may be partially or fully funded.

National Transplant Assistance Fund & Catastrophic Injury Program (NTAF)
NTAF Mission is to help catastrophic injury patients and their families afford critical but uninsured medically related expenses through fundraising guidance; patient support with financial and other resources and to help in possible transplant procedures.