Public Policy

Legislative Action/Issues

The Brain Injury Association of Missouri strives for access to services and independent living for persons with brain injury as well as the prevention of brain injuries and public safety within the State of Missouri. We support Federal legislative issues in partnership with the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA).

Missouri Legislative Action/Issues

Be active with Brain Injury Association legislative issues.

Access to Brain Injury Services

Brain Injury Waiver – Missouri offers a Brain Injury Waiver for participants with traumatic brain injuries who are between the ages of 21 and 65 that require nursing home level of care. When the brain injury happens at age 21 or younger, it is considered a developmental disability and the person may be eligible for Waiver services through the Missouri Department of Mental Health – Developmental Disabilities.

BIA-MO and other advocates have worked on a Missouri Brain Injury Waiver since about 2000. The Brain Injury Waiver complement the Missouri DHSS Adult Brain Injury Program by providing rehabilitation and support services earlier in the recovery process for individuals who qualify for the Waiver.

What is a Brain Injury Waiver?

A “Waiver” is a funding source for service. There are various “waivers” throughout Departments of Missouri State Government. The State of Missouri allocates a specific amount for each Waiver which is then “matched” by Federal Medicaid dollars. The percentage allocated by the State and the percentage matched by Medicaid, differs for each Waiver. When funding is cut by Missouri or the Federal government, there is less money for the specific Waiver and less services for individuals served by the specific Waiver.

Each Waiver has separate eligibility criteria, which is modified often. To find out details about specific Waivers, Contact the coordinating Missouri Department:

Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) Waiver:

Brain Injury Waiver

Department of Mental Health (DMH) Waivers:

Comprehensive Waiver

Missouri Children’s Developmental Disabilities (MOCDD) Waiver

Support Waiver

Partnership for Hope Waiver

Division of Developmental Disabilities (DD)
Brain injury is considered a developmental disability when it occurred at age 21 or younger, regadless of the current age of the person.

Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Waivers for Senior Adults:

Medically Fragile Adult Waiver

Adult Day Care Waiver

Aged and Disabled Waiver

Independent Living Waiver

Prevention of Brain Injuries

Motorcycle Helmet Law

Missouri no longer has an all-rider motorcycle helmet law that requires every motorcycle driver and passenger to wear a DOT safety certified motorcycle helmet when the motorcycle is in motion.

Missouri Action on Motorcycle Helmet Law

Former Governor Parson signed House Bill (HB) 1963. He repealed the Missouri all-rider motorcycle helmet law. As of August 28, 2020, more people will die and will sustain brain injuries on Missouri roadways.

Map of Unhelmeted Motorcyclists Fatalities Rates by State.

Motorcycles in Missouri infographic.

Impact of the Missouri Helmet Law Change infographic.

Youth Sports Brain Injury Concussion Act (2011)

The Missouri Legislature enacted HB 300 The Youth Sports Brain Injury Concussion Act in August 2011.

Provisions of this law:

Youth athletes of school-sponsored sports teams in grades 7 – 12 suspected of a concussion shall be removed from play or practice for a minimum of 24 hours.
Annual education for parents and athletes about concussion signs and symptoms.
Clearance by a healthcare professional trained in the evaluation and management of concussions.

Who are my Representatives

To locate your State and Federal Representatives use the “Legislator Look Up” on the Missouri General Assembly website. By your address, including the zip code + 4 digits, your Representatives will be listed with links to their websites. You can also contact BIA-MO Office Administrator, at Heather@biamo.org or 1-800-444-6443.