Department of Health details state brain‑injury programs and eligibility limits

Tara Trigo, director of the Bureau of Family Health at the Pennsylvania Department of Health, told the House Human Services Committee that the department runs two primary programs for adults with traumatic brain injury: a Neuro Resource Facilitation Program and the Pennsylvania Head Injury Program.

Trigo said the Department of Health receives competitive federal grants from the Administration for Community Living and other federal funds, Title V Maternal and Child Health block grant funds and state dollars from the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund to run brain‑injury services. "The goal of the NRFP is to help individuals maximize their health capabilities and well‑being," she said, describing the free, six‑month facilitator service that links adults and families to local supports.

The department also administers the Pennsylvania Head Injury Program, established under the Emergency Medical Services Act of 1985 and funded by the EMS Operating Fund, which pays for head‑injury rehabilitation services for people who qualify. Trigo described the HIP eligibility conditions as: Pennsylvania and U.S. residency, a traumatic brain injury sustained after July 2, 1985, age 18 or older, income under 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, a completed application and demonstrated needs that are addressable by rehabilitation through HIP. Under HIP, Trigo said, individuals may receive up to 12 consecutive months or $100,000 for rehabilitation services as specified in an individualized service plan; an additional six months of case management or roughly $1,000 may be available to aid transition out of the program.

Trigo said HIP contracts with nine specialized brain‑injury providers across the Commonwealth and requires providers to maintain state licensing and CARF accreditation. Services may be delivered in residential programs, outpatient settings and other home and community‑based settings and include nursing care, neurobehavioral therapy, community integration supports, work‑skills services, psychological services and cognitive, occupational, speech and physical therapies.

Committee members pressed Trigo on outreach. She said the department maintains print materials, resource guides and a helpline and posts information on the department website, but that the department has no dedicated promotional media budget and relies heavily on stakeholder partners and the Brain Injury Advisory Board to share information. Trigo also told the committee the advisory board — a mix of survivors, family members, caregivers, providers and state partners that meets quarterly — helps direct program activities and workforce training priorities.

Trigo acknowledged limits in coverage and capacity and welcomed further discussion with the committee about program expansion.

Less critical details: Trigo noted the Department also funds BrainSTEPS for students returning to school after concussion and a brain‑injury/opioid training program for behavioral health and brain‑injury professionals.