Contact: Sheri Greenhoe P: 517-336-7603 E: sgreenhoe@msms.

org For Immediate Release November 3, 2011

U.S. Military Veterans at State Medical Society Applaud Lawmakers for Meeting with Veteran Care Providers Opposing No Fault Reform
LANSINGVeterans of the United States Armed forces currently serving at the Michigan State Medical Society today issued the following statements in response to yesterdays meeting between health care providers caring for injured veterans under a new V.A. pilot program and lawmakers considering changes to Michigans no fault automobile insurance system: Michigan has a health care infrastructure that is second to none and that has led to unparalleled care for our wounded and brain injured veterans, said Air Force Veteran and Secretary of the Michigan State Medical Society Michael W. Smith, MD. Protecting no fault means protecting care for our nations heroes. MSMS Treasurer and US Air Force Veteran Edward J. Rutkowski, MD said: Lawmakers deserve credit for sitting down with health care professionals caring for veterans across Michigan and veterans families. The care being provided to these brave men and women at facilities across the state is the best in the world. The legislature should reject changes to no fault to ensure this level of care remains possible. Said MSMS President-Elect John G. Bizon, Lt. Col. US Air Force (sep.): Members of the legislature had the opportunity yesterday to meet with the families of injured veterans and the professionals helping them on the road to recovery about the importance of our states no fault insurance system. The rehabilitation care they are receiving here in Michigan is something every Michigander can be proud of. We owe our veterans a debt we can never truly repay, but maintaining this exceptional care is a start. Lawmakers met yesterday evening with veterans families and health care professionals from Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center in Mason, the Eisenhower Center in Ann Arbor, Hope Network in Grand Rapids and Rainbow Rehabilitation Centers in Ypsilanti. The facilities are four of only 21 selected nationwide by the V.A. to participate in a new pilot program treating veterans in facilities closer to their homes. No other state has as many facilities participating in the program. The Michigan State Medical Society is a professional association of more than 16,000 Michigan physicians whose mission is to promote a health care environment which supports physicians in caring for, and enhancing the health of Michigan citizens through science, quality, and ethics in the practice of medicine. Additional information can be found at www.msms.org. ###