In November 2006, the Brain Injury Association of NM (BIANM) engaged in a contract with New Mexico’s Aging and Long -Term Services Department to assist individuals with brain injury with the application process of Mi Via.  BIANM assist individuals with brain injury, or their family with applying for the Mi Via Medicaid Waiver through two means; with our hotline service, and overseeing and providing Brain Injury Guides. 

This new and innovative role of a "Brain Injury Guide" was created when Mi Via was initially becoming a reality.  The Brain Injury Guide, or BIG's, ability to help the individual with brain injury organize their paperwork, make appointments, follow through with requests and assist the applicant with the nursing assessment and Service and Support plan, lessens the confusion and enhances the completion of a complicated process.  We have come to realize that the BIG's role to assist the applicant with the process of applying is critical to the success of the person getting onto Medicaid services and into the program. 

The Brain Injury Guide (known as a BIG) is a Brain Injury Association of New Mexico trained professional who is responsible for assisting individuals who are applying for New Mexico’s Medicaid Waiver -Mi Via program.  The BIGs main role is to help the Mi Via applicant with the process of establishing eligibility for the Mi Via program.  The BIG could assist the Mi Via applicant with a variety of activities related to the process; such as making phone calls, reminding the applicant of appointments and paperwork to be filled out, accompanying the applicant to appointments, or collecting and keeping track of paperwork.

The BIG assists individuals through three main milestones that make up the initial application and recertification process. The three milestone stages are as follow; the Medical & Financial eligibility, the Nurse Assessment, and the Service and Support Plan/Enrolment packet process. With each milestone, the BIG is provided mileage reimbursement and a stipend.  If you would like to have a BIG assist you with the Mi Via application or recertification process, please give us a call.  If you are interested in becoming a BIG, we also welcome you to give us call as well!