Falling Forward Foundation and TIRR Memorial Hermann, the #2 ranked hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, today jointly announced a new partnership designed to help patients continue critical outpatient rehabilitation after insurance benefits have been exhausted.
Through this collaboration, Falling Forward Foundation will provide grant funding to support select TIRR Memorial Hermann patients recovering from catastrophic medical events such as stroke, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. The funding will help eliminate gaps in care that often occur when therapy coverage ends, helping to allow for patients to continue progressing toward maximum recovery and independence.
Each year, more than 1 million Americans experience catastrophic injuries or illnesses, yet the vast majority face insurance-imposed limits on rehabilitation services. Research shows that nearly 99% of Americans are subject to some form of therapy cap, often placing recovery at risk during a critical phase of healing.
“Recovery doesn’t follow an insurance timeline,” said Sam Porritt, founder of Falling Forward Foundation. “When rehabilitation stops prematurely, progress can stall or even reverse. Partnering with TIRR Memorial Hermann allows us to support patients at a pivotal moment so their recovery can continue without interruption.”
Falling Forward Foundation was launched to address what can be a significant gap in rehabilitation benefits. Sam Porritt founded the organization after recovering from a spinal cord injury in 2011. Before his injury, Porritt had never heard of a “therapy cap” and was unaware that his insurance was among the 1% of health insurance plans with no cap.
“I attribute my recovery to the fact that my rehabilitation was not limited,” said Porritt. “I had the opportunity to continue going to physical therapy as long as my body was recovering. It’s the reason I’m walking today.”
TIRR Memorial Hermann will be Falling Forward’s sixth partner organization, and the foundation couldn’t be more honored to help those who need it most. Today, Falling Forward is the only nonprofit that provides grants for the continued physical rehabilitation of people who have run out of insurance benefits.
Grant funding will be administered through TIRR Memorial Hermann’s outpatient rehabilitation teams, who will identify eligible patients facing a disruption in care due to exhausted insurance benefits. Early recipients have already demonstrated meaningful improvements in strength, mobility, balance and functional independence because of uninterrupted therapy.
“TIRR Memorial Hermann is committed to redefining rehabilitation by delivering outcomes that restore independence and quality of life,” said Rhonda Abbott, senior vice president and CEO for TIRR Memorial Hermann. “This partnership with Falling Forward Foundation directly supports that mission by removing financial barriers and helping patients access the care they need to reach their full potential.”
Together, Falling Forward Foundation and TIRR Memorial Hermann share a belief that access to rehabilitation should be driven by clinical need not coverage limitations. This partnership represents a shared commitment to advancing recovery, restoring hope and helping patients move forward.
About Falling Forward Foundation
Falling Forward Foundation is the only nonprofit organization in America making grants that fund continued rehabilitation for people who have suffered catastrophic medical events (e.g., strokes, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries) after their insurance benefits run out. Since 2013, our grants have helped over 240 people in Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Massachusetts recover to their full potential. Therapy caps lead to "disability". WE STAND FOR ABILITYsm. To view patient videos and learn more, visit: fallingforward.org.