HB 3460
Directs the Oregon Health Authority to administer a program to reimburse the cost of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for low-income veterans who have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder and are ineligible for medical assistance.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
100%
Oppose
0%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill directs the Oregon Health Authority to create a program that will reimburse the cost of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for low-income veterans. These veterans must have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder and be ineligible for regular medical assistance. The program will cover individuals residing in Oregon with income at or below 400% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Key provisions
- Establishes a reimbursement program for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
- Targets low-income veterans with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Veterans must be ineligible for Oregon medical assistance.
- Income limit for eligibility is 400% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- The Oregon Health Authority will create and administer the program.
- The program must follow established rules.
- The Authority is encouraged to seek federal funding.
- The program takes effect on January 1, 2026.
Who is affected
- Veterans
- Low-income individuals
- Oregon Health Authority
- Healthcare providers
- Federal government (potentially through funding)
Notable changes
- Creates a specific program to address a need for hyperbaric oxygen therapy for a particular veteran population.
- Expands access to treatment for veterans with specific conditions.
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of the bill argue that government prevention programs for military suicides have failed to address underlying causes, and instead propose alternative strategies such as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as a more effective solution. Proponents of HBOT point to its long-standing recommendation in military medicine textbooks, national advocacy from medical doctors and veteran organizations, and promising research results demonstrating its safety and efficacy for treating traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many testifiers share personal experiences with the therapy, highlighting its benefits in transforming veterans' lives and improving their overall well-being. By prioritizing HBOT and holistic treatment options, supporters believe this bill can better address the significant public health concern of TBI among veterans, particularly those experiencing homelessness.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
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