Buehler bill on veterans’ local health care gets hearing
The Oregon House Veterans and Emergency Preparedness committee held a public hearing Thursday on HJM 14, a resolution introduced by Rep. Knute Buehler to help veterans access local health care through existing programs such as Patient-Centered Community Care and Choice.
“Rural veterans should not have to travel several hours to receive medical treatment, especially, when the opportunity to be seen near home exists,” said the Bend Republicanr. “Veterans and their families make sacrifices every day to protect our freedoms. The least we can do is ensure they have access to health care in their community.”
HJM 14 brings attention to the issue of rural access to health care for veterans and calls on the Department of Veterans Affairs to release information on local choice programs – namely Patient-Centered Community Care (PC3) and Choice.
The VA set aside approximately $9 billion in funding for PC3, but very few veterans or providers are aware of the program.
By releasing the information and bringing attention to this problem, Buehler said, VA can raise awareness of what is available for veteran service members and ensure the money is spent wisely.
HJM 14 has bipartisan support, including several members from the Veterans and Emergency Preparedness committee.
“This effort brings awareness to the issue of timely and convenient care and urges the federal government to serve rural veterans with existing local access programs. Let’s take care of veterans in our communities,” Buehler said.
