House OKs bill to help veterans navigate health care

Senate Bill 81 , which passed the Oregon House of Representatives on Wednesday, will give Oregon’s veterans assistance in navigating their health care options.

The legislation specifically authorizes and directs the Director of Veterans’ Affairs to provide statewide expertise, advocacy, coordination and assistance to veterans to assist veterans in navigating federal, state and local health care and mental health care systems for the purpose of obtaining health care and mental health care.

The bill, which came at the request of Gov. Kate Brown for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, was carried on the House floor by Rep. Mark Meek (D-Oregon City), himself a military veteran.

“Too many of our veterans are facing obstacles accessing the health care available to them,” Meek said. “While there has been recent movement within the industry to provide individuals with help navigating health care, those individuals do not exist within the Veterans Affairs system. This legislation will build on the work ODVA is currently doing in this area.”

The bill now goes to Gov. Brown for her signature.