Two bills that impact Central Oregonians with disabilities in a positive way await governor’s signature

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) --  Among the 30 bills passed in the recently wrapped legislative session - two positively impact health concerns for people with disabilities, advocates said Monday. 

"Really grateful for the Legislature for being able to take on these issues in a short session. and this is, these are major wins for patients," Disability Rights Oregon Public Policy Director Meghan Moyer said Monday.

 The nonprofit Disability Rights Oregon praised state lawmakers for passing two bills focusing on health care. Senate Bill 1508 does away with a quality of life score for people with disabilities seeking coverage through the Oregon Health Plan.

Moyer said, "This is a general population survey only about the diagnosis that asks people do not have these conditions what they think the value of the life of somebody with this diagnosis."

That data is then compiled and gives people with disabilities a percentage score of a healthy life, and is considered discriminatory by DRO. 

House Bill 4113, which also passed in the short session, guarantees insurance plans continue to count patient assistance programs in co-pays for lifesaving medications.

Pacific Northwest Bleeding Disorders Executive Director Madonna McGuire Smith explained the impact of House Bill 4113.

She said, "4113 was such a big part of our effort. It's actually been a big part of our efforts since about 1990, since 2020. So we've been doing this for many years and delighted that we finally got it passed."

The nonprofit Pacific Northwest Bleeding Disorders provides support, education and advocacy for people with bleeding disorders. 

Many people with chronic diseases have come to rely on financial assistance to access medication. 

"My son takes two shots a month, and it costs about $50,000 for the two shots," Smith said. "So the very first order that we place each year gets us to our out-of-pocket max. I mean, we're not even talking deductibles. We're not talking anything that like, gets us to out-of-pocket max."

 Patient assistance programs help patients with access and affordability.  Both bills are awaiting the governor's signature.

Read more about Disability Rights Oregon's praise of the newly passed legislation here.