March 3, 2022 11:00 a.m.

On Wednesday, the Oregon House unanimously passed legislation to provide free dental care to Oregon veterans.

A release from Representative Cedric Hayden of Fall Creek, said House Bill 4095 directs the Oregon Health Authority to stand up an insurance premium program that will capture low income and at-risk veterans with much needed dental coverage through Oregon’s Health Insurance Exchange.

Hayden said currently the United States Department of Veterans Affairs provides limited dental coverage to veterans, much of which must be in conjunction with a service-connected dental injury. Hayden said military retirees who are eligible for Tricare for Life coverage must separately pay for dental coverage if they are eligible retirees. Hayden, who is a dentist by profession, said he is concerned that leaves thousands of veterans in a gap for coverage.

Hayden said, “Today, the House took a real step forward in both providing expanded health care access to Oregonians, and also how Oregon cares for its veterans”. Hayden said the passage of HB 4095 solves a real need to connect physical and mental heath with oral health needs.

Hayden said he is unaware of any state in the nation that has opted to cover dental care for all veterans as a matter of state-managed public health policy. He credits the ability to pioneer a veterans’ dental program to Oregon voters who passed Ballot Measure 96 in 2016. The Oregon Veteran’s Lobby Bill set aside 1.5 percent of Oregon Lottery proceeds to veteran’s programs and services.

House Bill 4095 will receive $1 million from Measure 96 funds to start the program in this current budget biennium with further consideration of funding in 2023.

The proposal now moves to the Senate.

Hayden represents parts of Douglas and Lane counties.