SALEM – Joining a growing chorus of opposition, the Governor's Advisory Committee to the Director of the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs today unanimously approved a resolution urging President Barack Obama to cease and desist from his plan to have the Veterans Health Administration charge veterans' private health insurance for their service-connected disabilities.
 
"The idea of charging a veteran's private insurance to pay for their service-connected disability medical treatment is a non-starter," said ODVA Director Jim Willis.
 
"Veterans injured while on active duty have earned their VA health care and the government has a legal and moral obligation to provide that health care free of charge to the veteran."
 
"We believe the President has been ill-advised on this issue," Willis said.
 
The American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Disabled American Veterans, the Military Officers Association of America and other national veteran service organizations all have voiced their opposition to the idea, which is found in the President's proposed 2010 budget.
 
In a letter to the President dated Feb. 27, 11 of these organizations asked the president to abandon his proposal.
 
"This proposal ignores the solemn obligation that this county has to care for those men and women who have served this country with distinction and were left with the wounds and scars of their service," the letter said. "The blood spilled in service for this nation is the premium that service-connected veterans have paid for their earned care."
 
The Advisory Committee resolution will be sent to the President and the Oregon congressional delegation.
 

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