Deschutes County Commissioner Dyer said May 2 she plans to ask the county to support House Bill 2597, a measure that would direct the Oregon Health Authority and coordinated care organizations to reimburse dental services for medical-assistance recipients at a minimum rate intended to improve access to care.

"Dental health care is like the start to your whole physical health," Dyer said, urging county backing. She noted the bill is in the Ways and Means Committee and that the state’s revenue forecast due in mid-May will affect funding decisions. "If we, as Deschutes County, could give some support to this bill, I think it would really be important," she said.

Staff and board members agreed to prepare a letter of support. "I would be supportive of that, commissioner," Jen said. Dyer offered to coordinate with local public-health advocates and members of the county health council, including Gary Allen and Michael Shirtcliff, who she said have been pushing the measure.

No formal vote was recorded; staff agreed to draft support language and circulate it for sign-off.