STATEHOUSE (Feb. 11, 2025) – State Rep. Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) authored legislation to extend a pilot program that treats PTSD in Hoosier veterans.
A recent study from the National Center for PTSD found that about 23% of veterans using Veterans Administration care had PTSD at some point in their lives. To help meet their needs, House Bill 1120 would extend the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs' hyperbaric oxygen treatment pilot program to June 30, 2027.
"Our veterans deserve the best mental health care for their service to our state and country," Ledbetter said. "For the past few years, we have been offering an innovative therapy for PTSD and with my legislation, we could continue this important program."
Since 2019, Indiana has offered a hyperbaric oxygen treatment pilot program for PTSD in veterans. Patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen treatment are given an increased delivery of oxygen in a high-pressured enclosed space to stimulate brain repair, emotional regulation and cognitive functions that can reduce symptoms of PTSD.
Ledbetter's legislation would also stop state funding on hyperbaric oxygen treatment if the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs expanded its coverage of the program to include Indiana providers.
To learn more and follow legislative proceedings, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) represents House District 75,
which includes portions of Gibson, Pike and Warrick counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
