FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 4, 2021
CONTACT: Will Pregman, [email protected], 702.752.0656
CARSON CITY, NV – This afternoon, the Nevada Senate Committee on Health and Human Services heard Senate Bill 420 (SB 420), a bill introduced by Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro to establish the Nevada Public Option, a public health insurance option for the state of Nevada.
Annette Magnus, Executive Director of Battle Born Progress, issued the following statement:
“Nevadans deserve as many options as possible when it comes to having access to affordable health insurance. Now more than ever, people should be able to have healthcare coverage without having to worry about going into debt or being able to afford the care they need.
During this pandemic, many lost their jobs and, as a result, lost their access to insurance coverage. Throughout the crisis, things continued to get worse. Many Nevada small businesses struggled just to keep their doors open, with many forced to cut expensive healthcare coverage for their employees. SB 420 provides an answer to these problems.”
“The Nevada Public Option outlined in SB 420 is a new high-quality, lower-cost healthcare option for Nevadans statewide to choose from. Recent polling from the Global Strategy Group shows that 66% of Nevadans support a public health insurance option, with 83% of Democrats, 73% of Independents, and 43% of Republicans in favor. This new healthcare option will ensure that Nevadans always have equal access to affordable, quality coverage — especially if they lose their job and insurance. Perhaps that is why some insurance companies oppose this legislation. They are in fear of losing their grip, ridiculous profits, and power, since they would have to compete for Nevadans’ business if this passes. This plan is another piece of the puzzle in solving the insurance and healthcare crisis that Battle Born Progress has been working on for years. We thank Senate Majority Leader Cannizzaro for her work on this critical legislation and we look forward to ensuring its passage.”
About SB 420, the Nevada Public Option:
Since Nevadans can lose their jobs and health insurance at any time, a public health insurance plan is needed to ensure that Nevadans always have access to affordable healthcare. The proposal aims to:
- Lowers cost for everyone by forcing insurance companies to compete with the public option for business.
- Allows small business employees and contractors access to quality, affordable health insurance.
- Provides an affordable option for people who lose their jobs and don’t qualify for Medicaid.
- Enhances Medicaid maternity coverage to promote healthier pregnancies, mothers, and babies.
- Guarantees rural Nevadans have quality, affordable options on Nevada Health Link.
- Gets a better deal for Nevadnas by leveraging the state’s ability to negotiate for lower costs of care.
More information can be found at NevadaOption.org.
SPOKESPEOPLE ARE AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH
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