Nevada leaders unite to protect Medicaid and Affordable Care Act funding

The Nevada State Legislature's Assembly Floor Session on February 19, 2025, focused on critical issues surrounding healthcare and budget priorities for the state. A significant point of discussion was the urgent need to address the structural issues of the nearly century-old hospital building serving the Walker River Piyu tribe, which has been impacted by recent earthquakes.

Legislators emphasized the importance of protecting the Affordable Care Act, arguing that proposed cuts to healthcare services would disproportionately affect vulnerable populations in Nevada. The speaker criticized the current administration's approach, suggesting that it does not align with Nevada's values. They called for bipartisan cooperation, highlighting that just three Republican members could join Democrats to form a coalition aimed at preserving essential healthcare services.

The discussion also touched on Nevada's successful implementation of Medicaid expansion under former Governor Brian Sandoval, which significantly reduced the uninsured rate in the state. The speaker expressed concern over potential Medicaid cuts in the upcoming federal budget, warning that these changes could severely impact hundreds of thousands of Nevadans, particularly those relying on community health services and maternity care.

In closing, the speaker urged their colleagues to prioritize the needs of constituents over partisan politics, stressing that the decisions made now could dictate the future of healthcare in Nevada. They called for unity and action to prevent severe budget challenges, emphasizing the importance of supporting all Nevadans, regardless of political affiliation.