Joe Lombardo has called the bill, which is estimated to expand healthcare coverage to over 100,000 Nevadans, “BS.”
Today, Governor Sisolak, Senator Nicole Cannizzaro, and local medical providers highlighted how Nevada’s public option bill will expand health care, lower costs and strengthen our state’s health care infrastructure. Speakers also highlighted the danger that Joe Lombardo – who called the public option “bullshit” – poses if elected.
“The public option is one of many important steps we took in my first term to expand health care access and put more money back in Nevadans’ wallets, but all that progress is at stake this election,” said Governor Steve Sisolak. “While I’m working to make health care more affordable and accessible for all Nevadans, Joe Lombardo thinks affordable care is ‘BS’ and has no plans to support our families or providers. Joe Lombardo is a threat to Nevadans’ care.”
Experts predict that Nevada’s public option will save nearly $1 billion in the first 10 years, decrease Nevada’s uninsured rate by up to 12% and lower costs by up to 15% by enacting an inflation cap on premiums. Additionally, it will make health care more accessible — particularly in rural communities, primary care practices and in the mental health space — by supporting critical access hospitals, rural health clinics and community behavioral health clinics.
“In Nevada, we’re lucky to have a governor who understands the need to expand affordable care and is willing to have the conversations necessary to get the job done,” said Senator Nicole Cannizzaro. “Joe Lombardo has made it clear that he opposes expanding affordable, reliable health care. He is endorsed by a national anti-abortion organization trying to overturn the Affordable Care Act. A Joe Lombardo governorship would be a danger to all of us.”
In addition to passing Nevada’s public option, Governor Sisolak expanded health care affordability in his first term by launching the ArrayRX card to make savings on generic drugs available to all Nevadans regardless of age or income, ending “surprise billing” by hospitals and medical providers and limiting the amount of fines and fees that medical debt collectors can add to families’ bills, making pre-existing condition coverage permanent and establishing a Patient Protection Commission.
“Hemos logrado enormes avances en la reducción del costo de la atención médica y la ampliación del acceso bajo la dirección del gobernador Sisolak, pero no podemos volvernos complacientes. ” said Dr. Miguel Vargas-Lagunas. “Como proveedor, me asusta hacia donde nos puedes llevar la perspectiva de Joe Lombardo si lidera Nevada y lo que eso significaría para mis pacientes y nuestro estado en general.”
Translation: “We’ve made tremendous progress lowering the cost of health care and expanding access at Governor Sisolak’s direction, but we can’t become complacent,” said Dr. Miguel Vargas-Lagunas. “As a provider, I’m frightened by what the prospect of Joe Lombardo leading our state and what that would mean for my patients and our state in general.”
“As physicians, we see too many Nevadans struggle to stay healthy, work and care for their families,” said Dr. Harpreet Tsui. “Nevada’s public option can help break this cycle of harm and suffering by ensuring people get access to quality, affordable health care. Joe Lombardo has called these efforts ‘BS.’ There’s no doubt in my mind Joe Lombardo would drag our state backwards if given the chance.”
Joe Lombardo has no plans to expand affordable health care. Additionally, Lombardo is endorsed by extreme anti-abortion group National Right to Life which asks candidates in their candidate questionnaire form if they oppose and would support “repeal and replacement” of the Affordable Care Act. Joe Lombardo does not have a single plan on his website related to expanding affordable health care.
Original source can be found here.
