Nevada ‘Medicaid for all’ bill vetoed

Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval has vetoed legislation to create a Medicaid buy-in option in the state.

The legislation, sponsored by Nevada Assemblyman Michael Sprinkle, a Democrat, would have allowed Nevada residents who qualify for subsidies under the Affordable Care Act could use that money to buy in, and those who don’t receive subsidies would be able to use their own money, thus creating a new public health insurance option. 

The legislation—dubbed “SprinkleCare” after its main sponsor—passed along party lines among state legislators. Sandoval, a Republican, rejected the bill on the grounds the idea needed further study.

“Moving too soon, without factual foundation or adequate understanding of the possible consequences, could introduce more uncertainty to an already fragile healthcare market, and ultimately affect patient health care,” Sandoval wrote in his veto message.

Among the provisions in the bill which were left up to state regulators were what kind of copays and deductibles the buy-in customers would be required to pay. Despite the veto, Sprinkle said he’ll bring the bill back in Nevada’s next legislative session.

“I will continue to believe that health care is a right and not a privilege and to make sure your government provides you with that right,” Sprinkle said in a statement. “Though today's veto is highly disappointing my job as your legislator is to make sure you have access to affordable and quality health care. As an elected representative I take that responsibility very seriously and will work hard in the future to protect all people's right to health care, not just the privileged.”