Affordable healthcare emerges as a voter priority in purple Nevada
Summary
Affordable healthcare is a major concern for voters in Nevada, especially as new Medicaid rules and funding cuts take effect in 2025. These changes could cause many Nevadans to lose Medicaid coverage and make insurance more expensive, influencing the tight governor’s race between Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo and Democrat Aaron Ford.Key Facts
- Steven Cohen, a Nevada voter with autism, is worried about losing Medicaid because of new work requirements and eligibility checks starting in January.
- Republican Governor Joe Lombardo, endorsed by President Trump, faces challenges due to healthcare policy changes from the Trump administration that cut Medicaid funding and added work rules.
- These policy changes may lead to 7.5 million more uninsured people nationwide by 2034 and reduce SNAP food assistance by 2.4 million people monthly.
- Nevada’s uninsurance rate was 11.4% in 2024, the fourth highest in the U.S., with many relying on Medicaid or ACA marketplace insurance.
- An estimated 70,000 Nevadans could lose Medicaid coverage, and 28,000 lost SNAP benefits already this year.
- ACA health insurance subsidies expired last year, raising premiums and causing some people to drop coverage or buy cheaper plans.
- Nearly 300,000 Nevadans are self-employed or freelancers without employer health insurance, many of whom buy insurance through the state marketplace.
- Polls show healthcare affordability is a top worry for voters and influences their choice in the upcoming elections, especially for Democrats and independents.
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