(Carson City)—The Senate Health and Education Committee heard testimony today in support of SB 307, legislation that would launch an intensive study of Nevada’s Medicaid system.  The study, the first of its kind in Nevada, would require a study of the state’s Medicaid funds to determine the long-term financial sustainability of the program.

To learn more about SB 307, click here

Nevada Medicaid provides insurance for the most vulnerable of Nevada’s citizens.  In fiscal year 2008, Nevada Medicaid covered an average of 180,347 individuals including pregnant women, children, the aged, the blind, and the disabled, as well as Nevada’s low-income families.  Nationally, Nevada’s Medicaid program ranks 51st in per capita spending and is near the bottom in the nation in Medicaid enrollment. Despite reports that Nevada’s population growth has slowed significantly, the program will grow by an estimated 13 percent between 2005 and 2009.

The study will determine how Nevada can sustain the Medicaid program both in healthy and challenging times. It will also look at the rates that Medicaid charges in Nevada versus other states.

“Medicaid is the safety net that holds up so many struggling Nevadans.  Many of us have had the opportunity to consider legislation during critical moments in history.  We often do not take the opportunity during those times to consider the bigger picture,” said Senator Valerie Wiener, chair of the Senate Health and Education Committee and sponsor of the legislation. 

“This study is essential for us to understand how to preserve the Medicaid program in the long run.  We can no longer continue to put a band-aid on Medicaid.” 

For more information:

Alisa Nave, Nevada Senate Democrats, (702) 525-1245

To learn more about SB 307, click here