Sandoval joins group proposing Obamacare alternative
By Julie Carr Smyth and James Anderson, AP
Nevada’s Brian Sandoval is part of a bipartisan group of governors urging Congress to retain the federal health care law’s individual mandate while seeking to stabilize individual insurance markets as legislators continue work on a long-term replacement law.
The recommendation spearheaded by Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican, and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, is part of a compromise plan that’s designed to be palatable to both parties. It was endorsed by eight governors who shared their plan in a letter to congressional leaders Thursday.
“Since the beginning of the recent healthcare debate I have said that I will fight for the Nevadans who now have access to healthcare as a result of the Medicaid expansion and Silver State Health Insurance Exchange,” Sandoval said in a statement to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “I have also stated that I will fight against any plan that places an increased financial burden on Nevada. Holding states harmless should be a priority as Congress continues to debate federal healthcare policies.”