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Nevada State Senator Melanie Scheible Advocates for Equality with Introduction of Bill Prohibiting Discrimination by Public and Private Health Insurance Carriers and Providers
Nevada State Senator and Chief Majority Whip Melanie Scheible (D – District 9), introduced Senate Bill 352 (SB 352), an essential piece of legislation aimed at ensuring equal access to quality health care for all Nevadans, including LGBTQ+ persons. This bill prohibits health insurance policies, including Medicaid and the Nevada ACA Exchange, from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation; actual or perceived gender identity or expression; race; color; national origin; sex; age, or disability in both public and private health insurance policies.
SB 352 also prohibits healthcare providers, whether individuals or corporate entities, from discriminating based on these same characteristics. It also allows state regulatory boards and agencies to adopt regulations and to discipline providers who violate these prohibitions.
“This bill makes a resolute stance against discriminatory practices that can hinder the delivery of healthcare service to a large portion of Nevada’s population, said André C. Wade, State Director for Silver State Equality. “While current existing federal law prohibits discrimination by health care insurers based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, we can no longer assume that this will always be the case. It is essential to enshrine into state law these protections and to include staunch protection against discriminatory behavior that affects our LGBTQ+ community. Senator Scheible is unwavering in her commitment to the health and well-being of every Nevadan. This bill is a critical step in ensuring a fair healthcare system. For these reasons, Silver State Equality supports the passage of Nevada Senate Bill 352.”
“In Nevada, we believe in equality, and that includes equality in healthcare. Senate Bill 352 will maintain our commitment to non-discrimination in health insurance and give Nevadans equal opportunities to access health plans.”
As Nevada’s statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, Silver State Equality brings the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in Nevada and throughout the U.S. Silver State Equality strives to create a world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. Silver State Equality is a Nevada-based program affiliated with and supported by Equality California and Equality California Institute, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. More information at SilverStateEquality.org.
