This week, House Democrats brought a resolution to the House Floor for a vote that condemns the Trump Administration for attempting to overturn some of the most damaging parts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In light of this week’s vote, I wanted to take a moment to address some of the latest news surrounding health care in Nevada.
As you may know, congressional inaction on health care forced the Administration to step in last summer to deliver relief to Americans hit the hardest by higher premiums, fewer choices, and more penalties under the ACA. The Administration’s solution was to expand Association Health Plans (AHPs) for small businesses and sole proprietors. AHPs are health care policies offered through an association, often to members within a specific trade, industry, or profession. By amending the requirements surrounding who can form such associations, the new changes allowed small businesses and sole proprietors to collectively purchase insurance plans separate from those offered on state run exchanges.
In the United States, pricey premiums, high deductibles, and rising costs have made it incredibly difficult for small businesses to offer health care to their employees – let alone a competitive benefits package. Fortunately, the expansion of AHPs has closed the gap in access to care by making it easier for employers to offer their workers affordable care at a lower cost.
To date, many associations across the country have taken advantage of the increased access to affordable coverage. In Nevada, three AHPs have formed through Nevada’s Clark County Health Plan Association, the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce, and the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce. Since the formation of these AHPs, thousands of Nevadans employed by small businesses have pursued coverage under these plans, with several of those businesses being located in rural areas of CD-2, where traditionally, access to care has been an issue.
Contrary to what you might have heard about AHPs being narrow benefits plans or ‘skinny coverage’ plans, AHPs actually offer robust benefits and cover dental, vision, and pre-existing conditions at a lower cost than other available plans.
When our nation’s job creators have the ability to offer their employees a competitive benefits package, not only does it help to attract quality talent, but it offers current employees a better quality of life while encouraging workforce retention. In fact, this new system has been working quite well for Nevadans, which is why I was extremely frustrated to learn about the recent ruling by a U.S. District Judge to completely halt the expansion of AHPs.
In case you missed it, last Thursday, Judge John D. Bates of the District of Columbia struck down the Administration’s rules governing AHPs, claiming the plans are an ‘end-run’ around the ACA. Despite Judge Bates’s claims about AHPs, these plans are directly and legitimately increasing health care options for Americans across the country – something promised but not achieved by the ACA.
Associations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce should be applauded for trying to help Nevadans get the care they need, from a doctor they choose, at a price they can afford – but now they’re being punished.
While there is still a tremendous amount of work to be done on this issue, striking down something that’s working and forcing Americans to depend on a flawed federal program is doing nothing but setting us ten steps back. I will continue to closely monitor the potential effects this ruling might have on AHPs in Nevada and share new details with you as I receive them.
Washington Visitors:
It’s always nice to see familiar faces while I’m in Washington. Below are some of the Nevadans I recently met with. Thanks for stopping by!
Workforce Connections
Students for Climate Action
Nevada Primary Care Association
Nevada Department of Wildlife
Nevada Physical Therapy Association
Alzheimer’s Association
City of Henderson
Nevada National Guard
Nevada Cattlemen’s Association
Washington Wrap-Up:
Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act
This week, the House voted on H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA). VAWA was originally enacted to help prevent domestic violence, provide resources for law enforcement officials, and provide services for victims. When it was first enacted in 1994, domestic violence was considered a ‘hidden crime’. Today, domestic violence is still far too prevalent, impacting women at significantly higher rates than men.
VAWA has always been a top priority of mine, which is why I have always voted in favor of VAWA reauthorization since I was elected to Congress. At times, I have even broken from the majority of my Conference to support VAWA.
Unfortunately, H.R. 1585 falls far short of meeting these goals. In fact, the bill actually makes it more difficult to prevent future crimes because it:
- Jeopardizes prosecutorial discretion and the ability to protect victims by strongly discouraging against compelling victim testimony and discouraging the use of bench warrants;
- Endangers the safety and privacy of female prisoners and women and girls in shelters by allowing biological males to access and utilize female-only facilities;
- Limits access to housing for victims. While the bill intends to make housing more widely available to victims, its broad mandates will discourage landlords from participating in federal housing programs and lead to less access, especially in rural areas; and
- Defines domestic violence as a “pattern of behavior,” excluding prosecution for isolated domestic violence events that don’t include a pattern of behavior.
Again, while I have always supported VAWA and the role it plays in serving victims and preventing domestic violence, H.R. 1585 will make it more difficult for us to achieve these goals, which is why I could not support it. All victims of violence deserve support, but providing that assistance should not require rendering VAWA useless.
I look forward to the Senate passing a clean extension of VAWA and having the opportunity to vote in support of legislation that will have a higher likelihood of becoming law, especially given this issue’s history of bicameral support in Congress.
Nevada News:
Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza Groundbreaking
Photo: Sparks Tribune
Last Friday, I was invited to speak at the groundbreaking of the new Veterans Memorial at the Sparks Marina. I enjoyed visiting with everyone who came out to commemorate all of the brave Nevadans who have sacrificed their lives for our great country and those who continue to serve. Thanks for having me.
Click here to see the memorial and learn more about the groundbreaking.
Vietnam War Veterans Remembrance Day & All Veterans Luncheon
Photo: My News 4
While I was home last weekend, I also spoke at the Vietnam Remembrance Day Luncheon in Reno. It was an honor to share this time with several of the Nevadans who have sacrificed on our behalf to keep us safe and free. I welcomed the opportunity to discuss my time on the House Veterans Affairs Committee and some of the recent work my office has done on behalf of our nation’s veterans.
In Case You Missed It:
Davidson Academy Headed to D.C. for the National Science Bowl
Congratulations to the Davidson Academy in Reno for recently winning a regional competition in the 2019 National Science Bowl. Taking home this win means these talented students have secured a spot to compete in the national finals in Washington, D.C. this spring. With more than 14,000 students competing each year, the National Science Bowl is one of the nation’s largest and most competitive science competitions. Please join me in congratulating these students on a job well done. I wish them the best of luck as they advance to nationals.
Honor Flight Nevada Selected as 2019 Citizens Honor Award Finalist
Each year, the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation selects four U.S. citizens and one organization to receive the Citizen Honors Award. The Citizens Honors Award recognizes any American who, “through a singular act of extraordinary heroism or through a prolonged series of selfless acts, clearly demonstrated a willingness to place his or her own life at risk for others, or has dedicated themselves to the service of others.”
This year, Honor Flight Nevada was selected as a 2019 finalist for the Citizen Honors Award under the Community Service Hero Category. Honor flights are conducted by non-profit organizations who are dedicated to transporting America’s veterans to our nation’s capital in Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated in honor of their service and sacrifices.
I congratulate Honor Flight Nevada for being selected as one of this year’s finalists and thank them for the work they do each day to ensure that every American hero has the opportunity to visit their memorial.
Click here to read more about the Citizens Honors Award finalists and here to learn more about Honor Flight Nevada.
As always, thank you for subscribing to the Amodei Report. I look forward to continuing to keep you up to date on the issues you care about most. For additional information, please visit my website at amodei.house.gov or call my Washington office: (202) 225-6155, Reno office: (775) 686-5760, or Elko office: (775) 777-7705. To receive updates on what I am doing in Washington and in Nevada’s 2nd District follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
