Panel highlights benefits of reform for Nevada children

June 30, 2010

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid's office today hosted a health care forum to explain the benefits of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act for children in Nevada.  The panel consisted of Dr. Mary Wakefield, Administrator for the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration; Kate Leone, Senator Reid’s Senior Health Counsel; and Nevada State Health Officer Dr. Tracey Green, each of whom discussed the new law at UNLV’s Richard Tam Alumni Center. 

“I thank Dr. Wakefield for coming to Las Vegas to explain how health care reform will benefit Nevada children,” Reid said.  “Many children in Nevada stand to benefit from provisions that prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage to children because of a pre-existing condition and allow young adults to stay on their parents’ plan until age 26.  While these measures take effect this year, further positive changes will come to our state as implementation of the law continues over the next several years.”

A recent report by Trust For America’s Health found that more than 19 percent of Nevadans age 18 and under are uninsured, the highest percentage for that age group of any state in the country. The new law will make it easier for these children to be covered under affordable, quality health insurance.  

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