CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — The Nevada Senate has passed a bill that would enact state-level health care protections for people with pre-existing conditions.

 

State Sen. Julia Ratti says the legislation aims to bring about protections that are already in place under the Affordable Care Act. The Democrat told lawmakers last month that people are worried about their health care access.

 

She says Nevada should make sure these protections are in place at the state level if the federal provisions are rolled back.

 

State senators approved the measure on Monday in a unanimous vote.

The measure stipulates that insurers cannot deny a person health care coverage due to a pre-existing condition.

 

Republican Sen. Ben Kieckhefer told lawmakers Monday that the measure will not change anything right now, but nevertheless is a significant piece of legislation.