Just as the Nevada legislative session ended a week and a half ago, one bill exploded into the national consciousness. The bill was AB374, and it would have allowed the state to open a Medicaid-like health care plan for people who make more than the Medicaid income threshold.
In effect, it created a public option for the state of Nevada.
The bill was put forth by Assemblyman Mike Sprinkle from Washoe County. It was dubbed "Sprinkle Care" as national pundits flirted with the idea of a state public option. But he called the plan "Nevada Care."
But, Governor Brian Sandoval vetoed the bill last week.
Nevertheless, Mike Sprinkle vows to bring another bill up in 2018, should he be re-elected.
“Government really does have a responsibility – those of us who are elected have a responsibility - to provide for affordable and accessible healthcare,” he said.
Sprinkle believes healthcare is a right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. The assemblyman said besides calls from media from around the country he has received calls from regular people across the country thanking him for making an effort to fix the healthcare system.
"I think that speaks to the concern that a lot of people have about their health care throughout this entire nation,” he said, adding that there is a lot of ambiguity and misinformation coming out of Washington, D.C. about health care.
Assemblyman Mike Sprinkle , D-Dist. 30