The Nevada Senate Finance Committee made significant strides in supporting children's health during its recent meeting on June 1, 2025. Assembly Bill 169, presented by Assemblyman Steve Yeager, aims to enhance insurance coverage for children suffering from stuttering. The bill mandates that various insurance plans include treatment for stuttering without imposing limits on the number of annual visits to speech-language pathologists or restricting benefits based on the cause of the condition.
Originally, the bill covered individuals up to age 18, but it has been amended to extend coverage to those up to age 26, aligning with the Affordable Care Act. Yeager highlighted the emotional testimonies from families affected by stuttering, emphasizing the importance of access to necessary treatment. Although the bill faced initial fiscal concerns from the Public Employees' Benefits Program (PEP), Yeager reported that PEP has expressed a commitment to work on providing coverage without additional funding, thus eliminating any fiscal impact associated with the bill.
Support for Assembly Bill 169 was echoed by representatives from the University of Nevada, Reno, and the Nevada Speech Language Pathologist Association, both of whom voiced their backing during the meeting. There were no opposing voices or neutral testimonies presented, indicating a strong consensus on the bill's importance.
In addition to Assembly Bill 169, the committee also discussed Assembly Bill 188, which focuses on Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) for public employees. Assemblyman Max Carter introduced the bill, with further details provided by Tess Opperman representing AFSCME Retirees.
The discussions during this meeting reflect a proactive approach by the Nevada legislature to address critical health issues affecting children and public employees, showcasing a commitment to improving healthcare access and support within the state. As these bills progress, they hold the potential to significantly impact the lives of many Nevadans, particularly those in need of specialized care.