Heller joins effort for Obamacare alternative

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) joined Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in proposing an alternative to Obamacare. The proposal is a federal grant program that provides states with the money and flexibility needed to determine how to best cover health care costs. States would be required to meet a 5 percent match for the federal dollars they receive and would be able to implement tailor-made solutions to their health care challenges.

“It seems clear to me that the plan proposed by Senators Graham and Cassidy is both the most conservative and workable solution. I signed onto their proposal because it returns power to the states and provides ultimate flexibility to governors and legislatures regardless of whether they expanded Medicaid or not. It recognizes Obamacare’s failed one-size-fits-all approach and empowers states as decision-making will leave Washington,” said Heller. “By allowing states to address the unique health care needs of their populations, it gives states the flexibility to innovate and come up with a tailored approach that is most appropriate for their citizens. In Nevada, this means supporting programs that are currently working in our state and exploring new options to address coverage and cost. The goal of health care reform should be to increase choice, lower costs, and improve the quality of care in this country, and I believe this proposal is the best way to go.”