Nevada’s Republican Governor, Joe Lombardo, made a notable departure from his party by signing a groundbreaking bill into law. The legislation mandates that all insurance companies and Medicaid provide coverage for gender-affirming care, including surgeries, for individuals of all ages. Additionally, the law prohibits insurance companies from engaging in discrimination based on gender identity or expression, without any religious exemptions for businesses or healthcare providers. Moreover, the legislation requires employers to adhere to the Standards of Care established by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH).
This significant step towards inclusivity and equality was met with mixed reactions, particularly within Lombardo’s own party. The bill, known as S.B. 163, passed along party lines, with no Republican lawmakers voting in favor of it. Speculations arose that Lombardo’s decision to sign the bill was an attempt to garner support from Democrats for funding the construction of a new major league baseball stadium on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, as the Oakland Athletics plan to relocate to the city.
Despite internal discontent, LGBTQ+ advocates expressed jubilation over the governor’s action. Trans activist Alejandra Caraballo lauded the bill as “absolutely huge,” emphasizing that it expands coverage for gender-affirming care and ensures access while eliminating exclusions. State Senator Melanie Scheible, who identifies as bisexual, expressed gratitude to Governor Lombardo via Twitter, noting that the bill solidifies Nevada’s standing as the best place to live openly as an LGBTQ+ individual. With the signing of S.B. 163, no insurance company can deny medically necessary coverage to transgender people in Nevada.
Nevada has been recognized as a progressive haven for LGBTQ+ individuals, holding the top spot in a 2020 report by USA Today. The state’s legal protections and family policies, coupled with its low incidence of anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes, contributed to this distinction. Notably, Nevada has enacted 34 laws safeguarding LGBTQ+ rights between 2009 and 2019 and lacks any legislation that denies rights to LGBTQ+ people. It also boasts one of the highest percentages of LGBTQ+ individuals in the country.
Nevada’s decision to expand gender-affirming care coverage reflects a growing recognition of the importance of healthcare inclusivity and the rights of transgender individuals. By ensuring equal access to necessary medical treatments, the state takes a significant stride towards a more equitable society for all its residents.
