Nevada state leaders to join appeal against federal health care ruling

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — State leaders want Nevadans to know they'll fight "tooth and nail" to protect the Affordable Care Act.

Their pledge comes after a federal judge in Texas ruled the ACA unconstitutional. Governor-elect Steve Sisolak and attorney general-elect Aaron Ford plan to join several other states in appealing the judge's ruling.

Between 2010 and 2015, nearly 300,000 Nevadans gained coverage through the Affordable Care Act, reasons why governor-elect Sisolak believes the ACA is a lifeline for those in the Silver State.

"Health care is a right, not a privilege," said Sisolak in a statement.

Attorney general-elect Ford is also taking any necessary steps to defend it, “The ACA is vital to millions of Nevadans, and I will fight tooth and nail for our health care."

Across the nation, Democrats condemned the judge's decision while some Republicans believe it will be overturned.

"If you're going to take away the Affordable Care Act, how will you protect the millions of people currently using it?” said Sen. Dick Durbin.

"The judge's ruling was far too sweeping. He could have taken a much more surgical approach,” said Sen. Susan Collins.

What about Nevadans who already signed up for health care during open enrollment this fall? Those who met the deadline and signed up for health care through the Nevada Health Link Website during open enrollment will have coverage in 2019.

With Democrats vowing to appeal a decision on the ruling, it will make its way through the courts. It will take months, probably years. For now the law remains in place.