In response to mounting evidence of widespread insurance fraud in other states, State Senator Lori Rogich (R-Clark) is calling for an immediate review and ultimate repeal of a last-minute broker payment provision added to Nevada’s appropriation bill SB4 during the recent special session.
Rogich’s call comes amid alarming reports from Minnesota and Maine, where similar provisions have become avenues for large-scale abuse of taxpayer funds.
“Legislating means making tough choices,” Rogich said in a press release today. “I voted ‘yes’ on SB4 to secure vital SNAP funding and other critical appropriations for Nevada. Killing the entire package over a single flawed amendment was not an option.”
“However,” she continued, “a legislator’s duty doesn’t end with the vote. It requires continuous oversight. With new evidence of large-scale fraud tied to similar provisions elsewhere, we have a responsibility to act on this new information to protect Nevada.”
The provision was inserted during the frantic hours of the special session, bypassing standard legislative review and sacrificing scrutiny for speed.
“This type of eleventh-hour lawmaking leaves no room for transparency or proper due diligence,” Rogich added. “When risky, unvetted provisions are attached to essential bills without adequate debate, it creates opportunities for exploitation that taxpayers simply cannot afford.
“This is a recurring problem,” Rogich continued, “and I am committed to working with my colleagues to improve the process going forward.”
Senator Rogich was clear that her objective is to protect the integrity of the program for its intended recipients.
“This is about stopping criminals from stealing taxpayer money. It is not about preventing a single eligible Nevadan from getting the healthcare they deserve,” Rogich said.
“In fact, fraud is the worst enemy of these programs. Every dollar stolen by a fraudulent broker is a dollar that cannot help a family in need. My goal is to ensure our healthcare programs are secure and sustainable for those who truly rely on them.”
With the provision not yet implemented, Senator Rogich acknowledged the political difficulty of her position but emphasized her duty to taxpayers.
“Some may criticize this as politically inconsistent, but my responsibility is to the people of Nevada, not to political comfort,” Rogich said. “For that reason, I am calling on our legislative interim committees to exercise their full oversight authority, as established under Nevada law, to investigate the risks associated with this provision and block any expenditure of funds until it can be fully repealed.
“We have a rare chance to prevent a crisis before it starts, and we must take it,” the senator concluded. “Fiscal prudence and the public trust demand nothing less.”
Senator Rogich represents Nevada’s 11th Senate District and is widely recognized for her advocacy for children with special needs and her leadership on fiscal responsibility and government accountability.
