Steven Cohen is 38, lives in Las Vegas, and is Autistic. Like so many others, he depends on Medicaid and Medicare to get the care he needs. But right now, he’s carrying a heavy worry that he could lose his Medicaid coverage when new work requirements and stricter eligibility checks start next January.
In an interview, Steven raised his complaint, “When you’re seeing mental health providers once a month, or even a couple times a week, those copays pile up fast.”
Also, it’s worth noting that staying covered isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about keeping the support that helps him manage daily life.
Healthcare Becomes a Make-or-Break Issue in Nevada’s Governor Race
This personal struggle is playing out against a bigger backdrop. Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo and Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford are locked in a tight race for governor. Healthcare affordability has become one of the top issues on voters’ minds, especially in a state where so many work in tourism, gaming, and service jobs that don’t offer insurance.
Federal changes such as cuts to Medicaid funding, new eligibility rules, and the end of additional Affordable Care Act assistance are expected to leave thousands more Nevadans without coverage.
For families raising autistic children, these shifts feel particularly scary. Reliable care and behavioral support can mean the difference between stability and constant struggle.
Real Families Feeling the Pressure
Steven plans to vote for the candidate he believes will fight hardest to protect people like him. He’s not alone. Many parents of autistic kids are watching closely, hoping the next governor understands how quickly things can fall apart without steady healthcare and support services.
Whether it’s expanding behavioral health options or lowering costs and protecting existing coverage, families want leaders who see them and their children as more than statistics.
Real Help That Makes a Difference Today
No matter what happens in November, autistic children and their families need support they can count on right now.
The right kind of help, patient, personalized, and focused on real progress, can open doors in communication, emotional regulation, social skills, and everyday independence. That’s what we’re all about at Nevada Autism. We stick with families every step of the way, offering ABA therapy that’s shaped just for your child.
Their strengths, their challenges, their pace—we get it. Some days are smooth, others are tough, but we’re here for all of it. If you’re in Nevada and you’re considering support for your ASD loved one, maybe you’re stressed about healthcare, school plans, or just unsure what comes next, reach out. Call us.
Send us a message. We really do want to hear from you and find out how we can help your child and your family.
