Plain Language Summary
# COVER Now Act Summary **What It Does:** The COVER Now Act would create a program allowing local governments (counties and cities) to directly provide health insurance coverage to low-income residents who would qualify for Medicaid if their states expanded the program. The federal government would pay 100% of the costs for the first three years, then presumably a lower percentage afterward. This program could run for up to 10 years per locality or until their state expands Medicaid on its own. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily affects residents in the 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid—a group estimated at around 2 million people who fall into a "coverage gap" (earning too much for traditional Medicaid but too little to afford private insurance). It also affects local governments considering whether to offer these benefits and states' Medicaid budgets.
The bill prohibits states from punishing participating localities financially. **Current Status:** HR 608 is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. The bill was introduced by Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) in the 119th Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Cover Outstanding Vulnerable Expansion-eligible Residents Now Act or the COVER Now Act This bill establishes a demonstration program to allow local governments to provide health benefits to the Medicaid expansion population in states that have not expanded Medicaid. Under the program, local governments may provide coverage for individuals who are newly eligible for Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (i.e., the Medicaid expansion population) for a maximum of 10 years, or until their respective states expand Medicaid. The bill provides a 100% federal matching rate for the first three years of program participation. The bill prohibits states from taking certain actions against participating localities, such as withholding funding, increasing taxes, or restricting provider participation. States that violate these requirements are subject to certain funding penalties.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.