COVER Now Act

The COVER Now Act allows cities, counties, or other local governments in states that have not expanded Medicaid to provide health coverage to Medicaid-eligible residents. Local governments in non-expansion states can apply for a federal demonstration project to cover these residents, with the federal government paying 90-100% of costs over seven years (starting at 100% for the first three years). The bill prohibits states from retaliating against localities that participate, such as by shifting costs, reducing funding, or blocking healthcare provider participation. This directly affects uninsured residents in non-expansion states and local governments seeking to fill coverage gaps.