Washington, D.C. — Roughly 38 million Americans have filed for unemployment since February, resulting in tens of millions of workers and their family members losing access to health coverage. A new plan from the Center for American Progress would swiftly ensure their access to coverage in light of the duel public health and economic crises.
Under the plan, 23 million Americans would gain coverage under state Medicaid expansions or a federal Medicaid option for states that have neglected to expand by automatically enrolling newly eligible beneficiaries. CAP estimates that the plan would cost as little as $90 billion in 2021 if providers were reimbursed at current Medicaid rates. If state and federal governments reimbursed providers at Medicare rates, the cost would increase to $101 billion for 2021. Crucially, the plan would be both cost-effective and actionable without delay.
Please click here to read “Emergency Health Coverage for the Unemployed and Uninsured in Response to the Pandemic and Economic Crisis” by Topher Spiro.
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Colin Seeberger at [email protected] or 202.741.6292.
To find the latest CAP resources on the coronavirus, visit our coronavirus resource page.