Contact Congress about H.R. 608: COVER Now Act

Cities and counties in states without Medicaid expansion could cover more low-income adults. The federal government would pay most of the medical costs, and states could not block local projects.

Modern Action explains what the legislation does, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

COVER Now Act is a House bill committee Action. The latest recorded action: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Latest action on H.R. 608: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects low-income adults who live in parts of states that have not expanded Medicaid. It also directly affects local governments that want to offer coverage and state Medicaid agencies that would have to support those projects. Hospitals and clinics could see fewer patients who cannot pay their bills.

Why this matters: Some low-income adults now fall into a coverage gap because their state has not expanded Medicaid. This bill could give them coverage if their city or county joins a local project. It could also reduce unpaid bills for health providers. However, coverage could differ from one part of a state to another, and future costs for federal, state, and local governments are uncertain.

Key provisions in H.R. 608

• Cities, counties, or groups of local governments could cover more low-income adults. They could apply only in states that have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.
• The federal government could set aside two normal Medicaid rules. Those rules usually require one statewide program run by a single state agency.
• Each local program could run for seven years at first. It could seek up to five more years but would end sooner if the state expanded Medicaid statewide.
• If the state later expanded Medicaid, people in a local project would keep their coverage. The state would have to enroll them in its Medicaid program automatically.
• The federal government would pay all medical costs for the first three years. Its share would fall during years four through seven and reach 90% in year eight. Projects with rural areas would get somewhat higher rates during the step-down.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 608

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 608

What is H.R. 608?

Cities and counties in states without Medicaid expansion could cover more low-income adults. The federal government would pay most of the medical costs, and states could not block local projects.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 608?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 608?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

How does Modern Action help me act on H.R. 608?

Modern Action gives you bill-specific context, lets you choose support, opposition, or changes, and drafts a message from your position and reasons.