How the Families First Coronavirus Response Act Affects State Medicaid Programs

This brief examines the Families First Coronavirus Response Act that was signed into law to provide resources to help states address the effects of COVID-19. The law eliminates patient cost sharing for COVID-19 testing and related services in most forms of health coverage, establishes an emergency paid leave program, extends sick leave benefits, and expands unemployment and nutrition assistance. It also includes additional funding for different agencies and offices within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as well as funding for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund.