Mandatory Medicaid and CHIP Coverage of COVID-19-Related Treatment under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is issuing this guidance on Medicaid and
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage of COVID-19-related treatment under the
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) (Pub. L. No. 117-2, enacted on March 11, 2021). As
discussed below, the ARP requires state Medicaid and CHIP programs1
to cover COVID-19-
related treatments, without cost-sharing. CMS will apply the statutory interpretations in this
guidance on a prospective basis beginning with the date of issuance of this letter.
Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Issue Date: October 22, 2021
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this database lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law (including Medicare Advantage Rate Announcements and Advance Notices) or as specifically incorporated into a contract. The Department may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the guidance repository, except to establish historical facts.