Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser paid $13.5 million in overdue health premiums for individuals and businesses with DC Health Link coverage.
Funding for the move comes from American Rescue Plan COVID-19 relief funds, according to an Oct. 6 announcement.
The payments benefit nearly 6,000 people, including employees of 408 local small businesses.
"We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating health and economic impacts for our residents and local businesses — this program helps us tackle both by keeping people connected to high-quality health care," Ms. Bowser said. "In addition to keeping people covered, let’s continue working together to ensure everyone in our community is accessing the care they need and going to the doctor for their annual check-ups."