This Urban Institute report, released in March 2009, examines the anticipated effects of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) on laid-off workers lacking health insurance. 

From the report:

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 sought to help laid-off workers retain health insurance and to provide state Medicaid programs with fiscal relief. By paying 65 percent of premiums for COBRA coverage, the bill will help many unemployed purchase insurance, but a significant number will be unable to afford their 35 percent premium share. ARRA's $87 billion in fiscal relief will likewise prevent many Medicaid reductions, but because most of the money is not targeted to the states experiencing the greatest economic harm, those states may not get sufficient help to avoid major health care cutbacks.

Full Report: Does ARRA Help Laid-Off Workers and States Cope with Health Care Costs? (PDF | 322.46 KB)  

The Urban Institute. (2009). How effectively does the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act help states cope with health care costs? Dorn, S.