President Joe Biden’s administration has recently finalized a rule through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that will provide health care access to thousands of uninsured individuals in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra stated that HHS is dedicated to ensuring health coverage is accessible to DACA recipients who have worked hard to achieve the American Dream. He emphasized that Dreamers are integral members of society and contribute to various fields.
The new rule allows around 100,000 previously uninsured DACA recipients to enroll in health coverage through state-run Health Insurance Marketplace plans established under the Affordable Care Act. There are approximately 600,000 DACA recipients who were brought to the U.S. as children without authorization and are protected from deportation through Obama-era programs. Becerra noted that about one-third of DACA recipients are currently uninsured, and making them eligible for coverage will not only benefit their health and well-being but also have a positive impact on the economy.
Under the ruling issued last Friday, DACA recipients will be able to select a Marketplace health plan during a special enrollment window that coincides with the 2025 Open Enrollment Period or within the 60 days following the rule’s effective date of November 1, 2024. Those who apply for coverage in November 2024 may begin their Marketplace coverage as early as December 1, 2024, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria. For additional information, visit [link].
