Biden’s New Rule to Allow DACA Recipients Enroll in Obamacare

On Friday, the Biden administration solidified a rule to broaden healthcare coverage for immigrants who arrived in the US as children and are protected from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, commonly known as DACA.

This decision came after the administration reversed a Trump-era policy that sidelined DACA recipients from accessing federal subsidies to help them afford health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare.”

“I’m proud of the contributions of Dreamers to our country and committed to providing Dreamers the support they need to succeed,” President Biden said. “This action will improve their health and well-being and strengthen the health and well-being of our nation and our economy.”

Ready to take effect next year, the new policy modifies the definition of “lawfully present” within the ACA marketplace, allowing DACA recipients to qualify for coverage. However, it falls short of the initial proposal, which aimed to grant them access to Medicaid, the government-funded health insurance program for low-income individuals and families.

Administration officials estimate that not all 100,000 eligible DACA recipients will choose to enroll in the ACA marketplace. Some may already have employer-sponsored health insurance or access coverage through any other means.

The move is expected to be praised by immigrant rights advocates who have long argued that DACA recipients deserve full access to healthcare benefits. However, it may also be criticized by some conservatives who oppose the broader issue of immigration reform.

Key Points:

• DACA recipients can begin to enroll in the ACA health insurance marketplaces.
• This is a revised rule on a prior proposal for Medicaid access.
• An estimated 100,000 DACA recipients may enroll next year.
• This policy change offers health insurance options to many immigrants, but some may still face challenges due to affordability or existing coverage.