More than 100,000 young immigrants protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will soon gain access to federal healthcare coverage through the Affordable Care Act.
The DACA program, first implemented in 2012, provides deportation relief and work permits to undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. But DACA recipients have, up until now, been excluded from federally funded health insurance programs.
This policy change, set to take effect November 1, 2024, is expected to extend healthcare access to an estimated 100,000 previously uninsured DACA participants, providing them with financial assistance, tax credits, and reduced out-of-pocket costs.
“Dreamers are our loved ones, our nurses, teachers, and small business owners,” President Joe Biden said in a statement. “And they deserve the promise of health care just like all of us.”
DACA recipients are three times more likely than the general population to be uninsured and those without insurance are less likely to seek out preventative care, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement.
“More than one-third of DACA recipients currently do not have health insurance, so making them eligible to enroll in coverage will improve their health and wellbeing, and help the overall economy,” Becerra said.
What does this mean for you?
- DACA recipients who qualify can enroll in a Marketplace plan and may receive advance payments of the premium tax credit (APTC) and cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) based on income.
- The new federal rule grants DACA recipients a special enrollment period lasting 60 days following the rule’s effective date of November 1, 2024.
- This special enrollment period aligns with the 2025 Open Enrollment Period, making the process easier for DACA holders.
- Those who apply for coverage in November 2024 may have their Marketplace coverage begin as early as December 1, 2024, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.
- DACA recipients and other eligible individuals for a Basic Health Program (BHP) can apply for and receive coverage starting November 1, 2024.
The ACA health coverage expansion is a major development for DACA recipients, but your long-term wellbeing depends on securing permanent legal status. If you’re planning to apply for a marriage-based green card, Boundless Immigration can help you navigate the complex application process with confidence. See if you qualify.