President Biden’s New Rule: Ensuring Health Care for DACA Recipients

President Biden’s administration recently announced a new rule that will give thousands of uninsured individuals in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program access to health care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra stated that HHS is dedicated to ensuring that DACA recipients, who have worked hard to achieve the American Dream, have access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare coverage. He emphasized that Dreamers are integral members of society and contribute to various fields.

The new rule will allow approximately 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 the provided link.

Becerra added that this move aligns with Biden’s campaign promise to provide pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who came to this country as children through programs like DACA.

The new rule marks a significant step towards ensuring that all individuals have access to affordable healthcare regardless of their immigration status or background.

This new policy is expected to positively impact not only DACA recipients but also society at large by increasing access to quality healthcare and reducing healthcare costs for everyone involved.

Overall, this announcement represents an important step forward in addressing one of America’s most pressing issues: ensuring equal access to healthcare for all individuals regardless of their background or immigration status.