The Biden-Harris administration announced today a significant expansion of healthcare coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to include recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This move is set to significantly alter the landscape of healthcare availability for more than 100,000 Dreamers—undocumented youths brought to the United States as children—by removing previous restrictions that barred them from benefitting from government-supported health insurance.
According to the White House's official release, starting in November, DACA recipients will be eligible to apply for healthcare coverage through the HealthCare.gov portal and state-based marketplaces. Moreover, thanks to the financial assistance made available, it is projected to help them to even potentially secure plans for less than $10 a month. This expansion of coverage is part of the administration's endeavor to fulfill its long-standing commitment to not only protect the DACA program but also to broaden its scope of support for these individuals.
"While President Biden continues to call on Congress to provide a pathway to citizenship to Dreamers and others, he is committed to protecting and preserving DACA and providing Dreamers with the opportunities and support they need to succeed, including access to affordable, quality health care coverage," the statement outlined on White House's Fact Sheet.
This policy decision aligns with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris's belief that health care is a right, which should be universally accessible, rather than a privilege only for a selected few. The administration has actively taken steps to safeguard the ACA and by doing so, now extends its reach to include the previously excluded. The decision reflects an iterative process where DACA, an Obama-era initiative, continues to evolve and be fortified against legal challenges under the Biden Administration. "Today’s rule also reinforces the President’s enduring commitment to DACA recipients and Dreamers, who contribute daily to the strength and vitality of our communities and our country," the briefing confirmed.
