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Published on January 15, 2025
Illinois Joins 14-State Coalition to Defend Health Insurance Access for DACA RecipientsSource: Facebook/Illinois Attorney General

Attorney General Kwame Raoul has aligned Illinois with a coalition of 14 states in an effort to safeguard health insurance access for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. As the federal government prepares for a shift in administration, which is expected to withdraw legal support for defending the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) rule, these states are proactively filing a motion to intervene.

"Every day, Dreamers make invaluable contributions to our schools, workplaces and communities," Raoul said, highlighting the significance of granting them the ability to purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace for improved health outcomes and public health. This information comes according to a report by the Illinois Attorney General's office.

The DACA program, initiated in 2012, provides temporary relief from deportation and the ability to work legally in the U.S. for individuals who arrived in the country as children. The Biden administration augmented access to health care for these individuals by allowing them to buy insurance through ACA exchanges, a rule which was effective as of November 1, 2024. This rule, under scrutiny in courts, remained in place in various states, including Illinois, despite attempts to halt its implementation in others.

During his 2024 campaign trail, President-elect Donald Trump criticized the rule, and his previous administration refrained from defending both DACA and the ACA. The states are stepping in to defend the policy, which would affect state resources if repealed. The coalition's motion brings to light the multifaceted benefits of DACA recipients participating in ACA exchanges, including potentially lower premiums for all due to larger and more diverse pools of insured individuals. As put forth by Raoul's office, uninsured populations often lead to higher healthcare costs and worsen public health outcomes—a problem mitigated through increased insurance availability.

The legal stance taken by Illinois and the other states reflects a broader attempt to preserve the economic and public health advancements brought about by the ACA and the roles that DACA recipients play. They not only contribute billions in taxes but also bolster their local economies through labor and enterprise. The coalition of states includes Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, and Vermont, showcasing a collective commitment to maintaining these critical provisions for Dreamers.