The Biden administration announced plans to extend health insurance access to around 100,000 immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children without authorization, addressing a pivotal issue as the November elections approach.
Under this initiative, participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will gain eligibility for enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace and Basic Health Program established by the Affordable Care Act.
DACA, inaugurated during the Obama administration, offers a reprieve from deportation and permits for work to individuals who arrived in the U.S. as minors or overstayed their visas.
President Biden expressed support for the move, emphasizing that Dreamers, as DACA recipients are often referred to, play integral roles in various sectors of society and deserve access to healthcare like all citizens.
The expansion will also provide DACA enrollees with financial aid, including tax credits and reduced out-of-pocket expenses, commencing November 1.
The decision underscores the importance of healthcare access for undocumented immigrants, with Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Xavier Becerra highlighting the repercussions of lacking insurance, which often leads to deferred medical care and increased costs in the future.
The new regulation will enable DACA recipients to benefit from the Basic Health Program, which caters to low-income individuals.
However, the announcement does not extend access to Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), contrary to an earlier proposal.
These programs remain unavailable to DACA participants, a decision that may be attributed to ongoing legal battles and political considerations.
The move represents a significant step by the Biden administration to address healthcare disparities and fulfill campaign promises, particularly in immigration policy.
As healthcare continues to be a critical issue for voters, this expansion aligns with broader efforts to provide equitable access to essential services for all residents, regardless of immigration status.
