The Biden administration announced on Friday that it would extend access to federally run health insurance to certain immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children, addressing a contentious issue ahead of the upcoming elections.
Under this decision, an estimated 100,000 individuals previously uninsured in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will be eligible to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace and the Basic Health Program, established under the Affordable Care Act.
DACA, initiated in 2012 during the Obama administration, provides deportation relief and work permits to undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children or overstayed visas.
Previously, DACA recipients were ineligible for reduced-cost health plans under the Affordable Care Act but had access to employer-sponsored insurance, private insurance, or state and city-funded programs.
President Biden emphasized the importance of extending healthcare access to DACA recipients, highlighting their roles as loved ones, healthcare professionals, educators, and small business owners.
The policy change, effective November 1, will offer DACA enrollees financial assistance such as tax credits and reduced out-of-pocket costs.
The announcement comes amid a heightened focus on immigration ahead of the upcoming elections.
While former President Trump attempted to terminate DACA during his tenure, the U.S. Supreme Court intervened, allowing the program to continue.
The Trump campaign criticized the healthcare extension, labeling it unfair and unsustainable, asserting that undocumented immigrants strain resources and job opportunities for American citizens.
While the regulation expands access to the Basic Health Program for DACA participants, it does not include eligibility for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, as previously proposed in 2023.
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra underscored the importance of providing healthcare coverage, stating that uninsured individuals often delay necessary medical care, resulting in increased costs over time.
