The Biden administration released a directive that will allow roughly 100,000 immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children to enroll in the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance next year. While this move falls short of the initial proposal to allow these migrants to sign up for Medicaid, it will still provide them access to tax breaks when they sign up for coverage after the marketplace enrollment opens on Nov. 1. This decision to support the “Dreamers” is seen as a way for President Biden to boost his appeal among Latinos, a crucial voting bloc. However, it has also prompted criticism from conservatives regarding the president’s border and migrant policies.
The action opens the marketplace to participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, many of whom are Latino. Health officials emphasize that many DACA participants have delayed getting care due to lack of coverage, leading to higher costs and debts when they finally receive care. Allowing Dreamers to enroll in coverage is expected to improve their health and well-being, as well as strengthen the nation’s overall health and economy. The administration’s action changes the definition of “lawfully present” so that DACA participants can legally enroll in the marketplace exchange.
After receiving over 20,000 comments on the proposal, the administration decided not to expand eligibility for Medicaid for DACA participants. This delay in finalizing the rule meant that migrants were unable to enroll in the marketplace for coverage this year. While at one point there were as many as 800,000 people enrolled in DACA, that number has since decreased to roughly 580,000. The administration predicts that only 100,000 will sign up for coverage, as some may already have coverage through their workplaces or other means, while others may not be able to afford coverage through the marketplace.
Last year, President Biden unveiled a regulation aimed at fending off legal challenges to DACA, as the policy has faced threats from former President Donald Trump. The president and Vice President Kamala Harris are in support of providing permanent protections for Dreamers, emphasizing the need for Congress to act on this issue. On the other hand, Trump’s campaign spokeswoman criticized the decision to allow DACA participants to access healthcare marketplaces, stating that the focus should be on securing the border and expanding opportunities for American citizens. The future of DACA and protections for Dreamers remains a contentious issue with political implications.
