Healthcare marketplace expansion brings in DACA recipients

DELMARVA – Individuals who are part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), often referred to as “dreamers”, are now able to enroll for health care within state marketplaces.

Advocates Celebrate Change

The federal change went into effect on Nov. 1, 2024. Advocates for DACA recipients say it’s a change that was long overdue.

“It’s due time for this population to be included in the Affordable Care Act, and it’s an extraordinary victory, especially for those folks who have been struggling with a really complicated and unjust healthcare system,” said the Chief of Programs and Services for CASA George Escobar.

Healthcare Challenges for “Dreamers”

DACA recipients are individuals who were brought to the United States as undocumented children but are legally protected from deportation and authorized to work. The individuals have grown up in the U.S., attended American schools, and pay taxes like American citizens. DACA was enacted under the Obama Administration in 2012.

As of March 31, 2023, 578,680 individuals were DACA recipients, according to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. A 2022 Center for American Progress survey reports that 90.7 percent of DACA recipients 25 years old and older are employed. However, Escobar said that healthcare is not always available or adequate in individuals’ workplaces.

“This puts them in a very challenging situation where they’re not eligible to receive any comprehensive healthcare if their employer does not provide that for them,” Escobar said.

CASA Encourages People to Enroll

Escobar added that CASA has been reaching out to individuals who they helped to enroll for DACA to encourage them to take part in the state healthcare marketplaces now that they are eligible.

And while this change is federal, each state has varying ways of organizing healthcare purchasing. Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia each have their own state healthcare exchanges.

“Previously, these folks didn’t even have the right to enter the website that allows you to choose a health care plan… Each case is a little bit different, but the point now is that this population can participate just as their neighbors do,” Escobar said.

Legal Challenge Looms

Despite the excitement, Escobar said that many DACA recipients remain worried about what kind of changes may come under the incoming Trump Administration. Additionally, DACA recipients’ ability to take part in purchasing healthcare under the Affordable Care Act is currently facing a legal challenge.

In Kansas et al. v. United States of America et al., plaintiffs allege that expanding access to health coverage for DACA recipients violates the Administrative Procedure Act.

However, Esocbar asserted that expanding health exchange purchasing power to DACA recipients would only make healthcare more equitable and comprehensive for everyone.

“It’s a very small step, but at the same time, a very significant step for a significant population. We just have to build on this progress and make sure that everybody has access to a doctor when they need one,” Escobar said.

Additional Information

Under the new federal eligibility, DACA recipients may receive advance premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies to lower the cost of plans. The individuals are eligible for the current special enrollment period, which ends on December 31st.