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Congressional Democrats are urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program can access health insurance under the Affordable Care Act when they become eligible. The Biden administration published a final rule in May allowing DACA recipients to apply for coverage and potentially receive financial assistance; however, these Democrats stress the need for resources and outreach to help recipients navigate the enrollment process. Additionally, they are concerned about potential barriers to enrollment and want to ensure fraud prevention and awareness of the special enrollment period.
Concerned over the upcoming 2024 election, a group of congressional Democrats are urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take measures to guarantee access to health insurance under the Affordable Care Act for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients when they become eligible this year.
According to the final rule published by the Biden administration in May, DACA recipients can apply for coverage via HealthCare.gov and state-based marketplaces starting Nov. 1.
However, to fully utilize the expansion, HHS needs to invest in outreach, as suggested by Sen. Cory Booker, Rep. Joaquin Castro, and 86 other Democrats in a letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. They noted that the department’s support is crucial during the enrollment process.
HHS is being called upon to assure the seamless registration process for DACA recipients, eligible for health benefits as early as December if enrolled by Nov. 15. The lawmakers questioned Becerra about devised plans to mitigate enrollment barriers, plans to inform recipients about the special enrollment period, resource allocation for media outreach, and preventive measures against scams or fraud during enrollment.
The future of DACA remains uncertain, with its recipients awaiting a court ruling following attempts to end the program by former President Donald Trump. The Obama-era initiative, established in 2012, provides young immigrants with protection against deportation. The Biden administration’s recent rule aims to assist over 100,000 uninsured young individuals.
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