In a historic shift, DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients can now enroll in health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for the first time. This change, which took effect on November 1, coincides with the opening of the ACA’s enrollment period and is poised to benefit over 535,000 DACA recipients across the United States.
Camila Bortolleto, a DACA recipient who came to the U.S. from Brazil at the age of 9, is eager to take advantage of this new opportunity. After leaving her job at a nonprofit organization in June and losing her job-based health insurance, Bortolleto faced a daunting reality: the high costs of medical care without access to government-funded health insurance programs. However, with the new ruling finalized by the Biden administration in May, she can now apply for coverage through HealthCare.gov and state-based marketplaces, including subsidies that significantly reduce premium costs.
“I feel a sense of safety knowing I can get health insurance while I continue my job search,” Bortolleto shared. This newfound access comes after a recent health scare when a dog bite left her in severe pain, and she hesitated to seek emergency care due to financial concerns. With this change, she plans to enroll as soon as possible.
Experts emphasize the significance of this policy change. Drishti Pillai, Director of Immigrant Health Policy at KFF, noted, “This is a monumental moment for Dreamers. Previously, many faced limited insurance options, leading to a high rate of uninsurance. Now, they will have access to the same health insurance plans that others do under the ACA.”
Before this change, DACA recipients struggled with health insurance, often turning to community health clinics or state programs for undocumented immigrants, if available. Many remained uninsured due to exorbitant costs associated with private insurance. A survey by the National Immigration Law Center revealed that approximately one in four DACA recipients were uninsured, a statistic that could see a significant decrease with the new ACA enrollment opportunity.
Despite the positive impact, some states are challenging this policy. A lawsuit filed in August by Kansas and 18 other states seeks to block the ACA rule, arguing it imposes financial burdens on taxpayers. Arthur Caplan, head of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU Langone Medical Center, criticized the lawsuit as “counterproductive to public interest,” asserting that it is vital to get people into health insurance to alleviate pressures on emergency services.
The fate of DACA remains uncertain, especially with potential shifts in the political landscape. Juliana Macedo do Nascimento, a DACA recipient and deputy director of federal advocacy at United We Dream, expressed concern that the outcome of the presidential election could jeopardize access to coverage, citing previous efforts by former President Trump to dismantle DACA entirely.
Dania Sarahi Quezada, a DACA recipient and law student, echoes this sentiment as she plans to purchase health insurance. Diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and currently uninsured, she relies on limited services from her university. Quezada is among many DACA recipients who are ready to defend their right to healthcare access, stating, “This is my home, and I am going to fight to be allowed to live here.”
The introduction of ACA coverage for DACA recipients represents a transformative moment, promising a brighter future for those who have long been without adequate healthcare options. As more individuals enroll, the impact on health outcomes and community well-being is expected to be profound.
Read more:
- Healthcare Product Abuse: Global Implications & Policy Responses
- The Stance Of Nations Towards Overuse In Healthcare
- What’s The Situation Of Healthcare In The United States?
