The Biden administration's recent announcement involves expanding access to federally administered health insurance for specific immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children, a move that is expected to provide health coverage to approximately 100,000 previously uninsured individuals enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This expansion includes access to the Health Insurance Marketplace and Basic Health Program, both established under the Affordable Care Act, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The DACA initiative, launched in 2012 during the tenure of former President Barack Obama, offers relief from deportation and grants work permits to young immigrants, commonly known as "Dreamers," who arrived in the U.S. illegally as children or who overstayed their visas.
President Biden underscored the invaluable contributions of Dreamers, describing them as integral members of society, including family members, healthcare professionals, educators, and small business owners who deserve equitable access to healthcare.
Under the new regulation, DACA participants will also receive financial assistance, such as tax credits and reduced out-of-pocket costs, beginning November 1. The White House has not provided details regarding the potential costs to the U.S. government.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra emphasized that lack of health insurance can lead to delayed medical care and increased costs later on. The change will grant DACA participants access to the Basic Health Program for low-income residents, but it will not extend to Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, as initially proposed in 2023.