Biden expands health insurance access for DACA recipients
Official White House Photo
Reuters reports that the Biden administration will permit Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DAVCA) recipients to federal health insurance. “[A]n estimated 100,000 previously uninsured participants in [DACA] are expected to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace and the Basic Health Program, both created under the Affordable Care Act, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said.”
The announcement of the new rule states that:
“President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that health care should be a right, not a privilege. Together, they promised to protect and strengthen the Affordable Care Act, lowering costs and expanding coverage so that every American has the peace of mind that health insurance brings. Today’s final rule delivers on the President’s commitment by giving DACA recipients that same peace and opportunity.
Today’s rule also reinforces the President’s enduring commitment to DACA recipients and Dreamers, who contribute daily to the strength and vitality of our communities and our country. On day one of his Administration, President Biden committed to preserving and fortifying the DACA policy. While only Congress can provide Dreamers permanent status and a pathway to citizenship, the Biden-Harris Administration has continued to vigorously defend DACA against ongoing legal challenges and strengthened DACA by codifying the 2012 policy in a final rule. ”
Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel of MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund), issued the following statement on the new rule:
“Today’s rule is long overdue. Making health care available to all DACA recipients is of significant benefit to every American — by reducing the use of expensive emergency care and by increasing the ability to mitigate public health concerns. This step is particularly appropriate following a pandemic during which immigrants of all statuses proved themselves absolutely essential to the very survival of our United States society.”
KJ