Biden Rule Extends ObamaCare to DACA Immigrants

The Biden administration has moved to allow DACA recipients to enroll in health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. This rule will make over 100,000 young immigrants, who were previously ineligible, able to sign up for health coverage and also qualify for financial assistance. The new provision will become effective on November 1, coinciding with the Open Enrollment Period for the individual market in most states.

Despite this expansion of access, DACA recipients will still not be eligible for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The action is seen as part of President Biden's broader efforts to preserve and strengthen the DACA program, which protects certain undocumented individuals who came to the United States as children from deportation and allows them to work legally. This change is also significant given that DACA recipients are three times more likely to be uninsured compared to the general U.S. population.

The fate of DACA remains uncertain as it is expected to be decided by the Supreme Court. Until a decision is made, the federal government is not permitted to add new beneficiaries to the program. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has been directed to take all appropriate actions to "preserve and fortify" DACA, emphasizing the administration's commitment to supporting Dreamers.