Federal Judge Blocks Obamacare Coverage for DACA Recipients in 19 States
Judge Sides with 19 Republican State Attorneys General
A federal judge in North Dakota has blocked a Biden administration rule that allowed DACA recipients to sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. In a ruling on Monday, U.S. District Court Judge Dan Traynor sided with a group of 19 Republican state attorneys general who filed a lawsuit in August to prevent the rule from taking effect, citing that it violates a law that prohibits giving public benefits to people without legal immigration status.
Impact on DACA Recipients
People who received benefits from the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program began signing up for coverage under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, at the start of open enrollment on November 1. Coverage for those who signed up was expected to start as early as January 1. However, this ruling means that DACA recipients in the 19 affected states will no longer be eligible for Obamacare coverage.
Background on DACA and the Affordable Care Act
DACA was an executive action signed by then-President Barack Obama in June 2012 that protected undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children from deportation and gave them work authorization. The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was signed into law in 2010 to provide health insurance options to millions of Americans.
Reaction from Attorney General Kris Kobach
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, who led the legal effort against the Biden administration, called the ruling a “big win for the rule of law.” “Congress never intended that illegal aliens should receive Obamacare benefits,” he wrote in a post.
Impact on Future Coverage
Drishti Pillai, director of immigrant health policy at KFF, a nonprofit group that researches health policy issues, said Monday’s ruling only applies to the 19 states that filed the lawsuit, leaving the Biden administration rule in effect elsewhere. However, the elimination of expanded coverage could leave thousands of uninsured DACA recipients in those states without an affordable option. It is unlikely that the ruling will be appealed, as President-elect Trump has expressed support for DACA recipients and has hinted at working with Democrats to find a solution.
Conclusion
This ruling is a significant setback for DACA recipients in the 19 affected states, who will no longer be eligible for Obamacare coverage. However, the ruling does not apply to other states, and the Biden administration may still move forward with its rule in those areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program?
A: The DACA program is an executive action signed by then-President Barack Obama in 2012 that protects undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children from deportation and gives them work authorization.
Q: What is the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?
A: The ACA, also known as Obamacare, is a law signed into effect in 2010 to provide health insurance options to millions of Americans.
Q: What are the 19 states affected by the ruling?
A: The 19 states affected by the ruling are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
