DACA Recipients to Become Eligible for Obamacare Coverage
New Rule Opens Doors for Dreamers
When open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, begins on November 1, a new group will be eligible to sign up: the "Dreamers." This refers to children who were brought to the United States without immigration paperwork and have since qualified for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Estimates Suggest 100,000 Uninsured People Will Sign Up
The Biden administration estimates that around 100,000 previously uninsured people out of the half-million DACA recipients might sign up for healthcare coverage starting November 1, which is the sign-up season start date in all states except Idaho.
Rule Challenged in Federal Court
However, the fate of the rule remains uncertain. A group of 19 states, led by Kansas and 18 other states, including several in the South, Midwest, Montana, New Hampshire, and North Dakota, are challenging the rule in federal court. They argue that the rule will cause administrative and resource burdens as more people enroll and encourage additional people to remain in the US without permanent legal authorization.
Support for the Rule
On the other hand, 19 states and the District of Columbia have filed a brief in support of the Biden administration rule, led by New Jersey. They argue that the rule corrects a long-standing and erroneous exclusion of DACA recipients from ACA coverage.
What Does the Rule Change Mean?
The rule clarifies that those who qualify for DACA will be considered "lawfully present" for the purpose of enrolling in plans under the ACA, which are open to American citizens and lawfully present immigrants.
Uncertainty Surrounds the Case
The outcome of the case is uncertain, and the judge may take various directions in his decision. He could postpone the rule’s effective date, preventing DACA recipients from enrolling in Obamacare while the case is decided. Alternatively, he could leave the effective date as it stands while the case proceeds.
Conclusion
The fate of the rule remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the rule change is important for correcting a long-standing exclusion of DACA recipients from ACA coverage. While the case moves along, experts encourage DACA recipients to enroll in Obamacare once the sign-up period begins in November.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the rule change?
A: The rule change corrects a long-standing and erroneous exclusion of DACA recipients from ACA coverage.
Q: How many DACA recipients might sign up for healthcare coverage?
A: The Biden administration estimates that around 100,000 previously uninsured people out of the half-million DACA recipients might sign up for healthcare coverage.
Q: What is the current status of the case?
A: The case is being challenged in federal court by a group of 19 states, and a ruling is expected soon.
Q: What are the possible outcomes of the case?
A: The judge could postpone the rule’s effective date, prevent DACA recipients from enrolling in Obamacare, or leave the effective date as it stands while the case proceeds.
