President Joseph Biden announced this Thursday a plan to expand medical coverage to DACA recipients to the more than 580,000 young “dreamers”.Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals?.
This plan plans to include these undocumented young people who came to the United States as children and who have joined the DACA program, Medicaid and the medical plans offered as Obamacare.
"They are American in every way except on paper," Biden said in a video posted on his Twitter account. "We have to give Dreamers the opportunities and support they deserve."
Thus, the Department of Health and Human Services will shortly propose a rule that modifies the definition of "lawful presence" so that Medicaid and Affordable Care Act coverage includes DACA recipients.
"We recognize that every day counts, and we hope to have the proposed rule ready by the end of the month," said a statement issued by the White House.
If finalized, he noted, the rule will make DACA recipients eligible for these programs for the first time.
Under the proposed rule, DACA recipients will be able to apply for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, where they may qualify for financial assistance based on income, and through their state Medicaid agency. Like all other enrollees, eligibility information will be electronically verified when individuals apply for coverage.
The exact number of how many DACA recipients currently do not have health coverage is currently unknown. However, a 2018 study by the non-profit organization KFF, indicated that 4 out of 10 ?39 percent? I could be without health insurance at the time.
For his part, California Governor Gavin Newsom applauded the initiative.
"President Biden is taking a step forward to ensure greater access to health care for DACA recipients, who contribute so much to our country, building on California's leadership," Newsom stressed.
He added that the news "is a victory for the more than 200,000 DACA recipients who call California home." However, he said, it is crucial that Republicans in Congress take action and ultimately create a meaningful pathway to citizenship.
"California is stronger and more vibrant because of our diversity, and we believe that all residents should have access to high-quality health care, regardless of age, income or immigration status, fiscally sound action leads to better health outcomes and quality of life," he stressed.
Newsom recalled that California DACA recipients are currently covered by full-scope Medi-Cal for the state only if they meet the eligibility requirements.
As of January 2024, it is estimated that more than 700,000 adults ages 26-49 will be eligible for full-service Medi-Cal, regardless of immigration status.
It should be remembered that, last fall, Newsom expanded full-scope Medi-Cal to all income-eligible Californians to residents age 50 and older, which covers more than 225,000 people, without regard to immigration status.
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