If you’re a DACA recipient, also known as a Dreamer, handling health insurance can be confusing, especially since most undocumented immigrants in the United States aren’t eligible for coverage from the ACA marketplace. However, a new federal ruling has expanded DACA recipient health insurance, which means you could get covered as soon as December 2024. Learning the ins and outs of this new rule can help you sort out your new coverage options and find a plan that works for you.
Newly Available Coverage for DACA Recipients Explained
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, also known as DACA, provides many protections to undocumented children who grew up in the United States, but there are still limitations. Previously, recipients weren’t allowed to sign up for marketplace health plans from the Affordable Care Act, leaving them without affordable coverage options.
In May 2024, however, the Biden-Harris administration finalized a new rule that expanded access to ACA marketplace plans to include health coverage for DACA recipients. This new DACA legislature aligns with the open enrollment schedule for 2025, so you can sign up starting Nov. 1, 2024. So, can DACA recipients get health insurance? Currently, the answer is yes.
Eligibility for DACA Health Insurance in California
If you’re a Dreamer in California, that means you’ll be able to enroll in DACA Covered California marketplace plans going forward. You’ll also be able to sign up for a premium tax credit if your income is below a certain threshold, helping you save on your monthly premium.
Practical Steps for DACA Recipients to Secure Health Insurance
If you want to take advantage of your new access to health coverage, it’s important to get everything in order.
Enrollment Dates to Keep in Mind
Covered California open enrollment starts on Nov. 1, 2024, and ends on Jan. 31, 2025. You can create an account, choose your plan, and submit your application at any time during that window. However, the sooner you sign up, the sooner you can get coverage. Freeway offers free help navigating the system – you may even qualify for no-cost health coverage. Call our bilingual operators at 877-930-1317.
Documentation Needed for Covered California
To prove that you qualify for an ACA plan, you may have to submit documents to confirm your immigration status. That includes:
- Your “Notice of Action,” or form I-797
- Your Employment Authorization Card or form I-766
Potential Hurdles in Accessing Health Coverage
Although this rule is firmly in place and set to activate on Nov. 1, some lawmakers are fighting against this increase in coverage. Attorneys general in multiple states are challenging the policy in court, which means that it could be potentially overturned in the future depending on the outcome of the case. As of November 2024, however, the plan is still active.
Get Assistance with Your Health Insurance Coverage
Thanks to this new policy, thousands of Dreamers will have access to healthcare coverage through the ACA marketplace. Although the rule is being legally challenged, it’s likely to pave the way for better protection for many undocumented immigrants who were raised in the United States.
If you’re not sure how to navigate this new world of health coverage, Freeway Insurance is here to help. We can help break down the process of finding a plan and match you with affordable options that fit into your budget. Simply call us at 877-930-1317.
FAQ on Health Insurance for DACA Individuals in California
Curious about the nitty-gritty of this new rule? Here are the answers to some common questions.
How Many Californians Will This Change Affect?
Expanded marketplace coverage is expected to open up medical insurance access to about 40,000 Dreamers in California.
Where Can DACA Recipients Find Assistance with Enrolling in Health Coverage?
If you need help signing up, you can get some guidance on your local marketplace website for free by calling Freeway Insurance bilingual agents at 877-930-1317. You can also call your marketplace’s helpline for extra help.
What Are the Types of Health Coverage for Dreamers?
You can now sign up for any qualified medical plan on the healthcare marketplace. This means that your options for DACA healthcare insurance include several types of health insurance, such as HMOs, PPOs, and EPO plans.
Is Covered California the Only Option?
Along with this new access to marketplace insurance, another key law is set to provide Dreamers in California with additional options. Thanks to a new expansion, all eligible adults aged 26 to 49 can sign up for Medi-Cal starting Jan. 1, 2025, including DACA recipients and other undocumented immigrants. You will still need to meet all other requirements, such as maximum income caps.
Can DACA Recipients Qualify for Medicaid or CHIP?
Unfortunately, the new policy change doesn’t expand eligibility for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in most states. However, some states, like California, have given undocumented immigrants access to their state Medicaid programs. In other states, however, you still won’t be able to apply for these benefits, despite your new access to ACA plans.
What Should I Do If I Experience a Change in My Immigration Status?
A change in your immigration status could impact your medical insurance options, depending on your situation. It’s critical to communicate with a qualified immigration lawyer about your options if there’s any impending change to your immigration status.
