On July 28, 2021, President Joe Biden announced a proposal to enhance health care access for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. The proposal aims to provide more comprehensive health care coverage to DACA recipients, who are currently ineligible for most federal health care programs.
DACA is a program that was established in 2012 by the Obama administration to protect undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children from deportation. DACA recipients are granted temporary protection from deportation and are eligible for work permits, but they are not eligible for most federal health care programs, including Medicaid and Medicare.
Under the proposed plan, DACA recipients would be able to purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. The ACA marketplace offers a range of health insurance plans that are designed to be affordable and accessible to individuals and families who do not have access to employer-sponsored health insurance.
In addition to expanding access to health insurance, the proposal would also increase funding for community health centers, which provide primary care services to underserved communities. Community health centers are a vital source of health care for many low-income and uninsured individuals, including DACA recipients.
The proposal would also increase funding for mental health services and substance abuse treatment, which are often critical needs for individuals who have experienced trauma or who are struggling with addiction. Mental health and substance abuse services are often expensive and difficult to access, particularly for individuals who do not have health insurance.
The Biden administration has emphasized the importance of providing comprehensive health care coverage to all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. In a statement announcing the proposal, President Biden said, “Health care should be a right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. We must ensure that everyone in our country has access to the care they need to stay healthy and thrive.”
The proposal has been praised by immigrant rights advocates and health care organizations, who have long called for expanded access to health care for DACA recipients and other undocumented immigrants. However, the proposal is likely to face opposition from Republicans and other conservatives who oppose expanding government-funded health care programs.
Overall, the proposal represents a significant step forward in the effort to provide comprehensive health care coverage to all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. By expanding access to health insurance and increasing funding for community health centers, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment, the proposal has the potential to improve the health and well-being of millions of individuals and families across the country.
