100,000 Dreamers Eligible: Biden Administration Allows Enrollment in Obamacare for Health Coverage – Are You Qualified?

According to Voice of America, the Biden administration announced a new policy allowing around 100,000 immigrants brought to the U.S. as children often called “Dreamers,” to enroll in health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) also known as “Obamacare.” These immigrants who are part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program initiated by former President Barack Obama will be eligible to receive tax breaks to help them afford coverage starting from November 1. President Joe Biden stated his support for Dreamers emphasizing their contributions to the country and the importance of providing them with necessary support. The move is seen as potentially boosting Biden’s popularity among Latino voters a key demographic. The decision aims to address the healthcare needs of Dreamers many of whom have delayed seeking medical care due to lack of coverage. By allowing them to enroll in ACA marketplace exchanges the Biden administration hopes to improve their health outcomes and reduce financial burdens associated with healthcare expenses. The Biden administration revised the definition of “lawfully present” to include DACA participants enabling them to enroll in ACA coverage legally.

However, the policy falls short of Biden’s initial proposal to extend Medicaid eligibility to these migrants a point of contention among conservatives.The delay in finalizing the policy which was initially proposed last April has drawn criticism. Some speculate that the timing just days before the presidential election may be politically motivated. While there were once as many as 800,000 DACA enrollees the current figure stands at around 580,000.

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100,000 Dreamers Eligible: Biden Administration Allows Enrollment in Obamacare for Health Coverage – Are You Qualified? (PHOTO: ABC7 News)

Biden Administration’s Policy Faces Challenges Amid DACA Legal Battles

Furthermore, the Biden administration estimates that only about 100,000 Dreamers will sign up for ACA coverage citing factors such as coverage through employment or affordability issues. Notably other classes of immigrants such as asylum seekers and those with temporary protected status are already eligible to purchase insurance through ACA marketplaces. Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the temporary nature of DACA protections and called on Congress to provide permanent solutions for Dreamers. The announcement comes amidst ongoing legal battles over the DACA program which was challenged by former President Donald Trump and has faced uncertainty in federal courts.

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