By Shelby T. Gonzales*
Nov 18, 2024, 12:47 PM EST
The period for Signing up for health insurance has begun on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace (ACA). The coming weeks present an important opportunity for people with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and other immigration statuses who are eligible for a low-cost plan. Nearly 1 in 5 immigrants with legal status are uninsured.
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) estimated that approximately 100,000 people with DACA and other immigration statuses will sign up for health insurance for the first time comprehensive thanks to a new policy that changes who can buy coverage in the ACA markets and in the basic health program.
Although 94.1 percent of people with DACA work, 20 percent do not have health coverage, according to a 2023 survey by the Center for American Progress. Without insurance, the cost of health care is so high that many people who are immigrants feel forced to forgo health care until their situation becomes too urgent. In 2023, 22 percent of immigrant adults said they avoided or postponed receiving medical care; 40 percent of those who postponed or avoided care said their health worsened as a result.
Therefore, having health insurance is vital so that people receive the care they need and have peace of mind that obtaining medical care will not result in financial ruin. Most people qualify for premium tax credits that reduce the cost of coverage in the ACA marketplaces; 4 in 5 people searching for a plan on HealthCare.gov can find a plan for $10 or less per month. During this open enrollment season, people who are immigrants should review their options at Healthcare.gov or their state’s marketplace.
All plans purchased through HealthCare.gov or the state marketplaces offer comprehensive coverage and access to essential health benefits, such as prescription drugs, hospital stays, and mental health care services. They also include free preventive services, such as annual checkups and immunizations. Additionally, people who enroll in a plan on HealthCare.gov are also guaranteed coverage without exclusions or higher costs for pre-existing conditions.
Coverage also reduces medical debt, decreases the risk of catastrophic healthcare costs, and improves financial well-being. Additionally, enrolling in Marketplace coverage, even with financial assistance, will not count negatively toward a person’s public charge assessment.
Some may be hesitant to sign up as the DACA program as a whole and the policy change that lifted the ban on low-cost health coverage for people with DACA face legal challenges. However, people with DACA should not let this discourage them from enrolling; People with DACA meet the immigration-related requirement for the ACA today and should enroll now to get the peace of mind that health insurance coverage offers.
Free, local, impartial help is available in English and Spanish in every state. People can find a local enrollment assistant and schedule an appointment through the Get Covered Connector.
Shelby T. Gonzales
is the Vice President of Immigration Policy. She primarily focuses on leading the Center’s work related to access to public benefits and other supports for immigrants and their families. Gonzales also provides strategic direction regarding the implementation of effective outreach and program simplification strategies to promote enrollment and retention in benefit programs. He is part of the executive committee of the Protecting Immigrant Families coalition.
The texts published in this section are the sole responsibility of the authors, so La Opinión does not assume responsibility for them.