DACA Recipients’ Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Begins November 1
DACA recipients are now eligible for health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. After years of exclusion, DACA recipients can finally access affordable, quality health insurance through the government’s health care marketplaces. This is a major victory for DACA grantees and stop a positive step toward improving equitable access to health care. We applaud the Biden-Harris administration for this crucial step forward.
What You Need to Know:
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Why does this matter for DACA recipients?
For years, DACA recipients have been excluded from ACA benefits, including enrollment in marketplace plans, premium tax credits, and cost sharing reductions. This exclusion left many without necessary health care and caused financial strain due to mounting medical bills. Now DACA recipients will be able to access affordable health insurance and financial assistance based on income, allowing them to avoid medical debt, get preventative checkups, and know they and their families are covered should the worst happen.
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Who is eligible?
Starting November 1, 2024, DACA recipients will be considered “lawfully present” for ACA purposes. This means that DACA recipients who do not have other options for affordable health coverage will be eligible for:
- Marketplace health plans through HealthCare.gov or their state’s enrollment website.
- Income-based subsidies that may lower the cost of premiums and out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
This policy did not change DACA recipients’ eligibility for federal Medicaid. In some states, they may be eligible for state-run health insurance programs. Anyone who has been previously eligible for ACA or Medicaid coverage remains eligible.
For more information, see our Frequently Asked Questions.
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How can DACA recipients apply for ACA coverage?
DACA recipients can apply for ACA coverage during the open enrollment period from November 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025. Here’s how to get started:
- Visit HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace (e.g., Covered California) to explore available health plans. See our map below for your state’s information.
- Create an account and complete your application. Select “no” when asked if you are a citizen or U.S. national and yes when asked if you have eligible immigration status for the purposes of Marketplace coverage.
- You will be asked to provide documentation to verify your status and identity. DACA recipients with an SSN and/or an employment authorization card will be asked to enter that information in the application to verify their identity and statu
- Once you complete your application, you will have your eligibility determined based on your income, family size, and other factors. You may then select a plan that works for your health needs.
- If you encounter barriers to enrolling, assistance is available to help you out, described below.
- Visit HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace (e.g., Covered California) to explore available health plans. See our map below for your state’s information.
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When does health care coverage begin after applying for DACA ACA?
Coverage starts the month following your approved application, depending on when you apply.
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When does health care coverage start after applying for DACA ACA through HealthCare.gov?
DACA recipients applying through HealthCare.gov will be eligible for a “Special Enrollment Period” if you select that you have “gained eligible immigration status.”
- If you apply by November 30th and choose 2024 as your coverage year, your health care coverage can begin on December 1st.
- If you apply by December 31st, your coverage can begin as early as November 1st.
- Open enrollment for HealthCare.gov ends on January 15th, and coverage will begin on February 1st.
State based marketplaces may have different rules and special enrollment procedures.
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What resources are available to help me navigate the health insurance application process?
- Key Resources to Help You Apply: The federal marketplace for health insurance plans and subsidies. Available in Spanish at cuidadodesalud.gov.
- State-Based Marketplaces: Platforms like Covered California and New York State of Health for state-specific health plans. If you’re not sure of your state’s approach, start at Healthcare.gov.
- Call Center: The federal government operates a call center with trained staffers who can help you apply for coverage. In-language assistance is available. 1-800-318-2596
- Compare Plans: You can see how much health insurance may cost you on healthcare.gov, though your income will determine your final subsidized premiums and reduced copayments.
- Enrollment Navigators: Trained nonprofit professionals funded by the government who can help you through the enrollment process and beyond and answer any questions. Connect with a navigator and similar organizations here.
- Community Based Organizations: Many nonprofits and advocacy groups offer assistance to immigrants and DACA recipients for health care enrollment. For example, most community health centers provide assistance in enrollment.
- Broker/Agents: Brokers are licensed companies and individuals who are compensated by health insurance companies to help you enroll in coverage. Be sure that you are enrolling in Affordable Care Act coverage, as some companies offer health plans that lack the financial assistance and protections of the ACA.
Applying For ACA Coverage In Your State
October 2024
- Federally-facilitated marketplace.
- State-based marketplace.
- Federally-facilitated marketplace.
- State-based marketplace.
How You Can Help:
Spread the Word: Share this information with your friends, family, and community. Let DACA recipients know they can now access affordable health care.
- Share Your Story: Encourage others to complete their applications by tagging us in a tweet!
- Follow Us on Social Media: Stay informed and help us amplify our message by connecting with us on X, Instagram, and Facebook. If you have health insurance or use it to visit the doctor, tag us in a post! Your success can inspire others.
- Share Our Posts: Repost, retweet, and share our content to reach more people. Your voice can make a difference!
Together, we can ensure that DACA recipients receive the care they need.
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