A new rule proposed by President Trump’s administration could cancel health insurance access for DACA recipients. If the change were to take effect, it would undo a rule that could have an impact on tens of thousands of DACA recipients here in California. NBC7’s Jeanette Quezada joins us with the details.
A new rule proposed by the Trump administration could cancel health insurance access for people DACA recipients.
If change were to take effect, it would undo a rule set by the Biden Administration last November to provide marketplace health care to people who qualify for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Requirements for DACA include: a person must have arrived to the U.S. before they turned 16, have resided here continuously since and have been under 31 in 2012, when the program took effect, among others.
The proposed change to Biden's rule argues that DACA recipients do not meet the “lawfully present” standard set by Congress to be eligible for the Affordable Care Act.
“Having health coverage taken away means that there are limitations to how I can live and how I should live,” DACA recipient, Javier Diego Jacinto said.
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Jacinto arrived in the U.S. at age 6. As a child, he was covered under Medi-Cal, but once he turned 18 years old, his health coverage was in limbo due to his DACA status.
It’s a struggle that other DACA recipients like, Elizabeth Naputi, understand all too well.
Three years ago, she had a medical emergency, but because she was uninsured, she was forced to take out a loan to cover the expenses.
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“Something that would just help us pay for everything because just healthcare, in general, is super expensive,” Naputi said.
Last November, the Biden administration allowed DACA recipients to buy health coverage through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, but President Trump’s administration is now considering reversing the rule, which would make DACA recipients ineligible for health coverage like Covered California.
“Canceling it is going to have a severely negative impact on people who essentially came as children, right? They didn’t have a say in coming to the United States. And so, by canceling their healthcare coverage, they are going to not have access to preventative care, which is one of the most incredibly important,” Immigration Attorney, Maria Chavez said.
According to Covered California, more than 40,000 people are eligible to qualify for the program as DACA recipients. Of those, less than 2,000 people are enrolled.
Since everyone is required to have health insurance in California, if the Trump administration’s proposal to cancel insurance access becomes a reality, DACA recipients might face steep financial penalties.
“If you don’t have health insurance in California, you’ll pay a penalty, $900 per adult, $450 per child that’s not insured,” Yadira Lopez with Cover California said.
Others want to know more about the existing rule and proposed changes.
“My only thought is who’s being denied benefits that are citizens, you know, what’s the opportunity cost in providing medical care to nationals of other countries,” a man who asked to remain anonymous said.
Since Naputi had to take out a loan for healthcare coverage, she’s married and is now covered under her husband’s private health insurance plan.
Though she’s covered, she is still concerned about fellow DACA recipients.
“One of my closest friends has a baby and she struggles. She can’t afford health insurance for herself, let alone for her baby. She tries to find different avenues,” Naputi said.
The rule is in its proposal stage and public comments remain open until April 11.
