Dreamer's Can Now Get Affordable Healthcare

 

There have been recent developments with Obamacare, also known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), that specifically impact DACA recipients, often referred to as Dreamers.

In May 2024, the Biden administration finalized a rule that allows DACA recipients to qualify for subsidies when purchasing health insurance through the ACA marketplaces. This is significant because it expands access to affordable health insurance for this group.

Previously, DACA recipients weren't considered "lawfully present" under the ACA, making them ineligible for both marketplace subsidies and Medicaid. The new rule changes that definition to include them, opening the door to coverage.

Here's a quick breakdown:

---

• Dreamers Can Now Get ACA Subsidies: This makes health insurance through the marketplace potentially more affordable for DACA recipients.
• Expanded Coverage Options: Some states with basic health programs may also allow DACA recipients to enroll, offering another pathway to coverage.

What is the Dreamer Act?

President Obama didn't directly enact a "Dreamer Act" through legislation. However, his administration did address the situation of undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children in two key ways:

1. Support for the DREAM Act: The DREAM Act is a piece of legislation that would provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who meet certain requirements, including being brought to the US as children. While the DREAM Act never passed Congress, President Obama publicly supported its passage.
2. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): In 2012, the Obama administration created DACA as an executive action. DACA doesn't provide a path to citizenship, but it does offer temporary protection from deportation and work authorization for undocumented immigrants who meet certain requirements.

   

   
   

Here's a quick breakdown:

• DREAM Act: Legislative proposal for a pathway to citizenship (not enacted)
• DACA: Executive action providing temporary protection from deportation and work authorization (implemented by Obama administration)

DACA is often referred to as a policy response to the idea behind the DREAM Act. It's important to note that DACA is not a permanent solution and has faced legal challenges.

Qualificators for the Dreamer's Act

• Age: Arrived in the US before the age of 15 or 16 (depending on the version).
• Residency: Lived in the US continuously for at least 4-5 years.
• Education: Must have graduated from a US high school, obtained a GED, or be enrolled in an institution of higher learning.
• Clean Record: No serious criminal convictions.
• Selective Service: If male and born after a certain year, must be registered (applies to some versions).
• Age Limit: Generally between 12 and 35 years old at the time the Act is enacted (depending on the version).
• To see if you qualify for a Zero Monthly Preminum Affordable Cares Act Plan Click here and a licensed agent will be in contact
•