Dreamers Can Now Enroll In Covered California

California has expanded its health insurance marketplace, Covered California, to allow Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients to purchase subsidized health plans, CalMatters’ health reporter Ana B. Ibarra reports. This is a result of a federal rule that aims to provide health coverage to thousands of “Dreamers,” particularly those who are self-employed or lack other insurance options.

But the expansion coincides with significant political headwinds.

President-elect Donald Trump has attempted to dismantle both programs, though his efforts were unsuccessful during his first term. His recent election raises concern about their future stability. Additionally, an ongoing lawsuit challenges the policy that permits DACA recipients to access health insurance through Affordable Care Act exchanges, adding another layer of unpredictability, Ibarra reported.

Despite these potential challenges, Covered California officials and immigration attorneys are encouraging eligible individuals to enroll in health coverage promptly. Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California, emphasized the importance of taking advantage of the current availability of coverage, telling CalMatters, “Coverage is here right now. So if you need to go to the doctor, if you’ve been putting off care that you need, if you’ve never had the opportunity to get your preventive care, you can do that right now.” Altman and her team have been actively promoting this new access for Dreamers during the open enrollment period.

Established in 2012, DACA does not provide legal status but offers work authorization for eligible individuals brought to the U.S. as children, as well as protection from deportation. California provides public health insurance coverage through the Medi-Cal program to about 1.5 million immigrants who lack federal authorization to be in the U.S., costing an estimated $6.4 billion, according to the Department of Health Care Services. Expansions to cover undocumented immigrants have helped reduce the state’s uninsured rate to a record low of 6.4%, California Healthline recently reported.

CalMatters.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.