Biden grants ‘Dreamers’ access to Obamacare

President Biden announced on Friday that his administration has issued regulations to provide over 800,000 individuals protected under the DACA program access to health care through the Affordable Care Act. The DACA program, established in 2012, offers protection from deportation and work permits to individuals who were brought to the US illegally as children, also known as “Dreamers.”

Despite ongoing legal challenges to the DACA program, those currently enrolled will be able to apply for health care coverage through the federal HealthCare.gov exchange starting in November. President Biden emphasized the contributions of Dreamers to the country, stating that they have been able to work lawfully, pursue education, and strengthen communities over the past 12 years.

Biden expressed his commitment to supporting Dreamers and ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed. He previously directed the Department of Homeland Security to protect and strengthen the DACA program, and now, with this new regulation, DACA recipients will have the same access to health care as their neighbors through the Affordable Care Act.

The move to provide health care access to DACA recipients comes at a time when the program’s long-term future remains uncertain. However, Biden’s administration is taking steps to ensure that Dreamers have the support they need to thrive in the United States.