Health Coverage Changes Affect DACA Recipients in California

Young residents of California who arrived in the U.S. as children without legal status are expressing frustration over a new policy that removes health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

This policy, issued in June by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, redefines Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, a program from the Obama administration that has granted temporary protection from deportation and work permits to many migrants. Since they are deemed not to have legal status, they are now ineligible for ACA benefits. Interestingly, many Dreamers finally started enrolling in the ACA last November.

“We’re thrilled to help you get started,” Jessica Altman, executive director of the California ACA market, remarked.

According to Altman, out of over 150,000 DACA recipients in California, about 2,300 have registered with the ACA since qualifying. However, she noted that persuading them to sign up has been challenging given “the broader uncertainty over whether this expansion is real.”

“We envisioned wanting to take a full year or more to build trust and ensure eligible DACA recipients register,” she explained. Now, this progress feels like it’s been undone.

In response to the policy changes, California is actively trying to inform DACA recipients about their options. They’re collaborating with community organizations to explore alternative health coverage solutions.

“California doesn’t want to enforce this for its residents,” Altman stated. “It doesn’t align with our values or mission, yet we have to adhere to federal rules.”

Mariam Arif, communications director for the nonprofit Siren, which assists immigrants in Santa Clara County, expressed concerns that many affected individuals might fall through the cracks.

“Forcing DACA recipients to lose ACA access means some will go without necessary health care, and that’s critical right now, as many can’t afford the costs,” she said.

“This isn’t just about cost; it’s about cruelty,” Arif continued, highlighting that DACA recipients contribute billions in taxes each year, including Medicare and Social Security. “It feels particularly harsh.”

Altman mentioned that most DACA recipients enrolling in the ACA were motivated by circumstances affecting other Californians, such as gig economy workers and those nearing retirement who lack stable health benefits.

“They often don’t have reliable health coverage and aren’t eligible for Medi-Cal,” she explained.

While the policy change impacts only a small fraction of California’s DACA recipients, both Altman and Arif cautioned that further rollbacks could be on the horizon. Altman pointed to a recent federal budget move that cuts funding for various “legal immigration groups.”

“Starting in 2027, refugees, asylum seekers, and humanitarian parolees will lose eligibility for federal financial support. We’re monitoring that situation closely,” she stated.

Arif echoed this sentiment, saying the cuts are part of “a larger agenda aimed at dismantling federal protections, specifically targeting immigrant communities.”

For now, Altman urges those affected by the changes to be vigilant about communications from California regarding their eligibility.

“Unfortunately, DACA recipients are used to fluctuating policies that impact their lives in various ways. This is yet another example of how we send them mixed messages,” she remarked. “There may be options available, and we’ll do all we can to assist in finding them.”

Arif also encouraged DACA recipients to “stay strong.”

“There are numerous initiatives currently underway, so keep your spirits up. Let’s hope something positive emerges from this,” she said.