A federal court has halted the Biden administration’s attempt to extend Obamacare coverage to DACA recipients in 19 states, sparking debate over healthcare access for undocumented immigrants.
At a Glance
- Federal judge blocks ACA coverage for “Dreamers” in 19 states
- Ruling challenges Biden administration’s attempt to redefine “lawfully present” status
- Decision impacts an estimated 100,000 DACA recipients eligible for health coverage
- Kansas Attorney General praises ruling as upholding the rule of law
Court Blocks Obamacare Expansion for DACA Recipients
In a significant setback for the Biden administration’s healthcare initiatives, a federal court in North Dakota has blocked the expansion of Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage to “Dreamers” – immigrants who entered the United States illegally as children. U.S. District Judge Daniel M. Traynor granted a preliminary injunction to Kansas and 18 other states, preventing the federal government from enforcing a rule that would have allowed some Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients access to the ACA marketplace.
The ruling challenges a Biden administration regulation announced in May, which aimed to permit DACA recipients to enroll in ACA health plans and receive financial assistance. This move would have marked a significant shift in policy, as DACA recipients have previously been considered not “lawfully present” under health care law, affecting their eligibility for coverage.
Federal judge temporarily blocks Dreamers from accessing Obamacare https://t.co/ovMVfRFMuU
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Legal Challenges and State Opposition
The court’s decision stems from a lawsuit filed by 19 states against the federal government’s rule to extend ACA benefits to DACA recipients. At the heart of the legal dispute is the question of whether the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has the authority to redefine the term “lawfully present” for the purposes of ACA eligibility.
“The authority granted to CMS by the ACA is to ascertain whether an individual meets the requirements for lawful status. It by no means allows the agency to circumvent congressional authority and redefine the term ‘lawfully present,'” Judge Traynor stated in his ruling.
The states argued that they would face irreparable harm and potential loss of federal support if forced to comply with the rule. They contended that expanding ACA coverage to DACA recipients would impose additional administrative and resource burdens on their healthcare systems.
Reactions and Implications
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, who led the legal challenge, praised the court’s decision. “This decision is a big win for the rule of law. Congress never intended that illegal aliens should receive Obamacare benefits. Indeed, two laws prohibit them from receiving such benefits. The Biden administration tried to break those laws. But we fought back and defeated the Biden Justice Department,” Kobach stated.
The ruling has significant implications for an estimated 100,000 uninsured DACA recipients who would have been eligible to enroll in health care under the proposed rule. The DACA program, initiated by President Obama, protects certain individuals from deportation and allows them to work legally but does not grant eligibility for government-subsidized health insurance.
A CMS spokesperson said the agency “is reviewing the court’s decision; however, the agency does not comment on litigation.” The Department of Justice has not yet responded to requests for comment on the ruling.
As the legal battle continues, the future of healthcare access for DACA recipients remains uncertain, highlighting the ongoing challenges in balancing immigration policy with healthcare provision in the United States.
Sources:
Federal court blocks ACA coverage for Dreamers
Court Temporarily Blocks Obamacare Coverage to Dreamers in 19 States
