When Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient Fabiola Netro turned 26, she was left without the health coverage she had thanks to her father’s job.
“I started to feel nervous and stressed because I no longer had any medical protection. I was very worried, I thought that even just visits to the doctor for any situation were very expensive,” she says.
However, Fabiola, who lives in Inglewood and works as a veterinary technician while studying to become a veterinarian, contacted a certified agent for covered California, Obamacare’s state insurance marketplace.
“It was very quick and easy to get health insurance with Covered California. “I feel very relieved and a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”
The best thing – he says – is that he has health insurance for which he only has to pay 10 dollars a month.
“I already started with health insurance this week and I will call the doctor to do a physical check-up and make sure everything is okay,” she says, happy to be protected with medical coverage.
this year, for the first time, DACA recipients can get health insurance under Covered California and qualify for subsidies, but they should know that December 31 is the last day to register if they want to enter 2025 with peace of mind of having health coverage.
“In Covered California,for the first time,DACA recipients will be able to apply for both state and federal benefits and will be able to pay less than $10 a month; or in some cases,nothing,” said Yadira López,a certified Covered California agent.
On December 10, a federal judge in North Dakota blocked a Biden governance ruling allowing DACA recipients to obtain health insurance through obamacare (Affordable Care Act).
the decision benefits prosecutors in 19 states who sued to block DACA access to health care, arguing that it violates a law that bars giving public benefits to people without immigration status.
The states that will no longer be able to provide health insurance to DACA recipients under Obamacare are: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
Fortunately, federal judge Dan Traynor’s ruling does not apply in California.
“All DACA recipients need is to present a California ID, a work permit and proof of current income,” said Lopez, the Covered California agent.
“In Fabiola’s case, she received Silver 94 insurance from Molina Healthcare and will only pay $10 a month because she makes just under $30,000 a year.”
It is specified that the amount to be paid for health insurance depends on the person’s income, age, annual income and zip code.
“Covered California partners with 11 healthcare companies in the state of california,” he points out.
And remember that in California you are required by law to have health insurance; Otherwise, they risk a tax penalty of $900 for adults and $450 for children.
“You can call 855-265-6335 if you would like to register by phone. It’s easy, fast and confidential. If you want to go in person, call us and we will tell you which office is closest to you. Bring your documents and we will take care of finding you a good plan.”
“We tell DACA recipients not to be afraid. It is a very great advantage, not to be missed, nor to wait until the last minute to sign up for health coverage, which is renewed at the end of each year.”
He adds that one of the benefits of health insurance is the end of uncertainty.
Documents DACA recipients need to obtain health insurance under Covered California: Notice of Action (I-797) issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services or Employment Authorization Document (I-766 ); social Security number; two pay stubs and tax return filed in 2023; and a photo ID.
How can policymakers improve health coverage for young adults under DACA?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Immigration Policy Expert dr. Maria Sanchez
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Sanchez. Today we’re discussing a pressing issue affecting many young adults in our country,particularly those under DACA,like Fabiola Netro.Fabiola’s recent experience with losing health coverage after turning 26 highlights some serious gaps in support for this demographic. Can you give us some context on why DACA recipients face these challenges?
Dr. Maria sanchez: Thank you for having me. The situation that Fabiola finds herself in is regrettably not uncommon among DACA recipients. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program provides temporary relief from deportation and allows access to work permits, but it does not offer a pathway to health insurance. For individuals like Fabiola, turning 26 frequently enough means losing family-based health coverage, wich can lead to a notable healthcare gap.
Time.news Editor: It must be incredibly anxiety-inducing for someone like Fabiola to lose that coverage. She mentioned feeling nervous and stressed about potential medical costs. How does this uncertainty affect the mental health and well-being of DACA recipients?
Dr. Maria Sanchez: It can have profound effects. Loss of health insurance adds a layer of stress that many DACA recipients already face due to their immigration status. Without affordable healthcare,they may postpone necessary medical visits,which can lead to deteriorating health conditions. This stress can exacerbate mental health issues, leading to anxiety and depression, a cycle that is hard to break.
Time.news Editor: Fabiola is not only trying to manage her health, but she is also pursuing her education and career as a veterinary technician. How do issues surrounding healthcare access impact their career prospects?
Dr. Maria Sanchez: Healthcare access is critical for maintaining a stable life, especially for those balancing work and education.When individuals are worried about health costs, they are less likely to take risks like pursuing further education or accepting job opportunities that might require them to move or change their schedules. this not only stalls their professional advancement but can also impact their long-term economic stability.
Time.news Editor: In Fabiola’s case, she’s working hard to become a veterinarian. What policy changes,in your opinion,are necessary to better support DACA recipients like her in terms of health coverage?
Dr. Maria Sanchez: We need comprehensive immigration reform that includes pathways to citizenship for DACA recipients. Additionally, expanding state-level access to Medicaid or similar programs for DACA recipients would be a significant step in the right direction. It’s essential to create accessible options that would allow individuals like Fabiola to secure the necessary healthcare protection without the fear of prohibitive costs.
Time.news Editor: Lastly,what message would you like to share with policymakers regarding the DACA program and its recipients,based on Fabiola’s experience?
Dr. Maria Sanchez: I would urge policymakers to recognize the resilience and contributions of DACA recipients to our society. They are working hard to build their futures and contribute to their communities. It’s essential to provide them with the support they need in healthcare and beyond. Investing in their health is investing in the future of our workforce and, ultimately, our society as a whole.
Time.news Editor: Thank you,Dr. Sanchez, for your insights today. It’s clear that the challenges faced by DACA recipients like Fabiola are multi-faceted, and addressing them will require a concerted effort from policymakers and communities alike.