There’s a pivotal shift on the horizon for many in our community, especially for those individuals who arrived in the U.S. as children and are protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. For the first time, DACA recipients will now gain access to health and dental insurance through ACA exchanges with subsidy eligibility, allowing new opportunities for affordable coverage and assistance from navigators, thanks to a groundbreaking new rule. With over 580,000 active DACA recipients across the U.S. and more than 11,400 in Nevada, this new rule marks a crucial advance for those who have faced ongoing barriers to affordable health insurance.
For years, DACA recipients have been in a precarious position. Though they can legally work and contribute to the economy, their lack of legal residency status has prevented them from enrolling in Federal/State publicly funded health insurance programs like Nevada Health Link. This has left many without coverage, vulnerable to the high costs of healthcare, and reliant on limited options. It is estimated that more than a quarter of DACA recipients do not have health insurance. That’s all about to change.
A New Population for Nevada Health Link to Serve
As Nevada’s official health insurance marketplace, Nevada Health Link welcomes DACA recipients to its expanding list of eligible individuals. This is not just a new rule; it’s a new beginning for families and individuals seeking affordable and lifesaving health coverage. It opens the doors for a large group of young adults, many of whom have been left out of the healthcare conversation until now. For DACA Recipients, Nevada Health Link offers an opportunity to access affordable health coverage tailored to their needs. Whether they are self-employed, working part-time, or without employer-sponsored insurance, DACA recipients now have the power to take charge of their health.
This new wave of eligibility presents a fresh opportunity for Nevada Health Link to engage and support the DACA population as part of its larger mission of inclusivity and community health. The expansion will not only improve access to care but will also contribute to a healthier Nevada overall, as more residents can now seek the care they need without financial strain.
Nevada Health Link’s Open Enrollment period begins on November 1st, giving all Nevadans, including DACA recipients, the opportunity to secure health insurance for the upcoming year. Individuals can take action now by exploring plans on NevadaHealthLink.com and get an estimate on what it might cost.
Other Impacted Noncitizens Under the Final Rule
In addition to expanding access for DACA recipients, the Final Rule introduces critical changes to the definition of “lawfully present” for Marketplaces and Basic Health Programs (BHPs), impacting other groups of noncitizens. Notably, noncitizens with work authorization are now considered lawfully present regardless of their underlying immigration status for the purpose of Marketplace coverage, allowing them to access coverage with documents such as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Furthermore, Family Unity Beneficiaries, who were previously excluded, are now eligible for Marketplace and BHP coverage. Individuals applying for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status are also no longer required to have an approved immigrant visa petition to be considered lawfully present. Additionally, the rule removes the 180-day waiting period for noncitizen children under age 14 applying for asylum or similar protections. Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) children with an approved petition now qualify as lawfully present as well. These changes provide vital access to health coverage for various groups of noncitizens who had previously been excluded, making healthcare more inclusive and accessible.
Individuals and families with questions or those that may need extra support such as bilingual speaking representatives can get connected with a licensed navigator or broker for free.
Additional resources for mixed status families can also be found on our website at: https://www.nevadahealthlink.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/HIX-CRT-ResourceSheet-MxdFmly.pdf
This is not just another Open Enrollment Period; it’s a chance to build a healthier future for all Nevadans, including DACA recipients who call Nevada home. Nevada Health Link is here to support in making that happen! Open Enrollment runs November 1 to January 15. Visit NevadaHealthLink.com or call 1-800-547-2927 to get started on your health insurance journey.
