Thousands of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients in California are set to lose their health coverage this month due to a change in the state’s Medi-Cal program. As of October 1, California will no longer provide Medi-Cal coverage to DACA recipients who are 26 years or older, affecting approximately 12,000 individuals.
The change is a result of a budget agreement between Governor Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers, which aimed to provide health coverage to low-income undocumented immigrants aged 50 and older. However, this new program will not include DACA recipients who are 26 or older, leaving them without health coverage.
DACA recipients, also known as Dreamers, are young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children and have been granted temporary protection from deportation. Many of these individuals have been able to access health coverage through Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, due to their DACA status.
The loss of health coverage for these individuals has raised concerns among many, including healthcare advocates and immigration groups. They argue that this change will not only harm the affected individuals but also the broader community, as the lack of health coverage can lead to delayed or foregone medical care, resulting in poorer health outcomes.
Moreover, the timing of this change is particularly concerning, as it coincides with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the affected individuals are essential workers, and their lack of health coverage may increase their risk of contracting and spreading the virus.
Healthcare providers and advocacy groups are urging the state to reconsider this decision and find alternative solutions to ensure that all DACA recipients have access to health coverage. They argue that providing health coverage to all Californians, regardless of immigration status, is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive population.
In response to the change, some community organizations are offering resources and assistance to help affected individuals navigate the healthcare system and explore alternative coverage options. However, these efforts may not be sufficient to address the scale of the problem, and a more comprehensive solution is needed to ensure that all Californians have access to the healthcare they need. The loss of health coverage for thousands of DACA recipients in California is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention and action from state lawmakers and healthcare leaders.