AUSTIN, Texas -- Today, Texas Democratic Party Treasurer Odus Evbagharu released the following statement on the Biden-Harris Administration announcing a plan this morning to expand health coverage for DACA recipients living in the United States: 

“Like so many other Texans, I’m an immigrant – my family immigrated to the United States decades ago. My family, though, had opportunities and resources that countless other families who have come to the United States do not – and even without the barriers of undocumented migrant and asylum-seeking families, accessing healthcare in America still proved to be a monumental task.

“Texas has the second-highest population of DACA recipients in the entire country. These Dreamers are an integral part of the fabric of our state’s culture and society. To treat them as anything other than equal in every way is morally wrong and counterproductive. Healthcare is a right, not a privilege – no matter what your immigration status is, it’s our government’s obligation to make sure every person in our workforce and schools is safe and healthy. 

“Today, we commend the Biden-Harris Administration for their commonsense actions to help ensure healthcare access for all Texans. This is a tremendous step in protecting us all.”

MORE INFORMATION:

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will shortly propose a rule amending the definition of “lawful presence,” for purposes of Medicaid and Affordable Care Act coverage, to include DACA recipients. The Administration recognizes that every day counts, and it expects to get this done by the end of the month.

Under the proposed rule, DACA recipients will be able to apply for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, where they may qualify for financial assistance based on income, and through their state Medicaid agency. Like all other enrollees, eligibility information will be verified electronically when individuals apply for coverage.

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