CMS rule would extend Medicaid, Marketplace coverage to DACA recipients

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a proposed rule that would extend Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage to qualified individuals in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in states that cover legally residing immigrant children and pregnant women. DACA recipients also could purchase coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace; qualify for Marketplace subsidies based on income; and apply for the Basic Health Program in states that participate, currently just Minnesota and New York. If finalized, the agency expects the rule to extend coverage to an estimated 129,000 DACA recipients, young undocumented immigrants authorized to work in the United States.