Federal court blocks Obamacare expansion for DACA recipients in 19 states, citing overreach by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
At a Glance
- A federal judge has temporarily halted ACA coverage for “Dreamers” in 19 states
- The ruling challenges the Biden administration’s attempt to redefine “lawfully present” status
- Judge Traynor argues CMS lacks authority to change the definition without congressional approval
- The decision affects an estimated 100,000 DACA recipients who could have gained health coverage
Court Ruling Blocks ACA Coverage for DACA Recipients
A federal court in North Dakota has issued a ruling that temporarily blocks the expansion of Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage to beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 19 states. U.S. District Judge Daniel M. Traynor granted a preliminary injunction against a Biden administration rule that aimed to allow DACA recipients, commonly known as “Dreamers,” access to the ACA marketplace and financial assistance for health coverage.
The decision comes as a significant setback to the administration’s efforts to expand healthcare access for immigrants who entered the United States illegally as children. DACA recipients have previously been considered not “lawfully present” under health care law, affecting their eligibility for coverage under the ACA.
Federal judge temporarily blocks Dreamers from accessing Obamacare https://t.co/ovMVfRFMuU
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Legal Basis and Implications
Judge Traynor’s ruling hinges on the argument that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) overstepped its authority by attempting to redefine the term “lawfully present” without proper congressional approval. The court emphasized that such a change falls under legislative jurisdiction, not administrative purview.
“The authority granted to CMS by the ACA is to ascertain whether an individual meets the requirements for lawful status. It by no means allows the agency to circumvent congressional authority and redefine the term ‘lawfully present,'” Judge Traynor stated in his ruling.
The decision has been celebrated by opponents of the expansion, including Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, who led the lawsuit against the federal government’s rule. Kobach praised the ruling as a victory for the rule of law, asserting that Congress never intended for individuals without legal status to receive ACA benefits.
Impact on DACA Recipients and Healthcare Access
The CMS had estimated that the rule could have allowed approximately 100,000 uninsured DACA recipients to enroll in health care coverage. This ruling now puts those potential enrollments on hold, at least in the 19 states that were part of the lawsuit.
“Congress never intended that illegal aliens should receive Obamacare benefits. Indeed, two laws prohibit them from receiving such benefits. The Biden administration tried to break those laws. But we fought back and defeated the Biden Justice Department,” stated Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach.
The DACA program, initiated under President Obama’s administration, protects certain individuals from deportation and allows them to work legally in the United States. However, it does not automatically grant eligibility for government-subsidized health insurance. The Biden administration’s attempt to extend ACA coverage to this group was seen as a significant policy shift.
Next Steps and Potential Appeals
As the legal battle unfolds, the Department of Health and Human Services and CMS are reviewing the court’s decision. A CMS spokesperson declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, leaving uncertainty about the administration’s next steps. The Department of Justice has not yet responded to inquiries about potential appeals.
The ruling underscores the ongoing debates surrounding immigration policy and healthcare access in the United States. As the case progresses, it will likely continue to draw attention from policymakers, healthcare advocates, and immigration reform supporters alike.
Sources:
Federal court blocks ACA coverage for Dreamers
Court Temporarily Blocks Obamacare Coverage to Dreamers in 19 States
