Washington State Steps Up: New Health Care Alternatives for DACA Recipients After Federal Benefits Cut

This week marks a significant change for immigrants in the U.S. under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. They will no longer qualify for federal health insurance. However, Washington state stands out as a place where DACA recipients can still access some health services, though with certain limitations.

In Washington, many DACA recipients, often referred to as “Dreamers,” will still have access to the state’s health exchange. Yet, they will miss out on around $350 per month in federal benefits such as tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies, which they normally contribute to with their jobs.

DACA started as a safety net for children without legal status, allowing them to stay in the U.S. while they completed high school or served in the military. Today, many of these Dreamers are adults and have U.S. citizen children.

Back in 2024, the Biden administration adjusted the definition of “lawfully present” under the Affordable Care Act, allowing DACA recipients to participate in health exchanges. Yet, a reversal from the Trump administration in June changed that landscape.

Rachelle Alongi from the Washington Health Care Authority warns that this can lead to serious consequences. She explained, “Some individuals may avoid getting health insurance or skip care entirely due to high costs.” This may force many into emergency rooms for care they might have prevented, ultimately straining the healthcare system.

Currently, DACA recipients in Washington’s health exchange can still maintain their insurance and are being informed of upcoming changes. For those needing health coverage but finding it financially daunting, Washington has expanded its own health program. This state program offers Medicaid-like benefits to low-income individuals without legal status, including DACA recipients. However, there’s a significant hurdle: there’s a waitlist for those wanting to apply.

Data shows that more than 140,000 DACA recipients in the U.S. could be affected by these changes. A recent survey indicated that nearly 60% of Dreamers are anxious about losing access to healthcare, which highlights the importance of this issue to this community.

The full impact of losing federal benefits will begin to show in October, according to the Washington Health Benefits Exchange. As these changes unfold, the long-term health and well-being of many DACA recipients and their families hang in the balance.

For more detailed insights into health policy and immigrant issues, you can refer to this [report from the Kaiser Family Foundation](https://www.kff.org) on healthcare access for undocumented immigrants.

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