Summary of teh Article: Dreamers Losing Health Insurance Access in Colorado
This article details a recent policy change that will require Dreamers (recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals - DACA) in Colorado to lose their health insurance coverage through Connect for health colorado, the state’s health insurance marketplace. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Policy Change: A new federal rule, mandated by the U.S. Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS),reverts to a previous interpretation of “lawfully present” under the Affordable Care Act (ACA),excluding DACA recipients.
Impact: Approximately 100 or fewer Dreamers in Colorado will be affected. They must cancel their current coverage by August 25th to avoid perhaps having to repay advance premium tax credits (between $375 and $3,250). Reasoning: CMS states the change aligns with the original ACA statute requiring “lawful presence.” They claim it won’t impact premiums. Alternative Options: Dreamers can still access health insurance through:
Colorado Connect: A separate platform operating in partnership with Connect for Health Colorado.
Emergency Medicaid: Available irrespective of immigration status.
Concerns: Community leaders express concern about the disruption to healthcare access for Dreamers and the broader negative impact on the immigrant community. Healthcare access is seen as foundational for overall well-being.
Assistance Available:
Hilltop Community Programs: Offers one-on-one assistance with cancelling coverage and enrolling in alternatives (walk-ins Wednesdays 9am-4pm, appointments available online: http://www.htop.org/health-access).
Connect for Health Colorado: Provides access to a network of certified brokers and assisters (http://connectforhealthco.com/we-can-help/).
In essence, the article highlights a rollback of healthcare access for Dreamers in Colorado due to a change in federal interpretation of immigration status requirements for ACA eligibility, while also pointing to available resources to help them navigate the transition.