There’s exciting news for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients this fall: You’ll soon be eligible to get health insurance through the federal or state marketplaces for the very first time! You’re also able to qualify for government subsidies that lower the cost of coverage, making affordable insurance more attainable than ever.

DACA recipients were previously excluded from accessing these marketplace plans. But in 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services changed this rule to help hundreds of thousands of uninsured people get the coverage they need. In other words, it’s a big win for equitable access to health care!

What are the new regulations?

If you’re a DACA recipient, you'll be able to enroll in marketplace health plans starting on Nov. 1, 2024. This marks the beginning of Open Enrollment, the annual window when anyone can sign up for coverage for the upcoming year. 

Additionally, you’ll qualify for a Special Enrollment Period starting Nov. 1, 2024, which enables you to secure health coverage that starts Dec. 1, 2024. Special Enrollment Periods allow you to get covered outside of Open Enrollment if you meet certain qualifications — in this case, newly qualifying to access marketplace plans.

Even though this Special Enrollment Period overlaps with Open Enrollment, it’s an opportunity for DACA recipients to access health insurance without having to wait for the new year. When you apply, just make sure to select the option that says "gained lawful presence" in the Special Enrollment Period section of your application.

And there’s more good news: DACA recipients will also qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions that cut the cost of health care.

Previously, anyone living in the U.S. due to DACA did not qualify for marketplace plans. DACA recipients — sometimes called “Dreamers” — were brought to the U.S. as children and are able to work here, but don’t have residency or citizenship status. Previously, that meant DACA recipients weren’t eligible for marketplace health insurance, per the Commonwealth Fund.

But soon, the estimated 100,000 uninsured DACA recipients will be able to sign up for a marketplace plan at a price they can afford. That’s great news, especially considering DACA recipients are almost three times more likely to be uninsured than the average American.

What this means for DACA recipients

First and foremost, you’ll now have access to the wide range of marketplace insurance plans when Open Enrollment Period begins on Nov. 1. 

You’ll also be able to find plans at better prices — that’s because you’ll be able to qualify for tax credits (also called “subsidies”) that lower the monthly cost of your coverage. Plus, your income might make you eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which help you pay less for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance when you do need to spend money on health care, per HealthCare.gov. 

All of these opportunities add up to more cash where it matters: in your bank account. So even if you currently have insurance, Open Enrollment is a smart time to shop for better coverage at a better price than your current plan.

How Stride can help

This news is worth celebrating! Still, you’re not alone if you feel overwhelmed trying to pick the right plan. We’re here to make it simple, especially if this is your first time getting marketplace coverage. 

For more than 10 years, Stride has helped people find the right coverage at the best price. In fact, 72% of new users feel confident they chose the right plan with Stride's help. Our platform provides personalized recommendations, automatically checks for savings, and compares your options side by side, all available in Spanish.

Then, we’ll help you apply — hassle-free — and even back you up with one-on-one guidance from our non-commissioned, licensed advisors at no cost to you. Enter your ZIP code below to get your personalized recommendations in five minutes or less.