For the First Time, DACA Recipients Eligible to Enroll in Covered California Plans

Open enrollment season has begun statewide for people who need health insurance — and this year, even more Californians can get insured.

Nearly 6 million people have received health insurance through Covered California since the healthcare exchange program first began in 2014. Currently, nearly 1.8 million are enrolled.

This year, thanks to funding through the Inflation Reduction Act, health care is expected to be more accessible and affordable to Californians, thanks to increased and expanded financial aid that will be available in 2025.

“In California, we are maximizing the Affordable Care Act by providing greater access to coverage and quality care to more Californians,” said California Gov. Gavin Newsom in a statement.

“Reducing out-of-pocket costs for millions of Californians is an important step in creating a healthier California for all.”

Thanks to a rule change by the Biden-Harris administration, recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program are now eligible for coverage — about 40,000 people, according to estimates from the state.

Covered California also has a special-enrollment period for DACA recipients that began on Nov. 1 that allows them to sign up for coverage for December in addition to enrolling for 2025.

Open enrollment began this year with record-high enrollees and California’s lowest uninsured rate on record.

The state has also kicked off its “Let’s Talk Health” campaign, which will focus on those who remain uninsured, focusing specifically on health literacy with the goal of simplifying the process of getting covered — which in turn removes a known barrier to reaching California’s remaining uninsured populations.

Open enrollment, when Californians can sign up for, renew, or shop for a new health insurance plan, runs through Jan. 31, 2025. More information on Covered California and open enrollment, including how to sign up for health insurance, can be found here.