Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc.
05/03/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/03/2024 14:44
Planned Parenthood Federation of America Applauds Decision to Expand Access to Affordable Health Care Coverage for Dreamers
Planned Parenthood Federation of America Applauds Decision to Expand Access to Affordable Health Care Coverage for Dreamers
For Immediate Release: May 3, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC -Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced its final ruleexpanding eligibility for quality, affordable health care coverage for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and some additional lawfully present individuals, via the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces.
Today's final rule will remove the prohibition on DACA recipients' eligibility for Affordable Care Act coverage for the first time, and is projected to help more than 100,000 young people access health insurance. Four out of five people who use ACA marketplaces have found a plan for less than $10 a month, with millions saving an average of about $800 yearly on their premiums. Because more than half of DACA recipients are women and the majority of all DACA recipients are of reproductive age (between 16 and 40 years of age), this final rule expands affordable access to sexual and reproductive health care for immigrant communities.
Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
"Everyone deserves access to high-quality, affordable health care, including sexual and reproductive care - regardless of their income, race, or immigration status. For too many, immigration status is a barrier to getting care for themselves and their families. It's past time we tear down these barriers and support Dreamers, who are core members of our communities. We applaud HHS, CMS, and the Biden-Harris administration for their commitment to ensuring more people, regardless of immigration status, have the freedom to control their own bodies and can get essential, life-saving sexual and reproductive health coverage and care."
Planned Parenthood Federation of America, alongside sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice partners, has long advocated for this policy change. This rule is set to go into effect on November 1, 2024 - just in time for open enrollment.
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Planned Parenthood is the nation's leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation's largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S