Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) FAQ
As of June 2025, people with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status are no longer eligible to get health insurance through Covered California due to new federal rules. Current enrollees will receive a written notification about when their health insurance will end with information about other ways to obtain health insurance. This is a federal rule change that applies to all health insurance marketplaces.
What do I need to do next?
How can I check if I qualify for Medi-Cal or another program?
They can use the Shop and Compare Tool or they can contact their local county social services office. Additionally, they may also speak with a local Covered California certified enroller for free assistance.
What options do I have if I’m currently receiving treatment and want to keep my health plan?
They would need to transition to off-exchange health insurance. Those currently covered through Covered California can continue receiving medical services under their existing plan through August 2025.
I paid in advance — how can I get a refund from my health insurance company?
DACA recipients who paid for additional months of health insurance can request a refund by contacting their health insurance company directly.
Where can I get help?
For payments and refunds, contact your health insurance company.
Get free help from an enrollment counselor or a Licensed Insurance Agent.
For legal help, call Health Consumer Alliance at (888) 804-3536.
Call Covered California at (800) 300-1506.
General FAQs
When will DACA recipients lose their health insurance through Covered California?
Their health insurance will end on Aug, 31, 2025. DACA recipients will receive written notifications with an insert that will advise them of additional ways to get health insurance, including Medi-Cal if they are eligible.
What other health insurance options are available?
In California, people with DACA status can get free or low-cost health insurance through Medi-Cal if they qualify. DACA recipients could also enroll in a health plan directly through a health insurance company (but without federal financial help). They may also be eligible for health insurance through their employer.
Can I become eligible for Covered California again if there are changes to my immigration status in the future?
Yes. If DACA recipients receive an immigration status that is considered “lawfully present” for purposes of enrolling in a health plan through Covered California, they can apply for health insurance and receive financial help if they qualify.
Will I be required to repay the financial help I received?
No. If DACA recipients were eligible at the time they enrolled and financial help to lower their monthly premium payment, they will not be required to repay them merely due to the change in eligibility.
DACA recipients would only need to repay financial help if they mistakenly received too much. This can happen in situations such as not updating your account to note an increase in income. When filing taxes, you would find out if any excess financial help would need to be repaid. That amount is subject to APTC repayment caps.
Can I appeal this decision or file a complaint?
Yes, DACA recipients can appeal the cancellation of their health plan. People who believe their insurance should not have been ended because the new rule change was applied incorrectly should contact Covered California for help. They can also contact legal aid or advocacy organizations like Health Consumer Alliance if they believe that this change has been applied incorrectly or if they need help understanding their rights.
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