GOP States Sue to Block Obamacare for DACA Recipients

Republican lawmakers are renewing their criticisms of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), arguing that certain provisions are costly to taxpayers and may encourage fraud. With over 21 million individuals enrolled in marketplace plans this year, outright repeal seems unlikely. Instead, GOP concerns focus on aspects like year-round enrollment and zero-premium plans for low-income consumers. The future of these provisions hinges on the outcomes of the upcoming elections, which will determine the balance of power in Congress and the presidency. The fate of enhanced tax credits under the ACA is closely tied to the Democrats maintaining a congressional majority and the expiration of the Trump tax cuts. Dean Rosen, a former Republican congressional staffer, noted that both parties have incentives to negotiate on tax cuts while addressing other issues. A report from the Paragon Health Institute suggests that many enrollees may be overstating their incomes to qualify for subsidies, raising alarms among GOP lawmakers about potential fraud. In a related development, President Biden announced that recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) will be eligible for ACA coverage starting November 1, potentially benefiting over 100,000 individuals. This move has drawn criticism from Republican officials, who argue it violates federal law and burdens state resources. A multistate lawsuit led by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach aims to block this regulation, asserting that DACA recipients do not meet the ACA's eligibility criteria. Biden's decision is part of a broader immigration strategy, which also includes measures to facilitate lawful residency for certain undocumented family members of U.S. citizens. This approach seeks to address concerns from immigration advocates while balancing the criticisms from conservative lawmakers.