Victoria Elizondo’s health journey took a new turn when she visited Legacy Community Clinic in Houston, where she shared her troubling health issues, including uncontrollable hand tremors, rapid heartbeats, and insomnia. After her consultation, she was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that impacts the thyroid. However, the prospect of seeing an endocrinologist was daunting due to the prohibitive cost of $800 per visit, especially since Elizondo lacked health insurance. The 33-year-old restaurant owner expressed disbelief at how expensive healthcare could be.

Now, there is potential hope for Elizondo and many others like her. She is one of close to 90,000 DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients in Texas, and for the first time in ten years, these individuals can sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) until January 15. This program protects young immigrants who were brought to the U.S. unlawfully as children and allows them to reside and work legally. Activists believe this new enrollment opportunity can help address the considerable health disparities faced by DACA recipients, particularly their high rates of being uninsured and the significant unmet medical needs they continue to experience.

Despite the promise of better access to healthcare, a looming lawsuit threatens to challenge this eligibility. Texas and 18 other states have filed against the policy, claiming it could create financial burdens for them. The future of DACA itself is uncertain, particularly with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has hinted at stringent immigration policies, including mass deportations and the revocation of birthright citizenship. Previous attempts by Trump in 2017 to rescind DACA were ruled illegal by the Supreme Court three years later.

While insurance subsidization through premium tax credits is currently available to DACA recipients, this assistance is set to cease by the end of 2025, leaving many anxious about maintaining affordable healthcare. These subsidies create a means to reduce health insurance expenses, including premiums and co-pays, which is crucial since DACA recipients are ineligible for Medicaid. It remains unclear how many DACA beneficiaries in Texas currently receive health coverage through their jobs or as dependents.

Currently, a significant percentage of DACA recipients—over one-third—are uninsured. Experts assert that allowing these individuals to enroll in health insurance will not only improve their health outcomes but also contribute positively to the economy. Elizondo herself spends around $200 for each endocrinologist visit and around $100 monthly for blood tests, with the possibility of needing a costly thyroid surgery that could reach up to $30,000. Having insurance would ease her financial concerns, enabling her to concentrate on her restaurant business and its growing demands.

A recent survey revealed that DACA recipients are three times as likely to be uninsured compared to the general population, resulting in many postponing essential healthcare visits due to high out-of-pocket expenses. This trend could lead to exacerbated health issues and increased emergency room visits, as underscored by Cesar Espinosa, an immigration advocate who himself went through a health crisis without insurance. After collapsing due to diabetes, Espinosa relied on financial assistance programs, but now he grapples with the costs of necessary medication without coverage.

Espinosa, now a permanent resident, aims to enroll in ACA health insurance, hoping others will seize this new opportunity. Mental health concerns are a top priority for DACA recipients, yet affordability remains a barrier for many. The anxiety surrounding their immigration status and its impact on their mental health is profound, leading to feelings of insecurity and trepidation about their futures.

Efforts to further assist DACA recipients in navigating the health insurance process are underway. Nonprofit organizations have been gearing up to provide outreach, creating educational materials and utilizing their networks to ensure those eligible receive adequate support. Health navigators have reported initial interest from DACA recipients seeking enrollment information, highlighting the need for effective communication and outreach strategies.

Legislators like U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro have called on health officials to extend outreach efforts, recognizing that many DACA recipients may not know about their eligibility. Efforts are being made to better cater to the varying lifestyles of DACA individuals, who may be students or small business owners, and to ensure they receive necessary assistance.

Approximately 43% of individuals eligible for DACA have incomes below twice the federal poverty level. For many low-income recipients, tax credits and assistance in reducing costs are vital for accessing health insurance. Such financial support can be pivotal for those deciding whether to obtain coverage or face life’s uncertainties without it.

The future remains unclear for DACA and healthcare for its recipients. Previous exclusions from the ACA stemmed from political decisions rather than health considerations, raising questions about the motivations of policymakers. A recent lawsuit seeks to eliminate DACA recipients from the ACA framework, asserting that providing them with health coverage will lead to increased costs for the states involved.

However, experts argue that including DACA recipients in the ACA system could actually reduce overall healthcare expenses by preventing chronic conditions from worsening untreated. Advocates are hopeful that granting DACA recipients access to health insurance will benefit both individual health outcomes and broader state resources.

As Elizondo looks forward to potentially obtaining health insurance through the ACA, her immediate reality continues to be one of struggle, balancing her demanding job as a chef with her health needs. Despite her current challenges, she remains determined to keep her restaurant running, highlighting her commitment to her employees and her desire to take care of her health in the future.