The President of the American Medical Association, Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., MPH, has expressed his support for the Biden Administration's decision to expand health care access for DACA recipients, also known as Dreamers. Dr. Ehrenfeld emphasized the importance of this move in improving the health and equity of the country.
According to Dr. Ehrenfeld, "Our country will become healthier and more equitable after the Biden Administration announced today it will expand health care access for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), or Dreamers." The American Medical Association has been a proponent of extending healthcare coverage options to DACA recipients, aiming to address unmet medical needs and promote health equity.
Dr. Ehrenfeld highlighted the significance of expanding access to healthcare for this population, stating, "The AMA knows that expanding access and advancing health equity improves population health and is likely to result in reduced costs for American taxpayers." He stressed the importance of preventive care and timely medical interventions in reducing overall healthcare expenses.
Furthermore, the American Medical Association continues to advocate for the expansion of Medicaid/CHIP coverage for DACA recipients. Dr. Ehrenfeld acknowledged challenges faced by state Medicaid agencies but urged the administration to finalize these access expansions in future rulemaking. The AMA looks forward to engaging in discussions on policies that enhance healthcare access for marginalized communities.
