A rule proposed by U.S. health authorities would exclude Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, also known as “Dreamers” (undocumented migrants who came to the U.S. as children and are protected from deportation), from being able to access health insurance through the Affordable Care Act insurance plans. It would also exclude gender-affirming care from a list of essential healthcare benefits, meaning insurers would no longer be required to cover it. This could prevent transgender people from receiving medically necessary care. These proposals are inherently discriminatory, retrogressive measures, which seriously undermine the right to health. We demand that authorities reject this proposed rule immediately.
PLEASE TAKE ACTION BEFORE APRIL 11, 2025
I strongly oppose the proposed rule that would end DACA recipients’ ability to access affordable health insurance and remove gender-affirming care from a list of essential health benefits, meaning insurers would no longer be required to cover it. This rule undermines the human right to health and disproportionately harms already marginalized communities.
DACA recipients have lived in the United States since childhood, have built lives in the United States and contribute to society as students, workers, and taxpayers. Denying them access to affordable healthcare increases financial and medical hardship.
Similarly, the exclusion of gender-affirming care from a list of essential health benefits directly endangers the health and well-being of transgender people, who already face significant barriers in accessing trans-specific and general healthcare. Leading medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the World Health Organization, recognize gender-affirming care as medically necessary. Removing coverage could increase rates of untreated mental and physical health conditions and widen existing health disparities.
The US has signed the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and as such is required to follow the object and purpose of the treaty. Article 12 requires that states ensure access to acceptable, affordable, and quality healthcare without discrimination, especially for the most marginalized. This proposed rule would codify discriminatory practices, constitute a retrogressive measure, and seriously undermine the right to health, defeating the object and purpose of the treaty.
I urge the Department of Health and Human Services to reject this harmful rule. Instead, the U.S. needs policies that ensure equitable access to healthcare for all individuals, including DACA recipients and transgender people. Protecting the right to health for all without discrimination is not only a moral imperative but an obligation under international human rights standards.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
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