California legislators are paving the way for undocumented immigrants to access coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces, according to The Daily Beast.
Here are five takeaways:
1. Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) proposed the bill to allow undocumented immigrants to purchase plans from Covered California.
2. Under the bill, undocumented immigrants would not receive any aid to purchase the plans, however. Many argue the lack of financial assistance will stop most undocumented immigrants from affording the premiums, even if they are granted access.
3. Undocumented immigrant children may receive coverage under Medi-Cal.
4. Even if the bill is passed, it would not officially allow undocumented immigrants to purchase plans. It would only result in a request that the federal government would exempt California from the law that prohibits the sales.
5. If approved, Covered California would be the first exchange to offer coverage to undocumented immigrants.