As lawmakers continue to debate the continuation of the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals program in the nation's capital, Governor Andrew Cuomo is ensuring Medicaid coverage for those receiving DACA protection. 

Cuomo announced those covered by DACA will remain eligible for state-funded Medicaid - regardless of any federal changes to or even the termination of the DACA program.

The governor's office says there are 42,000 DACA recipients in New York, many of whom are at risk of losing their employment-based health insurance if the federal government changes the program.

“As Washington holds DACA recipients hostage for funding for a wall - we will not allow the vitriol and dysfunction to put lives at risk,” said Governor Cuomo in a statement announcing the Medicaid program. “We will continue to stand up for the rights of immigrants - and will continue to defend the principles of opportunity and equality that this state and this nation were founded upon."