BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Carlos A. grew up in a family on Medicaid, which made healthcare an afterthought since the public insurance is free for low-income enrollees. But when he received a raise two years ago, he found himself earning too much to qualify for the safety net program. And when he browsed Covered California plans, he found that marketplace prices were still too steep for his comfort.
“It was a panic at first,” Carlos said.
He has a chronic immune condition that needs to be managed by regular medication. KVPR and KFF Health News agreed to withhold his diagnosis and last name to protect him from repercussions related to his health…