In Toss-Up House District, Voters Crave Leadership To Fix Broken Healthcare

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. “I have to be able to afford my health insurance to go to the doctor, because if not, then there’s no peace of mind,” he added. Now in his late 20s, he receives employer-based coverage through his job at an Amazon warehouse. In addition to adjusting to monthly premiums and copays for medical visits and prescriptions, he also learned he needs prior authorization for that medication he had been on for a decade. Without it, he could get only the generic version, which he’s nervous to try. He felt his insurer failed to justify the switch. “I felt th...