Heidi de Marco

Heidi de Marco was a reporter and producer for KFF Health News until March 2023.

@HeidideMarco

Uninsured For The First Time

KFF Health News Original

Cecily Liu, 37, had a bad experience with the state’s insurance exchange the first time around. The self-employed accountant struggled with whether to re-enroll her family.

Undocumented Immigrant Not Allowed To Buy Health Insurance Through Marketplace

KFF Health News Original

Even though Jessica Bravo, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, isn’t allowed to buy coverage under the Affordable Care Act, she works as a health outreach worker to educate people about the new health law. Until a few months ago, the 19-year-old Costa Mesa resident didn’t know coverage was a possibility for her as well.

Caring for His Elderly Dad With No Insurance Of His Own

KFF Health News Original

In the remote reaches of California, a doctor’s son says coverage has nearly always eluded him, and his initial efforts to enroll in the state’s new insurance exchange were unsuccessful.

KHN Video: Transgender Surgery Covered By Insurance

KFF Health News Original

After being uninsured, Palm Springs resident Devin Payne signed up for a Covered California plan under the health law. In May, the 43-year-old single parent underwent gender reassignment surgery and is looking forward to being reimbursed by her insurance company.

Allynne Noelle: Ballerina Gets Insured

KFF Health News Original

Ballerinas risk injury and high health care costs every time they perform. Allynne Noelle, 32, principal ballerina with the Los Angeles Ballet, says the new health care law offers some relief.

Restaurant Owner Struggles To Afford Health Insurance

KFF Health News Original

Sandra Lopez, 41, owns Las Fajitas, a popular Mexican restaurant in Newport Beach, Calif. She has to make decisions about health insurance coverage for her family and her business under the Affordable Care Act.

Teresa Martinez: Waiting For Medi-Cal

KFF Health News Original

Teresa Martinez, 62, from East Los Angeles makes $10,000 a year working as a hairdresser in a Koreatown salon. With her modest income she is likely to be eligible for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act’s Medi-Cal expansion.

Teledentistry Boosts Kids’ Dental Treatments

KFF Health News Original

Teledentistry is changing the dynamics of dental care delivery to children in low-income communities. Mireya Rodriguez, a dental hygienist in alternative practice, conducts dental screenings at Head Start preschool centers in Los Angeles,

Young But Not So Invincible in California

KFF Health News Original

Largely low-income and minority California State University students want health insurance but many are afraid they can’t afford it. Outreach workers are scrambling to sign them up.

Former Foster Youth Stay Insured Until 26

KFF Health News Original

Former foster youth in California are eligible for Medi-Cal until age 26 under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA). Marcy Valenzuela has been without health insurance for the last four years. By the time she was 18, she had lived in several foster placements, had become addicted to drugs and spent time in juvenile hall. The 25-year-old is getting her life back on track, starting with her health.