‘We have to have it’: Gig workers make room in budgets for health care

The gig economy continues to grow, offering workers flexibility and control over their schedules through apps like Lyft, DoorDash and Airbnb. For many gig or independent workers, quality health care is becoming increasingly unaffordable as insurance premiums rise and traditional benefits remain out of reach.

"Even the same insurance company that I've been with every year, the cost has gone up," said Alisa Hazle, who manages over two dozen Airbnb properties with her husband, Keith.

The married couple entered the gig economy several years ago and initially went with little to no health coverage, mostly paying out of pocket.

"You're not really making any money, so you can't afford it," Keith Hazle said.

Now parents, the two entrepreneurs say they need quality health insurance. They are pa