In the context of this article, a big portion of the risks and costs are supported by national health care (Obamacare). If these gig workers had to acquire health care via the old means (i.e. benefits from a corporation, or hoping an insurance co will accept you), they would not have the luxury to work as contractors.
ACA/Obamacare is not national health care - it's national health insurance, and despite it being better than before (i.e., no pre-existing condition rescissions), the plans offered by carriers even with subsidies are still too pricey for many.
