Your general question seems to come down to why do we have a two tiered system with ACA and Medicaid? Your assumption that when they get a job they could afford an ACA plan is faulty.

ACA subsidies are available for families with incomes between the poverty level, and 4x the poverty level. The poverty line is currently about $15k/year for an individual and $30k for a family of 4. This population contributes toward their health care cost by paying premiums, copays, and deductibles as part of their ACA plans.

Today, in America there are about 40M people who live below the poverty line. Of those 40M about 16M work, and receive Medicaid for health care. In general Medicaid does not require any payments from the individual as what money they do earn is tied up in food and housing.
Alan

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