Heather Lyon, The Cost of Cutting Care

Heather Lyon lives in Morris, Illinois, a small community nestled in the heart of the Midwest. At only 39 her story is one of pain, resilience and advocacy.

“I was born with a heart disease,” Heather shares, “and my health since birth has been a complication.” Her life has been defined by medical emergencies — two strokes, a heart attack, and ongoing chronic conditions. Yet despite the seriousness of her health issues, Heather doesn’t qualify for disability.

Over the years, she has relied on Medicaid to stay alive. “Unfortunately, and I say unfortunately because no one really wants to have to rely on state insurance,” she says, “but I’m incredibly grateful to have it. If I didn’t have it, my health would decline even further.”

Medicaid has been Heather’s safety net, especially during times when employment wasn’t an option. “I had Blue Cross Blue Shield through my job, but after I had to leave, Medicaid was there. Trying to find employment now is incredibly difficult.”

Heather’s passion extends beyond her own experience outwardly to her community, “People don’t realize how vital it is,” she says. “There are so many people in this country who rely on it — for doctor’s appointments, for prescriptions, for their children. And if you take that away, what are people supposed to do? They’ll die. Is that really what’s necessary? There are single mothers and fathers trying to provide. And now you want to take away the vital pieces we need just to survive? This is 2025 — I thought we had come further than this.”

She notes that navigating the system hasn’t been easy, and even with coverage, accessing care remains a challenge. “Trying to find doctors who accept the insurance can be a nightmare,” Heather says. She explains how the introduction of managed care plans like Meridian can complicate things further. “If you get Meridian, it overrides straight Medicaid, and not all providers accept Meridian.”

Luckily, her local pharmacy helps fill the gap. “Jewel-Osco Pharmacy in my community accepts the insurance I have. I’m able to get my prescriptions at no cost — which is a blessing.”

But potential policy changes threaten even that fragile balance. Proposed work reporting requirements could mean the end of health care access for Heather and millions of others. “What am I supposed to do without a job? I’d be without my medications, without doctor visits. One of my prescriptions is a blood thinner. If I don’t take it, I could have another stroke — and that might kill me.”

Heather doesn’t just speak for herself. She’s a caregiver for her grandparents, one of whom is a veteran. “If this mess continues, they’ll lose their benefits too. They’ve lived in their home for over 64 years. I can’t lose my home and my insurance.”

She has also worked in health care for over two decades and is currently pursuing her PhD in natural medicine. She has seen firsthand the importance of programs like Medicaid, stating “I’ve worked in education, mental health, and in shelters. People need these services to survive.”

Heather’s message to lawmakers is clear and urgent: “Please, stop this. Please reconsider. Because people are going to die.”