Stacy Ring: Medicaid Waivers Give Families Stability and Dignity

Stacy Ring and her husband have been married for over 30 years and are parents to four children. But it was 16 years ago that their world shifted dramatically.

Their middle son, once a precocious, loving little boy who hit every developmental milestone early, began to regress suddenly and rapidly. He lost all functional communication skills, and Stacy and her husband were thrust into a whirlwind of specialists, therapy appointments and around-the-clock care while still raising their other three children.

“Those early years were overwhelming,” Stacy says. “We were trying to understand his behaviors, attend multiple weekly appointments, and somehow keep life steady for our other kids.”

On the advice of a school psychologist, the Rings applied for a Medicaid waiver that would eventually become a lifeline. This coverage, in addition to their strong private health insurance, helped stabilize the chaos in their lives.

“At first, it helped with small things co-pays and deductibles,” she recalls. “Back then, it didn’t feel like a big savings. But now, with higher out-of-pocket costs under our current employer plan, Medicaid literally saves us thousands every year.”

As her son grew, so did his needs and Medicaid was there to meet them. When no traditional daycare could accommodate his needs, Stacy secured a specialized summer care waiver exception. That allowed her to keep working, ensuring her family’s financial stability and allowing them to remain in their home.

Today, her son is an adult who, due to his disabilities, will never be able to live safely alone. But with Supported Community Living (SCL) services through the Medicaid waiver, he can continue living at home while gaining independence.

“SCL services help him go shopping, cross the street safely, order at restaurants. He’s learning to shave, brush his teeth, and manage his medications,” Stacy explains. “He will always need support but thanks to Medicaid, he’s growing, learning, and participating in life as an adult.”

Stacy’s story is not unique, but it is powerful.

“Medicaid makes a difference for average families like ours across the state,” she says. “Please continue to fully fund these services. They protect our most vulnerable citizens and allow them to live with dignity in their homes and communities.”