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Lydia Cruz lives in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District where Medicaid covers nearly one in three people. Living with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a genetic connective tissue disorder that affects her joints, digestive tract, and vascular systems, Lydia faces complex and chronic health issues every single day.
Joel Clark grew up in Springfield, Ohio, and now studies at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing in Baltimore, working toward his Master of Science in Nursing. His journey into health care advocacy began with a phone call that changed everything. During his sophomore year at Ohio State, Joel learned that his father had been hospitalized. He had always known his father was battling health issues, but things had taken a sudden and dangerous turn.
Mina, a cancer survivor living in New Mexico, knows firsthand what it means to depend on Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. Diagnosed with cancer at just 25 years old, she credits the ACA for her survival. As she takes time off to focus on her health, she has been utilizing Medicaid coverage. With Medicaid, Mina is able to access the care she needs during a time of personal transition. She doesn’t have to worry about cost, which allows her to concentrate on healing and planning her next steps.
In Kentucky in 2016, Maggie Chism welcomed her daughter Evelyn into the world. From the very beginning, Evelyn faced enormous medical challenges. Diagnosed in utero with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, she underwent three open heart surgeries before her fourth birthday. During her second surgery, Maggie found herself fighting a battle on two fronts, for her daughter’s life and for her daughter’s health care coverage.
Syd Wurdeman relies on Medicaid to manage her on-going health care needs. She knows how difficult it is for people to stay covered during the stress of a major medical issue. For Syd, using Medicaid has been far more stable than relying on insurance through her employer or family members. With the possibility of new requirements and paperwork to keep Medicaid coverage, Syd worries that other people with disabilities will struggle to keep up and ultimately lose the care that they rely on to thrive.
Brian, a Philadelphia resident, has relied heavily on Medicaid for nearly two decades. Paralyzed at the age of 27 from gunshot wounds, he has spent nearly 20 years managing a series of serious health complications, including recurring bed sores and bone infections. Now, in his late 40s, the incoming Medicaid cuts aren't just unsettling, they are dangerous.
Jennifer Taskey has turned to Medicaid during some of the most challenging moments in her life. Now 41 and living in Cleveland, Ohio, with her three children, she reflects on how vital that support has been. For her, Medicaid has often meant the difference between stability and crisis, between receiving care and going without.
Amarin Reyny lives in a group home for disabled people in Maine where direct support professionals provide care 24/7 to help them with daily needs. They depend entirely on MaineCare, Maine’s Medicaid program, to cover nearly all their medical care and support services.
Dr. Jessica Lee, a child clinical psychologist, specializes in working with neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism and ADHD. She provides therapy, evaluations and consultations as part of an interdisciplinary team for diverse, underserved youth and families. She also leads community outreach through a Department of Developmental Services (DDS) grant to support underserved racial and ethnic minority families. Medicaid budget cuts will severely limit the care Dr. Lee can provide.
Kelly's daughter Katelyn was born with Down Syndrome. Their family was able to access critical care like speech and physical therapy early in Katelyn's life from community programs that are largely funded by Medicaid. Without these services, Katelyn wouldn't have had the chance to thrive and her family would be financially ruined.