River didn’t expect to become a single parent, but everything changed when her son was born. “My kid means everything to me,” she says. “He’s very goofy, very sweet, very loving. Sometimes a little stubborn, but definitely one of the best things that’s ever happened to my life.” Now nine months old, her son is […]
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Colleen & Shaun Tomko, Pennsylvania
“My name is Shaun. I am 35 years old. I have support to go out in the community four days a week…I decide what I’m going to do and direct others to support me…Medicaid gives me life, but I need more support not less.” Shaun’s words are simple, clear, and powerful. His autonomy, his ability […]
Mary Beth, Pennsylvania
Mary Beth Koniarski lives in Lawrence Valley, Pennsylvania, with her husband and their adult son, Adam. For more than a decade, they have shared not just a home but the daily challenges and triumphs that come with living alongside serious mental illness. And through it all, Medicaid has been the lifeline that has helped keep […]
Louis Bonilla, New Jersey
Louis Bonilla has been a resident at Complete Care Nursing Home in Brick, New Jersey, for the past four years. After a series of health crises nearly took everything from him, Louis credits Medicaid and Medicare for saving his life A former musician and lifelong music lover, Louis spent 30 years working for the Musicland […]
Wayla Murrow, Colorado
Wayla Murrow of Commerce City, Colorado, lives in the 8th Congressional District and has been a registered Republican for years. But when it comes to Medicaid, she says, “the issue of Medicaid and health care transcends political affiliation for me.” Wayla is the mother of 30-year-old Cynda, who has an intellectual disability and receives services […]
Mickey Rottinghaus, Iowa
Mickey Rottinghaus spends much of her time in Waterloo, Iowa, where she’s helping care for her adult son, Tucker, who is currently on bed rest. Her days are filled with love, devotion, and constant vigilance—but also deep concern. Medicaid isn’t just a policy issue for Mickey; it’s a lifeline. “When it comes to Medicaid,” she […]
Jay Williams, Iowa
Jay Williams and his wife never expected to become full-time caregivers again, but everything changed when a call from the Department of Human Services turned their world upside down. The first time they heard about their grandson Hayden was under devastating circumstances. At just six months old, Hayden had been severely burned; Third-degree burns covered […]
Grace Wensley, California
Grace is a first-year medical student in California who currently uses Medicaid to access affordable health care and manage the financial challenges of medical school, where the cost of tuition and living expenses is already high. At 26, she no longer qualifies for coverage under her family’s health insurance, but since enrolling in Medicaid, Grace […]
Stephanie Agoratus, New Jersey
Stephanie is a college student with a sharp wit, a love for learning, and a medical chart that reads like a novel. She is also a Medicaid beneficiary—and for her family, that coverage has been nothing short of lifesaving. “Stephanie has five life-threatening conditions—and autism, just to keep it interesting,” says her mother, Lauren. “She’s […]
Heather Lyon, Illinois
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 — […]