Raychel Ward lives in Livermore Falls, Maine, where she cares for her three medically complex children while her husband works full time. Her youngest child, Bryan, was born with hyperinsulinism, a condition that causes his body to produce more insulin than his available blood sugar can process. The result is dangerously low blood sugar levels […]
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Ryan Jolly, Kansas
Ryan Jolly, a proud resident of the state of Kansas, describes herself as being at the center of many of the groups Medicaid serves. She is a daughter, a mother, a foster parent, a health care provider and a small business owner. “If the different constituencies that are affected by Medicaid were presented in a Venn diagram,” she […]
Amanda Gershon, Nebraska
For most of her adult life, Amanda Gershon, a lifetime resident of Lincoln, Nebraska, and a restaurant manager, was uninsured. That all changed in 2016, when a serious health crisis forced her to apply for disability at just 32 years old. Amanda lives with several complex health conditions. “I currently have a long list of […]
Patty Kidder, Maine
Patty Kidder lives in Springvale, Maine, and has spent her entire life struggling to afford health care. Her parents ran their own business and didn’t have insurance, so they only took her to the doctor when absolutely necessary. After she married, her family relied on her husband’s job for health insurance until the plant where he worked […]
Missy Ely, Nebraska
Mellissa Ely, known to many as Missy, is a 51-year-old woman from Lincoln, Nebraska, a mom to two boys and a grandmother to four grandkids. She is also a registered Republican, a supporter of Donald Trump, and has been navigating the health care system for years with the help of Medicaid expansion. Missy’s ability to […]
Theresa Luoni, New Jersey
In Basking Ridge, New Jersey, Theresa Luoni is raising 12-year-old twin boys with autism. Her life revolves around ensuring they have the care, therapies and opportunities they need — not just to survive, but to thrive. Theresa’s sons, Dylan and Max, were born prematurely at just 26 weeks. “They both stayed in the NICU,” she […]
Ray Horton, Michigan
At 31 years old, Ray, a father of five from Michigan, is working hard to raise a young family while managing the pressures of everyday life. Until recently, Medicaid was something he hadn’t thought deeply about. His wife, Autumn, handled the paperwork to make sure their kids had coverage. But as he began reflecting more […]
Steven Leaton, Pennsylvania
Steven Leaton lives in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Rosemary, and their two daughters, Brianna and Hailey. For Steven and his family, Medicaid isn’t just a government program, it’s what keeps them going. “I worked at a locally owned family restaurant for the last 10 years or so,” Steven explains. “My job doesn’t offer […]
Shauntea (River) Bancroft, Michigan
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 […]
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 […]