Medicaid Stories
Hear from Granite Staters Covered by Medicaid
Summarizing what Medicaid means for our family is not easy as it is not just something that is “nice to have” but absolutely critical for our physical, emotional and financial well being."
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One of our twin sons, Jack, was diagnosed in utero with a congenital heart defect, which has led to numerous medical and developmental challenges. Medicaid ensures that my son can see all 14 of his specialists without us having to worry about sacrificing the best care for financial reasons. It covers necessary testing, surgeries, and procedures that help keep him stable.
Karla, Exeter
In 2014, my son was diagnosed in utero at 22 weeks with significant medical conditions that would impact his life. From that moment, I not only became a mother but also a full-time medical caregiver. My career was put on hold as we navigated hundreds of doctor’s appointments, medical interventions, and 14 surgeries over the last 10 years.
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We rely on full disability Medicaid to cover the astronomical costs that our primary insurance does not—feeding tubes, formula, a feeding pump, medical supplies, diapers, and essential equipment. Medicaid also offsets the loss of income our family has endured since I became his full-time caregiver. Medicaid allows children like my son to remain at home, be a part of their communities, and receive the care they need to live fulfilling lives.
Anastacia, Newmarket
Disability can happen to anyone at any time in life. My daughter's life took a turn we didn't expect when at age 11 she developed complex regional pain syndrome. She has several other medical conditions that affect her every day and she's in constant pain. Medicaid pays for her medications, her wheelchair, her personal care assistant—everything she needs. The support we receive allows us to live the best life we can, and provides my daughter with the best treatments and daily care so she has the best possible quality of life while suffering from these terrible conditions.
Elizabeth, Concord
As the legal guardian of my disabled daughter, I know firsthand that Medicaid is the only way she can access the necessary medical and mental health care she needs to survive. Medicare alone doesn’t cover all costs, and purchasing a higher-benefit plan would take away the limited funds she relies on just to live and meet basic needs. Social Security isn’t enough. At the end of the day, rent must be paid first—leaving very little room for anything else. Medicaid is vital for my daughter's survival.
I have cared for my daughter since she became disabled at age 30—she is now 48. The reporting requirements and documentation can be overwhelming, but I am willing to do whatever it takes to keep her covered. While I am at retirement age now, I still worry about what the fate of the Medicaid Program will look like. What happens when I am no longer able to care and advocate for her?
Doris, Nashua