Stories
Real families. Real journeys.
FAMILY STORIES
Why Medicaid Matters
For many families, Medicaid makes everyday care possible: therapies that help kids grow, medications that keep them healthy, and equipment that supports daily life. It also helps parents stay employed and financially stable. Read how Minnesota families describe what Medicaid means to them.
Medicaid Matters to Danielle
My name is Danielle. On 7/15/94 at 4:15 PM I completed my greatest accomplishment- my son, Tahj was born. Almost four years later he was diagnosed with Autism, and a Speech Delay, then later ADHD. He has received Medicaid since the beginning and it has helped him advance into the wonderful young man he has become. Without that help, he would not have received the care from physicians who have been instrumental in changing some of his many weaknesses into areas of strength.
The social skills classes, speech therapies, and the patience of specialty doctors across the board have been a Godsend. None of those services would’ve been able to have been obtained without the help of Medicaid, Medicaid waivered services, and the organizations dedicated to the progress of my son.
Being a parent of a child with special health care needs is equally tough and rewarding. Respite Care has given me a break to take time to care for my own physical and mental well-being. It also frees up some time to take classes and workshops to better educate myself and family on our journey ahead. Although the road ahead for us as a family and him as a man long, at least we are on it and continually moving forward. I couldn’t be more thankful. These children and young adults are our gifts. The efforts they put forth are admirable, to say the least. I feel we can all do at least as much in return.
Medicaid Matters to Joey
I am so thankful, if our family did not have Medicaid our son would not be here. He was born on an August evening and within 6 weeks he would be diagnosed with septo optic dysplasia and optic nerve hypoplasia. We began seeing neurology, endocrinology, and ophthalmology as well as regular pediatric doctors. Then our son was also diagnosed with diabetes insipidus, and seizures began. He was in the hospital 2 times a month staying 5-6 days per stay. The medical bills and related expenses have been hundreds of thousands of dollars. His medicines cost thousands of dollars every month.
If Medicaid had not been there to help – our son would not be here. Our lives would be very different; we would have been bankrupt and probably lost our house. I am so thankful for everything that Medicaid has provided for us. It is so important that we continue to have Medicaid, we do not have enough money to pay for our son’s high medical costs, and honestly we would not be able to take care of him. I just thank God for the wisdom he gave me to fill out the application for Medicaid and the ability to be an advocate for my son. I am thankful for the wonderful social service workers I have in my county. It is a blessing and I pray that it continues. Thank you, we are forever grateful.
Medicaid Matters to Susan and her Family
Medicaid was not something I really even thought about or knew much about – that was until August 2006. What we thought was a normal pregnancy and would result in a healthy addition to our family when our third child was born took a different turn. Our world was shattered when we were given the news two days after her birth that our “healthy” little girl was not as healthy as we had thought.
She was born with a complex heart condition that would require open heart surgery. We were also given the news a week later that she had a genetic condition know as DiGeorge syndrome also known as 22q 11.2 deletion syndrome or velo-cardio-facial syndrome. We began looking into Medicaid when the medical bills were mounting with hospital costs of having open heart surgery and a lengthy hospital stay. Our fear was we would meet our lifetime max for our insurance for her and she would be uninsured. We were also worried with every hospital stay and medical test “what if this will not be covered by our insurance” our thoughts were focused on the cost not our sick child and that is just not right.
With Medicaid as our secondary insurance it gave us some piece of mind that the medical care that she needed would be covered and we would not loose our house in the proce
Medicaid Matters to Trisha
Charlie was born in August of 2009. I noticed he was not meeting his developmental milestones right away. Our days were filled with medical appointments trying to find a diagnosis and course of treatment for his many health concerns. Charlie has 15 different specialty doctors he sees regularly. He needs physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and several medications to support his health needs and remain healthy. Medicaid makes these necessities possible.
I cannot imagine where Charlie would be today without access to those medical cares. He might not even be alive. I am convinced that access to these healthcare services and supports through Medicaid are the reason why Charlie is a thriving first-grader versus a sickly child unable to attend school and community events. Without Medicaid, I don’t know where we would be today. And I am so thankful each day that we have this support for the level of care Charlie receives.
Medicaid Matters to Families
My oldest son is completely dependent for all mobility and nutritional needs. We are able to access Medicaid in Minnesota as a secondary insurance through the TEFRA program. The secondary Medical Assistance insurance helps us manage some of the additional expenses incurred by having a child with special needs. Trained personal care assistants provided through Medicaid are able to assist my son so that I can continue to work, earn an income, provide primary medical insurance, and more importantly, take part of the community as any other typical family.
Medicaid Matters to Pam
My name is Pam. My husband and I have 3 daughters. Our youngest daughter, Amber, was born with severe congenital hydrocephalus (water on the brain). It caused severe damage to her brain. She is nonverbal . She is unable to walk or sit independently and uses a wheelchair. She relies on us for every aspect of her care.
We have TEFR/Medicaid for her as her secondary insurance. It has enabled us to provide the proper and necessary care that she requires. Through TEFRA/Medicaid we have been able to modify our house and van so they are accessible for her. Without Medicaid Amber would be leading a completely different life than she does now. She is able to be fully included in our home and in our community. We would not been able to provide those things for her financially if it wasn’t for that additional support.
Amber’s quality of life will be forever changed thanks to Medicaid.
