Kathleen Downes is 32 years old and lives on Long Island where she works as a social worker and a board-certified patient advocate. Kathleen was born with cerebral palsy, a lifelong physical disability that affects all four limbs and her motor functions. She uses a wheelchair and needs assistance with every activity of daily living, including bathing, dressing and eating. Medicaid makes it possible for her to live in her community, not in an institution.
Read Kathleen’s storyColleen Tommins Leard, a 58-year-old living in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, understands the health care system from both sides. She trained as a surgical technician and spent years working in the operating room. Today, she works as a consultant in educational settings, helping hospitals partner with schools and contributing to legislative efforts related to health care. But despite working in health care, Colleen still struggles with the rising cost of coverage.
Read Colleen’s storyMichele Gonzalez is a 45-year-old from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, managing COPD, a lung nodule, and a mental health diagnosis. When she transitioned from Medicaid to employer-sponsored insurance, she found herself unable to afford the medications, therapy, and psychiatric care she had relied on — forcing her to stop treatment entirely.
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In 2017, Tomeka James Isaac was pregnant with her first and only son, Jace. At 40 years old, she was told early on that she would be at high risk for pre-eclampsia, yet despite this ominous warning, Tomeka’s pregnancy was progressing smoothly. Until, at her 35-week appointment, complications began.
Read Tomeka’s storyKea had a plan. Pregnant with her first child, she knew she wanted a natural birth, and she wanted her birth experience to be an experience that was unique to her. However, she felt dismissed by doctors when she made requests, and ignored at appointments. Kea switched to a birth center, and everything changed for the better.
Read Kea’s storyTamara's 18 month old grandson fell ill with a slight cough and signs mirroring COVID-19, but was not tested by his pediatrician. After his oxygen levels dropped, he was taken to the ER but was still not tested for COVID-19 due to not meeting testing criteria.
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After a lymphoma diagnosis and a stint on Medicaid, Arizona resident Jessica Pineda thought she was back on track when she secured employer-sponsored coverage. But a surprise $1,250 facility fee forced her to cancel a procedure she urgently needs, leaving a cancer survivor with worsening symptoms and no clear path to care.
Read Jessica’s storyFor two years, Wayne, a 56-year-old living in Colorado with his wife, relied on marketplace insurance to protect their health, and their finances. Their monthly premium of $690 was high but manageable. That all changed when Wayne, a self-employed commercial cleaner, contacted his insurance agent to ask about the upcoming year.
Read Wayne’s storyWhen Lacy Marshall’s daughter suffered a long seizure and was diagnosed with epilepsy, the family was quickly overwhelmed by insurance changes, denied imaging, and unexpected bills. Their experience pushed Lacy to speak out about how confusing and costly the system can be and help others navigate it.
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