Medicaid
Sarah Abend: Medicaid as a Lifeline for an Artist in Michigan
After graduating into a tough economy, Sarah juggled part-time teaching and self-employment, but couldn’t afford the health insurance offered through her jobs. When Michigan expanded Medicaid, she finally gained coverage that allowed her to access essential surgeries, ER visits, and ongoing care for serious health issues. For Sarah, Medicaid wasn’t just financial relief, it was the difference between survival and devastating medical debt.
When Sydney Macha suddenly lost her insurance, the ACA made it possible to afford care and keep her salon business alive. With tax credits, she pays just $13 a month for coverage that provides life-saving medications, surgeries and specialist care.
Erica Manns, a 43-year-old Adean women living in the Millard area of Omaha, knows firsthand the critical role Medicaid plays in a family's ability to survive and thrive. As a mother, student, and working professional with degrees in human resources, marketing, dental assisting, community health, nursing, and program management, Erica has managed a demanding life while navigating serious health challenges—both her own and those of her children. Through it all, Medicaid has been a lifeline.
For Marshawn, Medicaid has been the difference between access to care and serious risk for herself and her loved ones. She highlights its importance not just for personal health but for strengthening families and society.
At 34 years old, Marquisha Williams lives in Omaha, Nebraska, determined to build a better life and break generational cycles. Born in Lincoln, she grew up in a family that didn’t have much. But through her strength and perseverance, she’s working toward a healthier and more stable future for herself and her family.
When their middle son, once a precocious, loving little boy who hit every developmental milestone early, began to regress suddenly and rapidly, Stacy and her husband were thrust into a whirlwind of specialists, therapy appointments and around-the-clock care while still raising their other three children. When traditional care options fell short, Medicaid stepped in to support Stacy Ring’s son. Now, with Supported Community Living services, he is growing, learning and thriving.
Kelly Fryman, a 63-year-old woman living with diabetes in Florida, has spent years working to keep her condition under control. At first, Kelly managed her condition with medications such as Trulicity and Mounjaro. Eventually, she switched to Farziga because of cost, but even that became unaffordable. The only way she can stay on the medication is through free samples from her doctor.
Genesis Lee lives in Westminster, Colorado, and is the mother of two children. Her oldest, Jasper, turns five in September. Her youngest, Athena, is two. Both of her children have autism and ADHD. Athena also has a brain tumor, a cyst and experiences constant seizures. “Without Medicaid, I wouldn’t be able to afford the special therapies or doctor’s appointments or MRIs that we have to do or epilepsy overnight stays or sleep studies,” Genesis said.
Stan Clawson was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah where he runs a small business in filmmaking. In 2012, he dedicated himself full time to his small business as a freelance filmmaker. That decision meant relying on the Affordable Care Act marketplace for coverage.
George’s parents, like many older adults, access their health care through California’s Medicaid program, Medi-Cal. This program allows them to access quality, affordable care that keeps them healthy and thriving. “Without Medi-Cal, my parents would not be able to afford the medical care, treatments, and medications that sustain their health and well-being.”