Medicaid: What It Really Means

Medicaid, a joint federal and state program that helps cover medical costs for some people with limited income and resources, provides coverage and care to 83 million low-income individuals across the United States, according to KFF. One in five people uses Medicaid, but particular populations are more likely to be covered through this program. Medicaid covers 41% of all births, almost half of children with special health care needs, and is key for individuals experiencing homelessness and those transitioning out of carceral settings. 

Evidence shows that, “state Medicaid expansions to low-income adults are associated with increased access to care, increased economic security, improved self-reported health status, and other outcomes including increased early-stage cancer diagnosis rates, lower mortality rates for certain conditions (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular disease, liver disease), decreased maternal mortality, improved treatment management for conditions (e.g., diabetes, HIV), and improved outcomes related to substance use disorders.” Research also shows that children with access to Medicaid and CHIP, especially before the age of five, have better health outcomes throughout their lives.

It is clear that Medicaid benefits hundreds of thousands of people across the U.S., but sometimes, when we view these statistics, it is easy to view the impact happening elsewhere. We forget that these programs impact our friends, family, neighbors, and community. That’s why we asked our clients and community to share their stories on how Medicaid has impacted their lives. Read below:

Anonymous Client

When I was pregnant with my son, I didn't have health insurance. I could get it through my job, but they weren't answering my requests, and it was a lot of money anyway. That’s when I talked to my NFP nurse and a lawyer who helped me get Medicaid. I didn't go to the doctor until I had my card. When I went, I found out I was sick and my baby was not growing. I was immediately sent to the hospital, where they gave me medicine and checked my baby. He was born early, but he is healthy now. If I didn't have the insurance, I don't know what would have happened to me or my son.

Yuliana

I was pregnant with my first baby in 2024, and my husband was unemployed. During the first trimester of my pregnancy, I had severe morning sickness, a month of diarrhea with dehydration, and moderate vaginal bleeding. My friend with the same history of vaginal bleeding shared that she received a costly medical bill. That scared me. I went to the health center but was told I needed to wait, but if it was an emergency, I could go directly to the ER. The main problem was that I didn't have insurance, and I didn't have an income. How could I pay for the medical bill? 

Because my medical condition was unbearable, I went to the ER. Thank God, and thank you to the social worker there who helped me apply to Medicaid. Medicaid helped me a lot through my difficult pregnancy, including covering the cost of the C-section and the breast pump as well. Now, Medicaid helps my baby receive good medical treatment. I hope Medicaid will be continued since it helps many people, including low-income families like my family.

Katora

Access to Medicaid has helped my family out so much. My daughter was born with bilateral sensorial hearing loss in both ears. She's had hearing aids since she was one, and they have helped her get access to hearing. She is doing amazing. If we lost [Medicaid] access, it would hurt her development.

Tyra

Medicaid has helped me by providing essential health coverage when I may not have had access to affordable insurance otherwise. It has covered a range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription medications, and preventive treatments, helping me stay healthy without facing financial strain. This assistance has given me peace of mind, knowing that I can get the care I need when I need it most. If I don’t receive Medicaid, I am unsure how I will be able to keep up with the medical expenses for myself and my children.

Jayla

Having Medicaid health insurance has affected me greatly. Without Medicaid, I would not be able to get healthcare for myself and my daughter. I would not have been covered for my labor and delivery, nor would I have received benefits that increase the health of my family such as breast pumps, gym memberships, food stamps, and other financial assistance.

Teneema

Since becoming pregnant and becoming a mother, Medicaid has saved my health and my son’s health tremendously. With both of my pregnancies, I was enrolled in a home visiting program, first the Nurse-Family Partnership Program and then the Mabel Morris Program. I had severe preeclampsia with both pregnancies. In my first pregnancy, the severe preeclampsia was undiagnosed. My son and I almost died from it, and we had to get an emergency C-section. My son had to remain in the NICU for 3 additional months after his birth. Without Medicaid, I would NOT have been able to afford that hospital bill. My second pregnancy resulted in a stillbirth on March 22, 2023. Medicaid covered that hospital bill as well, and it allowed me to have space to grieve without having to worry about an outrageous hospital bill. 

My son James has an extensive health record due to his premature birth. James currently has autism, has severe asthma, and has to see CHOP specialists. Recently, he was also diagnosed with a benign lesion (a noncancerous tumor) on his liver. CHOP believes he was born with that, and has to get monitoring every 6 months. James’ sleep studies at St. Christopher’s & CHOP, his asthma medications that cost $300 and up per inhaler, and his autism evaluation initially with the Center for Autism were all paid for by his Medicaid health insurance. Medicaid has been a lifesaver for me during my motherhood journey while I continue to work hard to finish college to provide a better life for my son and me.

Anonymous Client

As a first-time parent, Medicaid has helped us a lot. As a full-time mom without much savings, Medicaid was a lifesaver. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to afford the hospital bills and treatments, and I would have avoided the hospital visits due to the high cost. Having Medicaid helped give my family peace of mind.

Medicaid benefited my child as well. My kid had some complications after birth, and he had to stay in the NICU for a few days. After the hospital stays, we had to make appointments with different specialists due to his condition. Through Medicaid, we were able to make all his appointments and checkups, and he is now a healthy, active toddler. I can’t imagine how the outcome would have been without the medical coverage.