My experience shows how Medicaid expansion helps Virginians

I grew up calling Virginia home and still live in this fantastic state today. I’m the daughter of a U.S. Navy veteran and a nurse. I was fortunate to have access to health care through my father’s health insurance until I reached 26.

An entire year without the ability to go to a doctor, get medications, or receive help for my health was truly a scary time. I didn’t realize that I was battling chronic illnesses — illnesses that became worse without intervention.

When Medicaid expansion passed in Virginia, I signed up. Suddenly, I was covered for everything that I had taken for granted as a young person on my parent’s policy. Medicaid coverage was actually more beneficial for me, especially for my chronic health issues.

Within my first year of health coverage through Virginia Medicaid, I have had 100 doctor appointments, received diagnosis to conditions I had been suffering with for years, and have access to mental health professionals that treat my chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Now, I’m established with a care team that consists of specialists in their field who work with me on my health. I have prescriptions covered and have access to pain management. I can see my doctors regularly, have had outpatient hospital visits for things such as physical therapy, and can go to an urgent care or the Emergency Room without ever worrying about being blindsided with a bill that will crush me financially. I’ve had MRIs, special neurological tests, X-rays to check for bone disease, all sorts of labs done to rule out autoimmune disorders, allergy and asthma management, and just so much more.

Being able to be seen as a patient by caring health professionals has provided me with tools to manage my health and has given me some quality of life. These tools were not available before. They were unique to Medicaid. I’m so beyond thankful.

The part of becoming a Medicaid recipient that was a bit negative? Frequent mis-assumptions by the greater public about who is receiving medical assistance in our state. In my experience, there is a stigma attached to those of us who need help and take advantage of the benefits that we qualify for.

To strangers, I look like a healthy 28-year-old. I like music, nature and fun times out with friends. But what others can’t see is that I’m actually battling longterm, incurable illnesses. I’m in chronic pain every single day. Sometimes I’m mobile, walking about. Other days, I can’t leave bed. I have what many in the chronic illness community refer to as “invisible illnesses” and a “dynamic disability.” I may not look sick, but I am.

I needed to be seen as a human, and many Virginians need the same. I have come across so many fellow Medicaid recipients, and not one is looking for “handouts.”

I’ve met the retired schoolteacher and the middle-aged man who has to receive dialysis. These are hardworking folks who weren’t receiving enough benefits to help them with their healthcare costs. Others are single moms; some are dads and husbands who worked from dawn to dusk providing for their families.

I’m a veteran’s daughter; my mother was a nurse. We’re all as American as they come. It’s been ingrained into us to take care of our own and give back to our communities.

Before Medicaid expansion, I hadn’t been able to focus on my health. Virginia Medicaid provided me with the human right to actually take care of my body. That’s not some campaign slogan or sentiment by a politician trying to grab your vote. It’s a personal fact.

These are hardworking folks who weren’t receiving enough benefits to help them with their healthcare costs.