In 2004 Sharon was at her local health department in Florida filling out paperwork for a job. She didn’t have health insurance at the time, so when she was offered the opportunity to get a mammogram at the health department, she did. That’s when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Sharon was quickly approved for Medicaid, and went through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. “There’s no way I could have paid for it without Medicaid,” she said. Sharon was grateful she didn’t have to worry about affording cancer treatment on top of taking care of herself and getting better.
Five years ago, after moving to Michigan, Sharon had a stroke and a seizure and went to the hospital where she was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. Thankfully, Medicaid was there for her again, and she was able to get surgery and now takes medications to help decrease the seizures.
“I was a fortunate one,” she said. “I was able to get Medicaid. It saved my life - twice.”