Brayden is an active, friendly 11-year-old who enjoys playing for his school’s basketball team. He does well in school and loves to spend time outside with his friends and with his dad.
But Brayden and his dad, Anthony, have worked hard to get here. In 2013, Braydon was diagnosed with a mood disorder and ADHD. He was struggling in school and performed well below his grade level. Anthony had just gained custody of Brayden, and immediately applied for Medicaid to make sure he could get the help he needed.
Since beginning regular therapy sessions and medications, Anthony says he has seen a “night and day” difference for Brayden. “Without Medicaid, there’s no way I could provide him with the services he needs,” Anthony told us. Without Medicaid, he would have to put 60% of his paycheck towards Braydon’s therapies and medications.
Anthony is grateful that Medicaid allows Brayden to get the services he needs to thrive in school now and to set him up for success in the future.
Want to see more of Brayden’s story? Watch Critical Condition: Stories of Health in the Heartland, a short film featuring community members and health professionals from across Kansas sharing their challenges and triumphs as they strive to take care of themselves, their families, and their communities.