As an infant Brianna, now 20, was put into the foster system. At just 7 weeks old, Linda brought Brianna home and soon completed her adoption. As an adopted foster child, Brianna had Medicaid throughout her childhood, which made a huge difference for their family.
Brianna was born with a rare genetic disorder called 17q12 microdeletion syndrome, which creates severe physical and mental health disabilities, including difficulty regulating emotions and violent eruptions. Before she was diagnosed and given the proper medication, Brianna frequently had to go to the emergency room and spent weeks at a time in psychiatry wards.
Her doctors worked hard to diagnose Brianna’s condition and determine the best treatment for her. Medicaid covered every test that was needed for her diagnosis. When she was finally diagnosed, the program covered her treatment and continues to pay for her medical needs.
“I just can’t say enough about the quality of care she’s received,” Linda said. “If she didn’t have Medicaid, she would still be hospitalized. It’s allowed her to live a fulfilling life.”