Medicaid Stories

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Medicaid Covers US

Medicaid helps America’s families stay healthy and our communities thrive. It provides health insurance to low-income children and adults, seniors and people with disabilities, so that millions of people can get the health care they need to get healthy and stay healthy. It allows them to see a doctor when they are sick, get check-ups, buy medications and go to the hospital. Medicaid keeps hospital doors open to provide lifesaving care for people with cancer and other diseases, secures more jobs in our communities and helps America become a healthier, more prosperous nation. Hear the stories of our families, friends and neighbors as well as health care professionals from across the country. Hear how Medicaid Covers US.

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Rudolf: Maryville, TN

Rudolf and his wife are retired, but they are the primary caregivers for their two grandsons, who both have autism. Because the boys are covered by TennCare Medicaid, they are able to get the full range of services they need to thrive. 

Dr. Pais

Dr. Pais: Knoxville, TN

Dr. Pais is the Director of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. About half of his patients are covered by TennCare Medicaid and get the same high-quality care as his privately insured patients.

Debbie

Debbie: McMinnville, TN

In 2013, Debbie had just moved back to Tennessee and was uninsured. She felt a lump in her breast and, because she was eligible for TennCare Medicaid through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, she was able to get the lifesaving care she needed.

Michael and his family

Michael: Knoxville, TN

In 2017, Michael was uninsured and diagnosed with testicular cancer. Fortunately, he was eligible for TennCare Medicaid, and his health insurance covered him throughout his treatment.

Rev. Larry

Rev. Larry: Oak Ridge, TN

Reverend Larry is a pastor who sees the importance of health care every day. He knows there are community members who are unable to get the care they need because they don’t have health insurance, and he believes society must do better to care for the most vulnerable among us. 

Doctor meeting with patient

Dr. Borinstein: Nashville, TN

Dr. Borinstein is a pediatric oncologist. About half of his patients are covered by Tennessee’s Medicaid program, TennCare, which allows them to get lifesaving cancer care. 

Dr. Shattuck

Dr. Shattuck: Knoxville, TN

Dr. Shattuck runs a house call practice where providers go to the homes of patients who are unable to travel to a clinic. The majority of his patients are covered by TennCare Medicaid, which makes it possible for them to get the care they need. 

Lesia

Lesia: McMinnville, TN

Lesia has been unable to work because of her failing eyesight and painful fibromyalgia. But she is also ineligible for TennCare Medicaid, so is left without access to the care she needs to save her sight.

Milly

Milly: Oklahoma City, OK

Milly was at her six-week post-partum check-up when she told her doctor about a lump on her breast. Within weeks she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, she was eligible for Medicaid, and was able to get the full care that she needed. “I don’t like to think about what would’ve happened without Medicaid. It saved my life, and my kids got to grow up with their mom.”