Our Stories
Across the region, Appalachians are sharing their health care stories. Learn more about how the Medicaid program and health coverage has positively impacted the lives and health of our Appalachian neighbors.
Read Dr. David Wood’s Story, Tennessee
Why expanding Medicaid is so important for young adults with chronic illness. I am a pediatrician who sees primarily adolescents and young adults. 85% of my patients are on Medicaid. One important aspect of our clinic is that we prepare youth to enter adulthood and enter the adult health care system. We train adolescents and... Read more
Read Dale Hadden’s Story, Tennessee
My name is Dale Hadden. I am the Clinic Manager at the Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge. For the past 10 years I have worked as an Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner to provide free medical care for low-income and uninsured residents of Anderson, Morgan and Roane Counties of Tennessee. My colleagues and I can... Read more
Read Vonetta’s Story, Tennessee
Vonetta, age 47 is one of many Tennesseans who work every day uninsured. Although her income is under the federal poverty level, she is ineligible for TennCare under Tennessee’s restrictive eligibility rules. Vonetta suffers from Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and neuropathy. In the month of October 2021, Vonetta decided to go on a... Read more
Watch Dr. Alison Moncayo’s Health Care Story, Kentucky
Watch Alyssa Rice’s Health Care Story, Kentucky
Watch Dr. Chuck Johnson’s Health Care Story, Kentucky
Read Hannah’s Story, Zanesville, Ohio
My name is Hannah M, I am from Zanesville Ohio. I am 21 years old. Medicaid has helped me with my 2 pregnancies and having my kids. I would be in debt the rest of my life just for bringing two lives into this world if not for Medicaid. Medicaid has also helped me with... Read more
Read Scotty’s Story, Knoxville, Tennessee
"Ten years after their son’s death, Scotty’s parents wonder what it will take to get the attention of Tennessee’s Governor and State Legislature. The policies that removed Scotty from coverage persist to this day." Read more
Watch Rev. Kent Gilbert’s Health Care Story, Kentucky
Watch Crystal’s Story, Gilmer County, West Virginia
"If I had Medicaid for the rest of that (postpartum) year... I wouldn't have endured that stigma, I would have had a stronger support system.... I would have been more whole." Read more
Read Donna M. Mosby’s Story, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
"Seeking medical attention or paying the rent should never be competing choices in managing one’s health care." Read more
Read Larry & Linda’s Story, Knoxville, Tennessee
"Linda has TennCare and it has saved her life. Without being overly dramatic or emotional it is simply a fact. It has saved her life." Read more
