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 Hunter Stark’s Story, Charleston, West Virginia
“I’m really grateful that Medicaid has helped me through this time in my life and my daughter’s life.” Read more
Watch Dr. Branham’s Story, an OB-GYN in Floyd County, Kentucky
"It wasn't until the Affordable Care Act, those patients for the first time were able to get gynecological care." Read more
Read Brook’s Medicaid Story, Charleston, West Virginia
“Not only did Medicaid cover the birth of Willow but it has also provided lifesaving treatments for Brody, who has cystic fibrosis. Covering the doctor’s visits, now telemedicine visits via online portals, a vest, nebulizer, and nutritional supplements, Medicaid is helping this family stay healthy physically and preparing for their future from a financial perspective.” Read more
Read Judy’s Story, Tennessee
“I had several elderly patients who were in serious trouble. They lived alone and had no family to care for them...There is no doubt the (Medicaid) CHOICES program saved their lives.” Read more
Read Danielle’s Medicaid Story, Athens, Ohio
"My monthly medications cost about $500 a month. If I did not have Medicaid, I could not afford my medications. I would have to choose between having food or having medication. I know people who have to make those hard choices a lot." Read more
Watch Vickie’s Medicaid Story
"Without Medicaid, I would have died - that's all there is to it." Read more
Read Darius Hadi’s Story, Huntington, West Virginia
“Medicaid provided Darius the mental health care coverage, general physical assessments, and occasional emergency visits he needed as an adult.” Read more
Read Rich’s Story, Tennessee
“So she, like hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans, falls into our state's Coverage Gap, created by the refusal of our legislature and governor to allow expansion of Medicaid.” Read more
Read LeeAnn’s Medicaid Story, Athens, Ohio
"I lost my job due to addiction and being able to enroll in Medicaid allowed me to receive critical inpatient and outpatient treatment and medications...It was Medicaid that threw me a lifeline and gave me my life back." Read more
Watch Brandon’s Health Care Story, Floyd County, Kentucky
"If it wasn't for (Medicaid), I don't know what we'd do. My wife, my kid - they wouldn't be able to go to the doctor and get the medicine they need." Read more
Read Andrew and Debbie’s Story, Ranson, West Virginia
"Medicaid and Social Security Income (SSI) help Andrew get the medical care and prescriptions he needs, home health care assistance (when available), as well as behavioral therapy.” Read more
Read Ann’s Story, Tennessee
“I firmly believe health care is a human right and should not be a political issue." Read more
