For more than 30 years, my husband has lived with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Until five years ago, I didn’t know much about Medicaid. That changed when my husband suffered several significant MS exacerbations that led to hospital and rehab stays.
Doctors told us he could no longer be home alone – difficult news to hear, as I was still years away from retirement and working full-time as a teacher.Thanks to Medicaid, my husband was approved for the Choices for Independence program, which allows him to attend the Monadnock Adult Day Program in Jaffrey three days a week and receive in-home care through Ascentria In-Home Care on the other two days. Medicaid also enables me to provide caregiving for my husband while receiving financial support and health insurance – making it possible for me to retire at 62.
None of this would be possible without Medicaid. The proposed cuts put programs like these at risk, threatening the stability and well-being of families like mine. I urge our leaders to protect and strengthen Medicaid, ensuring that people with chronic illnesses and their caregivers continue to receive the support they need.
Claudia Dery
Peterborough