Chris: Kinston, NC

Chris, 49, needs an internal defibrillator. He has four blockages in his heart, and can often feel his heart fluttering, trying to pump blood through the blockages. His cardiologist has prescribed him inexpensive, generic medications that have helped him breathe better but his cardiologist can’t implant the defibrillator and prescribe more effective medications because Chris doesn’t have health insurance and can’t afford the treatment.

Chris had been working for an electrical supply warehouse for almost 10 years. He had health insurance, it was a good salary, and he enjoyed his work. But he was unexpectedly let go and not only lost his job but lost his health insurance as well. Over the course of the next few months, his health began to take a turn for the worse, but he couldn’t do much to get back on track. To make ends meet while he searched for another job, he had to cash in both his retirement funds. He has applied to jobs up to an hour away from his home, but because of his weak heart and inability to do strenuous manual labor, he has been unsuccessful in finding employment.

If North Carolina had expanded its Medicaid program, Chris would be able to get the internal defibrillator and medications he needs to manage his heart condition. With his health care needs met, he’d be better equipped to find and keep a job.