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Karen, 51, lives just south of Atlanta and works as an insurance agent and litigation paralegal. She lives with her 77-year-old mother and her two children Korbin, 12, and Kamryn, 5.
As an independent contractor, Karen’s weekly work hours vary, and she is not offered employer-sponsored health insurance; yet she also cannot afford to purchase coverage on her own. She is thankful, however, that her kids are covered by Medicaid. Unlike Karen, they can visit the doctor regularly for check-ups and illnesses. Recently her daughter, Kamryn, had a head injury and needed 7 stiches below her eyebrow. Having Medicaid coverage gave Karen the peace of mind that her daughter would be taken care of and given everything she needed to heal.
Karen never thought her family would need Medicaid, but private insurance would cost 40% of her income. She’s glad that Medicaid is an option for her children. “Medicaid won’t be forever for my family,” she said, “but it is good and helpful for now.”
