Recently CEO Diane Marquess attended the Vigil to Protect Michigan Care at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing. At the vigil, a mother spoke about the journey their family has taken with their foster to adoptive child and how Medicaid has been a lifeline. She spoke of how, soon after the young boy was placed with their family, he began having medical complications that required 24/7 skilled nursing care and multiple surgeries-all of which are covered by Medicaid. Without Medicaid, the mother said she would have spent countless hours on the phone with commercial insurance to receive these medical services, knowing there was a very good chance they would deny coverage. On top of that, imploring other health insurances to cover her foster child’s needs would have also taken away from caring for her son and daughter. Instead, because of Medicaid, the lifesaving treatment and skilled nursing care was covered, and she was able to spend time with them playing outside and going on family adventures.

As an Agency, we know how instrumental Medicaid is to our clients and community. As Michigan begins preparing its budget, we will continue advocating for those who rely on Medicaid to live healthy, hopeful lives.