That’s Medicaid
Health insurance coverage provides people with access to the care they need—when they need it. That’s Medicaid shares stories of people helped by Medicaid at critical points in their lives.

When Life Goes Off Script

A Lifeline

Hannah and Martin S. / Farmington, Minnesota

Their story in four photos

“Being on Medicaid impacted us forever. When our family went through a crisis, Medicaid caught us and helped us back on our feet.”

Life began precariously

Life began precariously for Hannah and Martin’s two-year-old son. When he was born, he appeared blue due to a critical congenital heart defect and was transferred to a children’s hospital for immediate open-heart surgery.

His parents were terrified

His parents were terrified for their son, and of the bills. When Hannah lost her job while seven months pregnant, the family lost her insurance coverage. They enrolled in a plan from Martin’s employer with a $12,000 obligation in deductibles and co-pays.

His parents were terrified
Medicaid covered their son’s birth

A hospital social worker suggested they apply for Medicaid, and given the loss of Hannah’s salary, they qualified. Medicaid covered their son’s birth, surgery, and follow-up care—including integrated, whole-person care that helped address the trauma they experienced.

Medicaid changed us forever

A few months later, Hannah started a new position and the family is back on private insurance. “Being on Medicaid impacted us forever. When our family went through a crisis, Medicaid caught us and helped us back on our feet."

Medicaid changed us forever

Video: Hear Hannah and Martin's Story in Their Own Words