Kevin's Safety
"Medicaid is my lifeline. Without it, I wouldn’t have the care I need to be safe at home." - Kevin, self-advocate
‼️Content Warning: This story contains a brief mention of sexual abuse. ‼️
Kevin's Medicaid Story
"I had to leave my dad’s house because he did bad sexual things to me, and I couldn’t stay there. So, I moved into my group home. It’s good that Medicaid helps pay for it.
After I left, my dad passed away. His life ended, but mine started again here. The people in my group home help me. They make sure I take my medicine. If I don’t have my medicine, I get very scared. I feel lost and don’t know what to do."
Why Medicaid Is Important to Kevin:
"Medicaid helps me have a safe place to live. The helpers here show me how to do things like shopping, managing my money, cooking food, and keeping my room clean.
Because of Medicaid, I also have a place to go during the day. I enjoy spending time with my girlfriend and friends there.
Medicaid helps me have my own room, just for me. It’s my private space. I have my fish tank in my room, and my white noise machine helps me feel calm. It makes me feel safe when I’m in my room."
Did you know? “Without support, people with disabilities feel less safe (64.71% vs. 71.93% with support), have fewer natural support networks (35.77% vs. 44.67% with support), and participate less in the life of their community (31.64% vs. 34.09% with support).”
Source: CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership’s Personal Outcome Measures
What Does Kevin Fear About Medicaid Cuts?
"My cousins don’t visit or talk to me much anymore. If Medicaid didn’t help pay for my home and the people who help me, I don’t know what would happen.
I would be in big trouble and feel really lost. There’s nobody else to help me. Without Medicaid, I would have nowhere to live. I would be out on the street, all alone."