New on-line storybook tells tales of how well being care modified lives

CORBIN, Ky. (WTVQ / press release) – Appalachians for Medicaid published a collection of digital stories by Kentuckians and other Appalachians whose lives have been positively impacted by the Medicaid program.

The Online picture book contains stories of people with Medicaid coverage, health care providers, and registration assistants in Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, and West Virginia who have seen improvements in their lives and communities as a result of Medicaid.

The picture book shows how Medicaid helped Eastern Kentuckians receive life-saving health treatment and peace of mind, including cancer screenings, mental health and substance use treatments, home care, and more.

Appalachians for Medicaid is a collaborative effort by Kentucky Voices for Health, the Tennessee Health Care Campaign, UHCAN Ohio, Western Virgins for affordable health care and Community catalyst.

The collection of organizations unites to share the Appalachian health histories and experiences and highlight the positive impact Medicaid has had on participants, health care providers, and the state and local economies in the Appalachian region.

“You have to take care of everyone, not just those who can afford it, but those who can’t,” said Vickie Damron of Pike County, a KVH Appalachian storyteller. “Medicaid is so needed. I can’t imagine the country functioning without it. “

Approximately 1.6 million Kentuckians have health insurance through Medicaid, the national health insurance program for low-income people. The Medicaid program meets the health insurance needs of low-income people, children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities, as highlighted in the stories featured in this picture book.

“Medicaid saves lives and makes our region a healthier place overall. I wish everyone could have Medicaid and never have to worry about seeing a doctor for themselves, their children or loved ones again. This picture book is key to bringing out the humanity behind the numbers, “said Cara Stewart, director of policy advocacy at KVH and a native of Floyd County, Ky.” The Medicaid picture book is just a snapshot, a snapshot of the people who will that are positively impacted by Medicaid in Kentucky and across the Appalachian Mountains. “

Kentucky was among the states that helped create this picture book that Medicaid expanded to enable people with household incomes below 138 percent of the federal poverty line to get health insurance. However, Tennessee has not yet done so.

As a result, very few low-income adults are eligible for Medicaid health coverage.

“These are people who have jobs, families, whose wages haven’t changed in years, but the cost of living is increasing every year,” Mike Wynn of Grace Health in Corbin, Ky. Told Americans about being able to get health care too to get. This is a dream of mine “