"There was a time not too long ago when I was really down and out. And the only thing I had was Medicaid and that saved my life."
There was a time not too long ago when I was really down and out. I was having a really difficult time. I had lost absolutely everything. I had nowhere to go, no money. I lost my job. I lost my car. Everything happened at once. And the only thing I had was Medicaid and that saved my life.
I have a serious mental illness. And the only way I can survive my mental illness is if I get treatment. I'm lucky that I was able to get that. If I had not, I wouldn't be alive today.
Back then, all I had was part-time jobs or temporary jobs that did not offer any kind of benefits. With Medicaid, at least I was able to take care of my son's health concerns and my own. Without it, I don't know where my son and I would be today. I really do not know.
I'm currently working on my master's degree in social work. I’m also working for a nonprofit organization that helps people with mental health and substance use disorders. My role there is as a peer recovery coach.