Starr knows that caring for someone is a full-time job. She cares for her son, who has severe autism, developmental delays, and a rare genetic disorder that affects his behavior and cognitive functioning. Starr is a single parent and is the only one available to care for him.
Pre-Covid, Starr had direct care workers, provided by Medicaid, come to the house to help provide care for her son. They assisted Starr in the daily care activities she now completes on her own such as feeding, bathing, and keeping him safe. Post-Covid, Starr has been unable to find a direct care worker.
Thankfully for Starr and her son, she was able to qualify as a direct care provider and now receives a stipend through Medicaid for the work she does to care for her son. This stipend has saved them financially. When Starr had a direct care worker, she was able to have a job outside of the home. Without the support of a direct care worker, Starr is unable to leave her son alone to find a job outside the home. Being paid as a care provider has kept them from losing everything.
As a single parent, Starr is responsible for everything, from sustaining the family financially to making sure her son is safe and healthy. Medicaid has allowed her to survive. Without it, they would lose everything, and her son would likely need to be placed in a residential facility to receive care.
“Cutting Medicaid would destroy families like mine. I’m not just a mom, I’m a full-time nurse, teacher, crisis manager, and safety net for my son. Without Medicaid I would lose the ability to keep him at home. He would be placed in an institution and likely traumatized. We would be left with nothing. These services save money in the long run, but most importantly, they save lives.”