When Earnestine walks into a room, one of the most outstanding characteristics that people will notice about her is her deep voice.  Her small statute does not appear to resonate such a deep and penetrating voice that demands attention. 

Earnestine lives in Hughes, AR, St. Francis County.  She has been a community activist for many years.  She has served on the Hughes School Board before the school merged with West Memphis and she is currently a Hughes City Councilwoman. 

Earnestine receives Medicaid in the form of Qualified Medicaid Beneficiary (QMB).  She became eligible in 2012 after retiring.  Her Social Security retirement was too much for her to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but she was able to qualify for the QMB. 

QMB pays her Medicare premiums and co-insurance.  Earnestine says that she would be financially strapped if she had to pay the Medicare premium. Her co-insurance for doctors are also paid which is 20%.   

Although she cannot live the life she had lived when she worked, QMB allows her to at least enjoy retirement without having to worry about mounting medical bills.  This is especially true for her since she is a diabetic, requires insulin, and has had frequent attacks of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.  In addition to being a diabetic she suffers from hypertension and thyroid problems.  As a result of her medical problems, she is currently on ten (10) medications. 

In her powerful voice, Earnestine says that she is thankful to receive QMB.  It ensures her a better quality of life while managing many of her chronic conditions.