Once she’d qualified for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 5 years ago, Sherri was automatically enrolled in Medicaid. This was a good thing, because she has some serious health conditions for which she would receive care. She recalls the biggest challenge she faced, in the beginning, was finding herself a primary care physician. The process required compiling a list of 10 or so doctors who she hoped would be willing to care for her and then calling early in the morning in hopes of getting assigned to a doctor she wanted to see. She is aware that a lot of doctors don’t seem to want to care for Medicaid patients, and she hoped she would find a doctor who was the right fit for her.  And she was in luck! 

Sherri was assigned a pretty good doctor the first time she called for enrollment. She felt like it wasn’t the best doctor; but it also wasn’t the worst doctor. Soon after that, her doctor transferred to another clinic, and her case was assigned to a new doctor. And she has really liked this doctor a lot! She believes she is getting great care and that her doctor cares about her well-being. The best part is she doesn’t have a problem getting in to see her doctor and the doctor lives right there in her hometown. This helps to make life - and healthcare – a lot easier. 

The only downside, according to Sherri, is the time it takes to meet with a Specialist when one is needed. It simply takes too long to get an appointment.  Although that is frustrating, Sherri is happy with the support she receives from her PASSE Coordinator who works hard to make sure she has the care she needs. She really likes this support as she works to ensure she can live her best and healthiest life. As she says, “Getting old is not for the faint of heart.” Sherri is happy with how Medicaid helps her stay healthy – she, of course, is always setting personal goals to enhance her health and is happy she is receiving Medicaid in Arkansas.