Sue lives in Turner, Arkansas. Turner is an unincorporated community in Phillips County. Approximately eight years ago, she became eligible for Medicaid under ARHome, thanks to Arkansas’ expansion of their Medicaid program.  

Sue currently suffers from hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and allergies. She is on insulin which is awfully expensive without Medicaid. In addition to insulin, to treat her disabilities, she takes Metformin and Glipizide, Amlodipine and Verapamil, and Gabapentin. She wears a Freestyle Monitor on her arm that detects trends and tracking patterns aiding in the detection of Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia. It replaces the traditional Glucose Monitor which requires sticking your finger. This monitor will alert her at any time of the day, even at night while she is sleeping. These monitors can be expensive. Each pad is worn for a maximum of fourteen days and must be replaced. Sue could not afford this without Medicaid. 

Also, Sue has her eyes checked regularly because she wants to ensure her Diabetes has not damaged her vision. She wishes that her Medicaid would pay for Diabetic Shoes – ARHome will pay for the exam, but not the shoes. A typical day for Sue starts with her trying to work, but due to her disabilities, she can only work fourteen hours a week. She can survive, though it is a struggle. Nevertheless, she is thankful for what Medicaid pays and so she proudly proclaims, “I am grateful – I won’t complain!” 

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