Victor and Aerial have one thing in common, a three-year-old daughter.  Victor lives in Turner, AR and Aerial lives in Marvell. About 8 years ago, Victor was receiving Medicaid, but that ended when he started working. His income was too much to qualify for Medicaid, and his job then provided him with insurance. Now, no longer employed, Victor has recently applied for Medicaid, and is awaiting a decision. 

Victor was working at a boot factory which required him to do a substantial amount of lifting.  This has left him with severe back pain. He currently takes medication to help him to sleep and is concerned that he may need future treatment for his back. Victor worries that if he is not approved for Medicaid, he will have no way of paying for the treatment or help he needs to improve.   

Aerial has received Medicaid since the beginning of this year and requires medication for her depression and anxiety.  Aerial has three children. Aerial and Victor know the importance of their child having Medicaid. Their three-year-old hereafter referred to as “Baby Girl 3” suffers from Neurofibromatosis, a condition that causes tumors to form in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. She just recently started walking.  “Baby Girl 3’s” bones have not developed properly.  Victor states that “Baby Girl 3’s” heel is soft and has not formed normally.  She goes to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, receives physical therapy and is scheduled for an MRI of the head and foot for further diagnosis. 

For these young parents, Medicaid is a need for their children.  It is obvious in their conversation that the most important thing in their life right now is to make sure that “Baby Girl 3” receives the medical treatment that she needs.  When asked if there were any medical problems with the other children, Victor jokingly stated: “No, they just need a spanking.”