Diane received Medicaid until her youngest child became an adult.  She was approved for SSI Disability in 2015 which provided her with Medicaid.  She suffers from Bipolar Disease, hypertension, pinched nerve, degenerative disc disease, fibromyalgia, dislocated shoulder and other complaints.  During this interview, the storyteller was suffering from a severe headache and was scheduled to see the doctor later in the day.  She is currently taking Lorazepam, Tizanidine, Amlodipine, Losartan, Wellbutrin, Gabapentin and Seroquel. 

Before she was approved for Medicaid, her adult son was paying for her medication.  Sometimes she still has to pay for her medications or a co-pays.  A few months ago, she paid $72 for seven medications, although she only goes to the doctor as needed.   

Diane lives alone and has an aide who cooks, sweeps, mops and helps her in and out of the tub where she showers.  Because her tub is so deep, she has difficulty getting in and out, and requires assistance to prevent falls or injuries. Her aide comes to help her Monday through Friday.   

Diane realizes that her situation could be a lot worse as far as how much she would have to pay for her medications.  Medicaid is the only way she can afford the medications she has been prescribed.  Life without Medicaid would truly be a disaster for her.  She would not be able to control any of her medical conditions and would have to pay so much more than the $72 that she currently pays for her prescriptions. 

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