Guest Blog: The Aid of Medicaid

Editor's note: Medicaid programs and services may vary from state to state. Though today's contributor is from Kentucky, Kirsten uses self-directed services, which Utah does offer. To find out more about Medicaid in Utah, visit Utah's Medicaid website. 

I have been benefiting from Medicaid since birth, and I didn’t even realize it. I became aware of Medicaid when I became an adult with a Medicaid card. In my twenties, a friend suggested I apply for home and community-based services. The best fit was a Medicaid waiver program that allowed me to hire my own employees for my personal care needs and pay them an hourly wage with Medicaid funds. I have been on the waiver for several years, starting out with hiring my mother. I have since had several people work for me.

Medicaid is a public insurance program that provides health coverage to low-income families and individuals, including children, parents, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. It is funded jointly by the federal government and the states. Each state operates its own Medicaid program. Within broad federal guidelines, there is flexibility for each state to design and administer their own Medicaid program.

Within Medicaid, Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) allow Medicaid beneficiaries to receive services in their own homes or communities rather than in institutions or other isolated settings. Without these services, it is highly likely that vulnerable individuals would need to receive institutional care, which costs thousands of dollars more to staff and operate efficiently. It saves money if people can stay in their homes and communities with the support they need. This is the type of waiver I have.

I have seen many benefits from having my HCBS waiver. Because I can hire my own employees, I can choose people with whom I am comfortable and have good rapport. One year I hired a friend to drive me to my university classes and help me with personal care. We enjoyed visiting on the commute and throughout the day, we became closer as friends, and she helped me broaden my circle of friends.

Being able to stay in my own home and community has had psychological and emotional benefits. Every person and their needs are different, but being at home is the least restrictive environment for me. Everything is set up according to my needs. This literally takes a load off my mind, and I can focus on what I want to accomplish each day.

Without Medicaid and its various plans and programs, millions of Americans would be left uninsured, and it would be hard, if not impossible, to receive the care they need. When people can remain in their homes and communities, it saves money. It also can cut down on stress for vulnerable individuals and their loved ones. Medicaid provides financial support and other programs to help people live full lives. Often when people are properly supported, they contribute to society in helpful ways. It can become a cycle in which people who are supported go on to provide support to others. And if you’re like me and need help with activities of daily living, it is a constant need that will never go away. With my HCBS waiver, I feel like I have a say in my own care.