Like so many Americans, my family has taken a hit during the recession.

I have been working part-time at a university while earning my master’s degree in biology, though I'm putting all my efforts on finding full-time employment. My husband and I have two children in college, and are thankful for scholarships and financial aid.

One sister, a teacher, just lost her job. My other sisters have also been affected by the recession.

left to right: Debbi, me, Missy, Mom (in back), Debbi's spouse Tom. Thanksgiving.

One silver lining during these tough economic times is that our youngest sister, Melissa, is covered by Medicaid. Melissa, who is now 46, has Down's syndrome and has had other health problems, like a heart murmur, arthritis and hip replacement surgery – all of which was covered by Medicaid. She lives with our 83-year-old mom in our childhood home in Charlotte, North Carolina.

They both live on Social Security, and even then our mom is in debt due to increasing living and medical expenses. She recently fell and received a concussion, and she is still paying off the hospital bill!

We are a loving, loving family and do whatever we can to help each other. But each of us is suffering from this economic downturn, and money is so tight that none of us can see how we could help my mom and Melissa if Medicaid were cut.

I am so thankful for this vital program, which covers 60 million Americans, and has helped pay for many of my sister's medical expenses. Medicaid has helped Melissa live a healthier and more independent life. I hope and pray that the program is continued.

Jessica Howells is a MomsRising.org member in Moganton, North Carolina.

Click here to read selected stories from more MomsRising members about how they've been helped by Medicaid.