Last week, our member Robin Sampson from Glenmoore, PA shared her story at the National Domestic Workers Assembly, We Power Care event in Washington, DC. She spoke about the important role that Medicaid plays in helping her mother who has Parkinson’s disease access the care that she needs. Here is her story:

Hello! I’m Robin Sampson, and I’m here today from Glenmoore, Pennsylvania, outside Philadelphia. I’m a mom of three, a proud member of MomsRising, and a family caregiver for my mother, who has Parkinson’s Disease. 

I’m seriously alarmed by the prospect that Republicans in Congress are about to gut Medicaid, which is critical for my mom’s quality of life. I appreciate the chance to share my family’s story.

My mom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s five years ago. Parkinson’s impacts the connection between the brain and the body. As her disease has progressed, she’s needed more help with daily activities, like eating, hygiene, and getting in and out of bed. 

At first, I was able to provide some of that care myself. But in the past few years, I’ve faced my own serious health challenges. Medicaid has given me peace of mind that my mom has access to the care she needs. I’m proud to be an advocate for her. 

Right now, because of Medicaid, my mom has home health aides who support her for 16 hours/day. I am so grateful for the essential care these hardworking professionals provide. I don’t know what we would do without them. But I know that by and large, care workers aren’t paid the family-sustaining wages they deserve. That needs to change!

Medicaid also covers the cost of my mom’s numerous prescriptions, which together would otherwise cost us hundreds of dollars each month – money we simply don’t have.

And because of Medicaid, I’ve also been able to advocate for equipment and services that give my mom as much comfort and independence as possible, including a wheelchair, a hospital bed, a raised commode, and transportation to doctor’s appointments.  

In short, for low-income seniors like my mom, Medicaid is a lifeline. It’s the reason she’s been able to remain in her apartment instead of a nursing home – which saves taxpayer money in the long run.

Frankly, were it not for Medicaid, I don’t know if my mom would still be with us today. 

I want Republican lawmakers to understand that slashing Medicaid will have life-or-death consequences for my family and millions of others – including children, seniors, people with disabilities, and families with low incomes. I want Republicans to consider: If you were terminally ill, wouldn’t you want to remain at home as long as possible? If your mom, your spouse, or your child was facing a health crisis – wouldn’t you want them to have access to the best care possible? 

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All any of us want is access to the quality health care we deserve and our loved ones deserve. Surely that is more important than another tax break for the ultra-rich!

Caregivers like me are counting on Congress to protect the Medicaid investments our families rely on. Gutting this program would have devastating consequences for public health and force more people into institutional care. 

But moms won’t let that happen. I am proud to fight with all of you to protect Medicaid and ALL the social safety net programs that make our country healthier and stronger. That also includes SNAP. WIC. Head Start. And others. 

As a domestic violence survivor, I’m also deeply concerned about funding for programs that support and protect those trying to leave abusive relationships. Those programs are the reason I am here today. Now more than ever, we must raise our voices to protect the critical investments our families and communities need. Thank you!

Do you have a Medicaid story? We want to hear from you! Tell us your experience here.