Hear the Stories

Terry McDermott is the mother of twin daughters who are active in sports. Her husband Scott worked as a tugboat captain for 15 years before losing his job and health insurance benefits for his family. After speaking with a health care outreach worker, Terry learned her daughters could qualify for Healthy Kids Now, Washington state's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), giving them the opportunity to receive affordable health care services and continue to play sports.

Sonya Bumpers works for a local community organization in a job that she loves, but does not offer health benefits. She is thankful for the CHIP and Medicaid programs that provide her daughter with the health benefits she needs.

Melissa Anderson's son Casey was diagnosed with a seizure disorder at a time when she was unable to afford health care coverage for him. Melissa initially did not apply for public assistance because she did not think they would qualify. Fortunately, Melissa applied for CHIP coverage for Casey and he was able to receive the numerous tests and medications he needed to help treat his condition.

Lorna Harvey is the mother of a son who is chronically ill and suffers from a range of other health problems. She is thankful for those who have made it possible to provide her son with the preventive services and medications that he needs to stay healthy.

Kathy McCormick, mother of three, works as a full-time dental assistant but is not offered coverage through her employer. Kathy and her daughter Megan were involved in a car accident and Megan spent two days in ICU, accruing a hefty hospital bill. Kathy applied to the KidCare program and was able to enroll her children in the program and they began to receive low-cost and free health care services within a month.

Juanita Watkins was unable to register her daughter the first day of school because she did not have the proper immunizations. Juanita and her daughter were referred from a local clinic to the Nevada Check Up program and her daughter was able to enroll in the program and receive the necessary services on the same day.

"Health insurance allows for an individual to seek treatment and care for his or her health; therefore, it helps ensure the future and prosperity of our society."

"I am a 17-year-old high school senior. I live at home with my mother and father, who have been married for 22 years, and I have two siblings, age 20 and 13."

Genia Jones is an elementary school teacher in Hampton, Va., with a busy class of 21 students.

Nicole is a single mother of three working in outreach at the Fan Free Clinic in Richmond.