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Success Stories
Medicare and Medicaid Save Lives
For years Gene Dempsey was without insurance. As he struggles with mental health issues, Gene was unable to keep a job with health benefits, nor generate enough income to buy private insurance. He paid out-of-pocket for all doctor visits and medication. And oftentimes this meant going without necessities in order to pay for treatment. It was only after he qualified for disability in 1986, and then subsequently both Medicare and Medicaid, that all the stress and trouble subsided. Now he feels more secure in accessing treatment.
Initially it was a scramble to find doctors who would accept his medical card, but he was eventually able to find a clinic near him. Dempsey no longer has problems accessing medication and is able to receive regular home health care through a physician assistant. Because of access to care he has been able to manage his illness and maintain as much independence as possible. In fact he is able to give back to the community, advocating for better health care in the state of Illinois.
“I’m pretty lucky,” Gene admits, “things could be a lot worse.” Dempsey is advocating for all those that would be uninsured if it were not for Medicare or Medicaid. He represents those who, above all, can lead less stressful, uncertain lives because of access to medication and treatment. But the only way Dempsey, and so many other Illinois residents, can continue to benefit from these programs is if the state of Illinois reimburses providers that accept Medicaid in a fair and timely manner.
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