A Colorado mother tells her story

My name is Julianna Mascarenas, and I am here today as a single mother of six children, four of whom still live at home. I want to share how losing Medicaid has profoundly impacted our lives.

When we had Medicaid, it was a crucial support system that provided us with essential medical coverage. Now that we've lost that coverage, everything has changed. The cost of health insurance for my four children is simply astronomical. As a single mother, my entire paycheck would go towards insurance, leaving us with nothing for basic necessities like food and housing. It feels impossible to balance our financial needs.

“Losing Medicaid hasn’t just affected our health; it has created a cloud of uncertainty over our lives. We’re living in a state of constant worry, and it’s not just about surviving day to day - it’s about ensuring my children have access to the care they need to thrive.”

~ Julianna Mascarenas, Single mother of six children, four of whom still live at home, San Luis Valley

I also recently had to finish paying for my daughter's braces, which added to our financial strain. These are expenses I need to plan for, but without Medicaid, it feels like a constant uphill battle.

Every day, I worry about what would happen if one of us got sick or had an emergency. The anxiety of not being able to afford necessary medical care weighs heavily on me. I constantly think about how to keep my children healthy and safe, knowing that any unexpected issue could lead to serious financial consequences.

Losing Medicaid hasn't just affected our health; it has created a cloud of uncertainty over our lives. We're living in a state of constant worry, and it's not just about surviving day to day-it's about ensuring my children have access to the care they need to thrive.

I urge you to understand the real-life implications of losing access to healthcare. This is not just a policy issue; it affects families like mine who are struggling to make ends meet. We need support and access to affordable healthcare to ensure a better future for our children.

Thank you for taking the time to hear my story.