Jermain is a 42-year-old man with big dreams and an unstoppable spirit. He wants to take drafting classes at NC State, he enjoys bowling, and he knows exactly how he likes his hair cut. Like any other adult, he craves independence, friendships, and the ability to carve out his own path in life. But for Jermain, who is autistic and has faced significant medical challenges, none of this would be possible without Medicaid.
For a time, Jermain lived in a group home*. Unfortunately, it was not the safe, nurturing environment his mother, Iris, had envisioned. When Jermain developed severe medical issues—including a cancer diagnosis—Iris knew she had to step in. He needed real care, real supervision, and real advocacy. She brought him home, but with that decision came an urgent need for Medicaid-funded services in his home.
Medicaid provided Jermain with critical wraparound services that allowed him to recover, maintain his independence, and plan for his future.
Now, with Medicaid, Jermain can begin thinking about his future again. He wants to go back to work. He wants to be part of his community. “He doesn’t want Mommy coming with him to doctor’s appointments,” Iris laughs. “He wants his own friends, his own life.” Medicaid helps allow that to happen.
Iris worries about what would happen if Medicaid were cut or restricted. “If Medicaid goes away, what happens to people like Jermain?” she asks. “How do parents who have to work provide for their families while making sure their children are safe?”
Jermain’s twin sister, Charmain, has also been a crucial part of his support system. She has helped care for him, ensuring he gets to medical appointments and advocating for his needs. But she, too, has her own career and responsibilities. The burden on families without Medicaid services would be overwhelming.
Iris wants lawmakers to understand that Medicaid isn’t just a lifeline for low-income families—it’s essential for people with disabilities across all backgrounds. “This isn’t about taking advantage of the system,” she says. “This is about making sure people like Jermain have a fair shot at life.”
As policymakers debate the future of Medicaid, stories like Jermain’s must be at the forefront. Medicaid isn’t just about healthcare—it’s about giving people like Jermain the opportunity to live and thrive in their community.
“Medicaid is critical,” Iris says. “It’s critical for Jermain, for families like ours, and for every person with disabilities who deserves the chance to be independent and safe. If we take it away, we’re turning back the clock to a time when people with disabilities were hidden away, with no hope and no future. We cannot let that happen.”
* While Medicaid covered the cost of Jermain’s group home placement, living at home with community-based supports has proven not only more appropriate for his needs—but more cost-effective, too. Community living generally costs less than institutional care in group homes or Intermediate Care Facilities, all while offering better outcomes and greater independence.