Medicaid debate hits close to home

The healthcare debate, more specifically, the Medicaid debate was the highlight of a public forum held Wednesday evening in Salisbury.

Joana Weaver attended the event and was asked to speak to the audience. 

Weaver has a particular interest in the debate as she was born with Cerebral Palsy and has been in the Medicaid system since she was 18.

"So when you're thinking about changes to this bill, know what it's going to mean to somebody like me and the people like me."

Medicaid funding helps her receive almost 40 hours of at-home aid, and provides for her equipment, including her wheelchair.  The ESL Instructor says what many don't understand is that Medicaid isn't just about seeing your doctor.

"It's your medical equipment, it's your care, it can be putting you in the community.  It could be the one support you need to go to work."

Weaver says her care would not be lost under proposed Republican healthcare plans, but she could see cuts, which could affect her ability to work and be a part of the community.

"Because I wouldn't have someone to help me with the hygiene and the things that you need to go to work.   So that's very important.  It helps keep your independence."

The care provided to Weaver includes something as small as needing help at the grocery store, and as big as somebody calling for an ambulance when she needs help.  That feeling of independence her and so many others feel is something she is not willing to give up.

"That is the real reason why people with disabilities want to keep what they have because we fought so hard to be a part of the community.  And that's a big thing that's going to be, if it's taken away.  It's going to put us back."