A cancer survivor hoped to work — then she lost her Medicaid disability coverage
A cancer survivor in Montana is fighting to retain her Medicaid disability coverage after the state determined she was no longer eligible. The case highlights the administrative challenges and strict income requirements that often leave vulnerable individuals without necessary healthcare.
Why it matters
This story illustrates the systemic barriers within the US healthcare system that can penalize individuals with disabilities who attempt to transition into the workforce.
Taya Hailstone has been in remission from childhood Hodgkin lymphoma for five years. But the cancer's lasting damage to her organs and nerves can make basic tasks, like loading a dishwasher, hard.
For stories on the science of healthy living, subscribe to NPR's Health newsletter.
Still, Montana's health department decided last year that Hailstone is no longer eligible for low-cost disability health coverage through Medicaid. The department switched her coverage to the state's Children's Health Insurance Program, another Medicaid program — three months before she aged out.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in