Share your Medicaid Story!

Mariah Plante: Do you see your West Virginia health insurance provider on the screen? If so, then I need five minutes of your time. Hi, I'm Mariah Plante for West Virginians for Affordable Health Care. A nonprofit organization working to bring consumer voices to the forefront of public policy in West Virginia. And y'all, we need your help. West Virginia Medicaid is our state's number one health insurance provider. It offers low cost, even free health insurance to more than a third of West Virginians. This year, it is facing a $114 million deficit.

Mariah Plante: Medicaid is a federal state financial partnership under which the federal government picks up a fixed percentage of state Medicaid costs by matching state Medicaid funds with federal funds. This means that for every $1 cut in its Medicaid spending a state makes to help close its budget deficit. It also loses in federal funding as well.

Mariah Plante: Translation, fewer dollars means fewer resources for low income families, pregnant women, people with disabilities and everyone else who relies on Medicaid for their health care. That's why we're asking lawmakers for a one time supplemental appropriation to cover the deficit and we need your help.

Mariah Plante: We need our representatives to hear the voices of the real people utilizing this program for the health of our families. We need to hear from you. Why does West Virginia Medicaid matter? What does affordable health care mean to you and your family? Join the fight. Follow the prompts on your screen to answer some questions about your experience with the West Virginia Medicaid program. Your video story can make a huge difference in helping to preserve and protect this vital program for the next generation.