OPINION:
I have a rare brain disorder called idiopathic intracranial hypertension. It affects one in 100,000. My brain thinks it has a tumor but it doesn’t and for some reason it increases production of cerebral-spinal fluid, causing intense spikes in pressure in my head. It has been so bad that the fluid has twice leaked out my ear and I have had to undergo brain surgery to repair the leaks. Doctors tried installing a shunt to direct the extra fluid into my stomach, but that shunt has now failed and I’m awaiting a surgery date to have it removed.
So now I’m dealing with the intense headaches and spinal pain because of the increased pressure, along with many other uncomfortable side effects. I’ve been on Medicaid since my divorce in 2015. With all of my health issues, Medicaid has quite literally been a lifesaver and to me it is more valuable than gold.
I understand that the Trump administration is planning on cutting Medicaid sharply over the next 10 years. Because I do have a small income I do not qualify for Supplemental Security Income and I’m not old enough for Medicare (which is facing cuts of its own). Because of my very limited income I have been forced to live in public housing. I can only imagine that the administration will also make cuts to the Department of Housing and Urban Development budget, too, and some of us may lose our homes. I’m terrified I will lose my insurance, too.
I’m just one of the many millions of people that “Trumpcare” will hurt. This war on the elderly and poor is cruel, especially with the increase of the already bloated military budget. What a slap in the face of the many Americans who voted for President Trump (and those who didn’t).
I urge readers to call their state representatives and senators and tell them the Republican health-care plan will hurt many, possibly kill people and increase the homelessness rates.
JACQUELIN CARPENTER
Lake Odessa, Mich.
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