Thread by @LittleLobbyists

We're 100 days from the #2020Election!

1/100 THREAD “This election is a matter of life & death for kids like Xiomara.” Xiomara’s mom, @ElenaHung202

Now to 11/3, we're sharing a story of a #LittleLobbyists each day - 100 reasons to be a #HealthCareVoter

bit.ly/38UvBwd

2/100 “Shreve was in the NICU for 9 months. Without the #ACA & #Medicaid, he would have reached the lifetime cap on care long before discharge." Shreve’s mom, Laura

This November, #vote against putting a cap on kids' lives.

#HealthCareVoter

bit.ly/3fx5zkZ

3/100 “#Medicaid allows our family to function. It allows us as parents to sleep at night knowing Willa’s safe with a nurse. It makes it possible for us to work. It gives Willa access to the tech she needs to communicate & thrive.” #ProtectOurCare bit.ly/2ZzAeJ3

4/100 “Because of the lack of funding for rare pediatric diseases, we don't know long term effects in children." Jonathan’s mom, Rebecca

This #Election2020 #vote for candidates who support real #science our families need to attain healthier futures. bit.ly/3j35kR7

5/100 “Katie relies on Medicaid. Cuts would mean she’d miss therapies or medications because I couldn’t afford them.” Katie’s mom, Brandy

#MedicaidMatters for kids with complex medical needs & disabilities to survive and thrive. #ProtectOurCare

bit.ly/2DGMoqR

6/100 “As a single mom, I struggled to find adequate care for my child when I needed to work. After getting #Medicaid, my child was able to thrive in a safe setting made for him.” Bubba’s mom, Blair
#MedicaidMatters #ProtectOurCare

bit.ly/39pjTKh

7/100 “We worry cuts mean she’d lose life-changing treatment & her future will be threatened.” Grace’s mom, Cortney
Trump is trying to repeal our health care protections in SCOTUS. If he wins, life-changing treatments will be denied to kids like Grace. bit.ly/2ExrCdK

8/100 “My child's life matters. I don't understand why our government is sending the message that if you’re #disabled your life has less value?!” GianRaul’s mom, Denise

#Vote for leaders whose actions show that they value our children's lives.

littlelobbyists.org/gianraul

9/100 “ Arabella needs nursing care but the shortage in our state has left us without coverage for years and put her in unsafe situations.” Arabella’s mom, Tiffany

There is a #CareCrisis in our country. Vote for leaders who have a plan to change that.

bit.ly/30L4q39

10/100 “Our son's been refused care due to our inability to pay & we're unable to get assistance bc we make too much.” Koa’s mom, Shanna

FL continues to deny #MedicaidExpansion, denying care & financial lifeline to families like Koa’s. #HealthCareVoter.
bit.ly/33lg4VA

11/100 “The #ACA is the dam between our family & the crushing tide of medical debt. Without it, Naomi will die for lack of necessary care.” Naomi’s mom, Bethany

Parents shouldn't live in fear their kids will die because they can’t afford health care. bit.ly/33bKfOz

12/100 “Rachel needs a #Medicaid #waiver to live in the community. She’s been on the emergency waiting list for the Consolidated Waiver for 5 years.”

Living in your community shouldn’t require a waiting list. #DisabilityRightsAreCivilRights

littlelobbyists.org/rachelpa

13/100 “Accessing insurance for Louie through the #ACA exchange is a godsend. My employer plan didn’t cover his therapies. I cried when I signed up because I was so relieved.” Louie’s mom, Kate

Health care shouldn't depend on employment. #HealthCareVoter
littlelobbyists.org/louie

14/100 “Isaac DID lose his insurance, he reached his lifetime max at a year old, 1 month before ACA was signed into law.” Isaac’s mom, Kim
Before the #ACA, babies lost their insurance when their medical care became too $$$. Don't let it happen again. bit.ly/2CBxLoR

15/100 “Before we got on the [#Medicaid] waiver our finances were never stable due to high insurance deductible and out of pocket maxes. No family should have to chose between groceries or medicine for their child.” Emmaus’ mom, Laurisa #HealthCareVoter littlelobbyists.org/emmaus

16/100 “Home nursing at night through #Medicaid, allows us to sleep & wake with energy for our day with Oliver.” Oliver’s mom, Rachel
#Medicaid covers home nursing to keep kids w/ disabilities home w/their families where they belong. #ProtectOurCare

littlelobbyists.org/oliver

17/100 “If there were cuts to #Medicaid the health care costs for Agnes would be so incredibly high. We’d have to leave her current medical team and her care wouldn't be what she needs to thrive.” Agnes’ mom, Molly
#HealthCareVoter littlelobbyists.org/agnes

18/100 “#Medicaid has been a lifeline for my family. It covered Aidan’s #NICU stay, oxygen equipment, inhalers, orthotics, glasses, surgeries & therapies. We live paycheck to paycheck & can’t afford copays for all these things.” Aiden’s mom, Hilary
bit.ly/2BsdnWs

19/100 “Evelyn’s medications are several thousand dollars a month. Lifetime spending caps would be disastrous.” Evelyn’s mom, Janice
Vote for candidates who will #LowerDrugPrices & #ProtectOurCare bit.ly/2Dn7jiS

20/100 “Even with these protections, accessing appropriate medical and therapeutic care can become cost-intensive.” Aire’s mom, Walewska

Therapy & mental health care are health care, period. They must be fully covered & accessible to all #HealthCareVoter littlelobbyists.org/aire

21/100 “Ruby is a loved & valued member of her class. She receives therapy at school to expand her communication” Ruby’s mom, Emma

#Medicaid funds school therapy & nursing for every child, so kids like Ruby can be loved members of their class & community bit.ly/3g0wBkh

22/100 “Losing protection for people w/pre-existing conditions would be devastating for Chance & most of our family as we all have health issues.” Chance’s mom, Jennifer

Nearly 1/2 of U.S. homes include loved ones w/pre-existing conditions #ProtectOurCare bit.ly/3h0fGPX

23/100 “Cuts to Medicaid have already made it impossible for Katelyn to get the therapy she needs.” Katelyn’s mom, Laura

Texas continues to deny #MedicaidExpansion. Prioritizing right-wing politics over people’s lives is just plain wrong. #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/3h3uBZK

25/100 “Without Medicaid, Chloe would not have received early intervention to give her the best possible start.” Chloe’s mom, Leah

Every kid deserves a great start. For kids with complex medical needs & disabilities #MedicaidMatters. bit.ly/3iKMrkN

26/100 “There’s no public transportation & pain prevents him from going out without his wheelchair. Access to his service dog under #ADA is vital” David’s mom, Maggie

Vote for legislators who will make sure the #TheFutureIsAccessible for David & Rocky. bit.ly/311vdd4

27/100 “We are so, so grateful to have #Medicaid support so we can focus more on loving Tess and less on high medical costs.” Tess’ mom, Sara

All parents should be able to focus on their kids, not medical costs. #HealthCareIsAHumanRight #MedicaidMatters

bit.ly/31UkvnQ

28/100 “When I'm 26 I have to get my own insurance & I worry about what happens if I lose ACA protections. 26 isn’t very far away so it's something I really think about.” Aaron, Little Lobbyists

Thanks to the #ACA & #ADA Aaron's THRIVING #ProtectOurCare bit.ly/2DX8AO4

29/100 “"#Medicaid covers not only her health care, but also covers In-Home Supportive Services. These are so important to her quality of life. It would be unimaginable to not have these available.” Marianna’s mom, Catrina #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/2EiyRX9

30/100 “If not for the #ACA, Arthur wouldn’t have access to health insurance. There’s an unacceptable 8 year waitlist in #Florida for the #MedicaidWaiver. The Waiver provides so much for families unable to afford necessary services for ppl w/disabilities. bit.ly/2EreJSu

31/100 “Mina’s main injection costs $17,000 every month. There is NO WAY we could afford it. Without Medicaid Mina will die.” Mina’s mom, Mande

#Medicaid saves lives. #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/3aPI2ub

32/100 “A reduction to #ACA or #Medicaid would be devastating to Israel's overall development, and the future of our country's greatest natural resource, our children.” Israel’s dad, Rico

Protect our future #ProtectOurCare bit.ly/2QfGHU5

33/100 “Accommodations to public places allow Rayva to participate in almost all activities with her peers.” Rayva’s mom, Natasha

The #ADA is about more than curb cuts and elevators. Vote for legislators who believe everyone belongs in their community. bit.ly/2EgHKAE

34/100 “The Independent Reviewer Option is a provision of the #ACA (Affordable Care Act). Without it, insurance companies get the last say in what they cover for you. Not doctors, insurance companies.” Kevin’s mom, Lisa
#HealthCareVoter bit.ly/3hnehDt

35/100 “Having #Medicaid access means we can make decisions based solely on what Adeline needs to be comfortable and safe.” Adeline’s mom, Kelly
#MedicaidMatters #HealthCareVoter. bit.ly/3hseDZu

36/100 “Without the #ACA and #Medicaid, Raphael would've maxed out his lifetime health care cap long before his 3rd birthday.” Raphael’s mom, Gillian
The #AffordableCareAct prevents insurers from putting a cap on our children’s lives. #HealthCareVoter

bit.ly/3lbtXvF

37/100 “My husband is active duty in the #Navy. #Tricare doesn’t cover everything, and military facilities can’t accommodate her care, so without #Medicaid I can’t afford her medical needs, equipment, and therapies.” Irelynn’s mom, Chelsea #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/2QiVZay

38/100 “It means everything. Without Medicaid our family can't afford to properly care for him.” Sam’s mom, Allyson

Medicaid covers what insurance won’t – so Sam can live at home, where he belongs. #MedicaidMatters. To our families, it means everything. bit.ly/3jrO2w5

39/100 “We’re trying to get on the [#Medicaid] waiver in MO but we’ve been fighting to just get on the waiting list for 8 months. We’re planning to move to Kansas for their waiver.” Parker’s mom, Cayla

Every kid in every state deserves a chance to thrive. bit.ly/3lzvPPl

40/100 “Freddie’s on his dad’s work insurance, but even w/insurance Freddie's medical costs have put us in debt. No one should be driven to tears trying to figure out how to pay for their child’s medications.” Freddie’s mom, Christina

#HealthCareVoter bit.ly/32KFRV9

41/100 “It's clear we have a long way to go in supporting kids with complex medical needs. But I'm used to fighting for her, and I will not stop advocating.” Róisín’s mom, Aileen

Stand with us to create a better future for our children. #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/3hLJAYH

42/100 “the protections of the ACA regarding pre-existing conditions and no lifetime caps are critical to ensuring that our children aren't pushed out of the system and into decline.” Max’s dad, Jonathan
#HealthCareVoter. bit.ly/2Gzuacv

43/100 “If we were no longer to qualify for the #Medicaid waiver, there is no way that we could afford to keep Lily at home and out of a rehabilitation center.” Lily’s mom, Jessica

Help kids keep getting the care they need in their homes. #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/2F1j4wp

44/100 “Medicaid cuts would significantly change my twin boys' quality of life. It's a life or death situation for our family and for many others. Please, Congress, don't make our kids sick again!” Zachariah’s mom, Carol

#HealthCareVoter bit.ly/2Z7P7Bu

45/100 “I recently got my bachelors of social work and soon I will start a program to earn my masters of social work. During college #504Accommodations have allowed me to succeed” Megan, Little Lobbyists

#ADA #IDEA #DisabilityRights bit.ly/2QZJdOv

46/100 “The #ACA ensured insurance companies couldn't decide he was too expensive and drop him because he reached a lifetime cap. Without access to quality health care, Liam wouldn’t be here. It's that simple.” Liam’s mom, Patty #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/332DRHN

47/100 “It wouldn't be possible to afford Abby's medical bills without Medicaid. It has been essential in allowing Abby to access the care she needs to grow, live, and participate in her community. ” Abigail's mom, Erin
#MedicaidMatters #HealthCareVoter. bit.ly/3bwpJKR

48/100 “What about if and WHEN his father and I die? Tyler’s care would be non-existent without some type of public assistance.” Tyler's mom, Julie

Medicaid and protections from the #ACA and #ADA help our kids not just survive today, but thrive tomorrow. bit.ly/2Z942LJ

49/100 “The words ‘pre-existing conditions’ really are nonsensical–these medical circumstances just are part of who she is. Very simply, the ACA and Medicaid have been necessary tools for saving Josie's life.” Josie's dad, Matt #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/334Mh1r

50/100 “Access to affordable, quality health care means equitable access for all. It means not punishing someone for a congenital condition. It means being able to sleep at night because my son's needs are met.” Wyatt's mom, Lori #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/327Ukvb

51/100 “Medicaid is critical to Kerstin’s daily living. Kerstin has a number of doctors and specialists she sees and these crucial visits and her medications are covered. Cuts to these funds would be devastating.” Kerstin's mom, Mattisa #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/2Zhv0Bb

52/100 “Before Medicaid & ACA our family incurred so much debt from premature birth & genetic disorder. I know what it’s like to be facing lifetime limits. We were forced to file bankruptcy to climb out from under medical debt.” Brennan & Brody’s mom, Alli bit.ly/33p2fn9

53/100 “Claire was born in 2006, before the #ACA. We worried Claire would reach her cap on care, or that if my husband lost his job Claire would be uninsurable due to the pre-existing conditions she was born with. ” Claire’s mom, Jamie

#HealthCareVoter bit.ly/2DV9PNF

54/100 “Soon we won't qualify [for #Medicaid] and that means Dominic will go without a lot of what he needs because we can't afford all of the therapy & supplies.” Dominic’s mom, Alison

It needs to be easier, not harder, to get the care our children need. bit.ly/3kbX0hw

55/100 “ Losing those protections and cuts to #Medicaid could be life-threatening to Lexi, if we can’t access the care she needs when she needs it or afford her medications.” Lexi’’s mom, Nichole

#MedicaidMatters #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/3itlhz0

56/100 “I live in fear I might lose my job and Rylan would lose his insurance. Paying for 1 month's medication out of pocket ($11,000!) would bankrupt us. My husband & I work in social services, we're not millionaires.” Rylan’s mom, Kathy #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/3hnktKJ

57/100 “Cuts to #Medicaid could significantly affect us, because our insurance doesn't cover several services and supports (like certain medical equipment, attendant care, respite, and therapies) that allow Taryn to be at home.” Taryn’s mom, Dawn bit.ly/2Roiw6g

58/100 “I always ask, 'Is it wheelchair accessible?' #ADA ensures we can visit places, like the movies to see #SpiderMan. Accessible theaters maintain the quality of Jonathan’s life & his caregivers’ too. Wheelchairs are heavy FYI.” Jonathan’s mom, Leslie bit.ly/35QUcCE

59/100 “Until the 2016 election, I never had to worry about my sweet boy getting what he needs. I'm a public school teacher and can't afford the family plan my district offers. I don't know what to do.” Harry’s mom, Jessica bit.ly/33G3tdW

60/100 “We lived in Florida, where there’s a 10+ year waitlist for #Medicaid. So we made a life-altering decision to move to Virginia, where the Medicaid Waiver is vital to her ability to thrive. It shouldn’t have to be this way.” Maren’s mom, Carolyn bit.ly/3kwWniF

61/100 “We strive to keep Izzi’s world as typical as possible. Without the Medicaid waiver, we would be hard pressed to get her daily supplies.” Izzi’s mom, Becki bit.ly/32L5DKf

For families of kids with disabilities, #Medicaid keeps daily life going. #HealthCareVoter

62/100 “Jaxon has an I#EP [Individualized Educational Plan], and school provides an amount of independence and joy for Jaxon and the rest of our family.” Jaxon’s mom, Lauren bit.ly/3kykAFi

All kids deserve the joy of education. Vote to fully fund #IDEA #SpecialEducation

63/100 “We would face financial ruin without the ACA. Claire’s medical bill from her first surgery alone was over one million dollars.”Claire’s mom, Jessica bit.ly/3iLzqbf

We must never again cap the health care a child can get over their lifetime. #HealthCareVoter

64/100 “We would go bankrupt without the #ACA. Everyone in our house has a significant pre-existing condition.” Julian’s mom, Maya

Keep health care discrimination illegal. #HealthCareVoter
bit.ly/3iRh6gM

65/100 “No matter their medical needs, our kids are just kids and they just want a chance to grow up. People don’t realize the actual cost of health care … when you start talking about $26K a month, you don’t have that money.” Josephine’s mom, Samantha
bit.ly/341NOGa

66/100 “California’s Medicaid program is critical for us. This allows Wyatt to use a pediatric day care facility, and also allows us to work.” Wyatt’s mom, Sherida bit.ly/3l2Mhqh
#MedicaidMatters #HealthCareVoter

67/100 “If we lost health insurance for Alice because she has a preexisting condition, it would be devastating. Even just losing her Medicaid would be devastating. Alice’s quality of life would be greatly affected.” Alice’s mom, Aimee bit.ly/30qPJ5V
#MedicaidMatters

68/100 “The #Medicaid waiver means Sully gets the therapies that are so critical while he's so young. We've already seen incredible progress - he's about to roll over, reach and grasp! it doesn't seem like much, but it is for him!” Sullivan’s mom, Melissa bit.ly/34dVyVD

69/100 “Because Daphne requires 24 hour care, she receives home nursing through #Medicaid. Cuts to Medicaid would be devastating. Without #ACA protections and Medicaid, Daphne would have no access to health care.” Daphne’s mom, Jennifer bit.ly/30pB6jf
#HealthCareVoter

70/100 “Affordable health care is everything to Danny and to us. While he has employer based coverage, he’s protected by the ACA’s elimination of lifetime caps. Danny’s care is expensive, and he'd have far exceeded these caps already.” Danny’s mom, Laura bit.ly/3n8GP6X

71/100 “Caroline is alive because of #Medicaid. The medications, equipment, and nursing care that have helped us manage her disability would not be possible without the federal program support.” Caroline’s mom, Marta bit.ly/33r9QTD
#MedicaidMatters #HealthCareVoter

72/100 “Our family has never had to decide between paying for his care or paying our bills thanks to his Medicaid waiver.” Jackson’s mom, Ashley bit.ly/2EW8lmQ
#MedicaidMatters #HealthCareVoter

73/100 “Before Medi-Cal, medications were denied; we had to ask for donations to afford chemotherapy. We had $5M in medical costs before she was 3. With #Medicaid she gets treatments as she needs them, not when we can afford them.” Scarlett’s mom, Brandi bit.ly/3ngrKAc

74/100 “Repeal of the ACA would mean his insurance would be under no obligation to cover treatment. The #ACA provides the protection my son needs to get the treatment and services he needs to thrive.” Gerard’s mom, Nora #MedicaidMatters #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/3is76JX

75/100 “Elli has likely already met what would have been a lifetime cap in the pre-#ACA days. I don't want to know what life would be like if she didn't have the coverage she does. ” Elliana’s mom, Jessica #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/3jzh2Tq

76/100 “The cost of his initial hospitalization was in the millions. Without #Medicaid as a secondary insurance policy, there is no way we could have afforded the cost of his care. ” Malachi’s mom, Whitney bit.ly/3luMAKF

77/100 “Jude is considered to have a pre-existing condition, he will require 24 hour care for the rest of his life. He will NOT survive if there are caps on care or pre-existing conditions are a consideration." Jude's mom, Denise #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/3lrGnPs

77/100 “Without the #AffordableCareAct and the protections it provides for pre-existing conditions and no lifetime caps, we would be bankrupt. ” Emerson's mom, Dawn #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/30UcwYb

78/100 “Losing the ACA is terrifying. What if we lost our jobs that provide insurance? Or what about when he’s a young adult and can't get insurance because his pre-existing condition means they can charge whatever they want?” Landon's mom, Cheyenne bit.ly/3jNZRO3

79/100 “Savannah’s total medical bills are in the millions of dollars and her list of #PreExistingConditions is extensive. Without the #ACA, Savannah would be uninsurable.” Savannah’s mom, Lori #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/3jUacIe

80/100 “Henry just qualified for the Medicaid waiver in Colorado. It is amazing the services it opens up for our family. Knowing we have access to funds for expensive modifications means we can make a safe, accessible home for Henry” Henry’s mom, Jennifer bit.ly/2FtieZG

81/100 “The #ACA and #Medicaid mean we’re not drowning in debt to provide basic, life-sustaining care for my child.” Emma's mom, Stacy #HealthCareVoter #MedicaidMatters bit.ly/3lPTWbH

82/100 “Rob says that he feels health care is a human right. He plans to protest if the #ACA is overturned.” Rob’s mom, Jeneva #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/3dmBjt5

83/100 “Cuts to Medicaid would be devastating for Journee. Cuts would mean that such equipment, medications, and procedures that would benefit the child would be denied.” Journee’s dad, Yves #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/3dxDPNf

84/100 “The scary part of cuts to insurance and/or #Medicaid comes down to someone deciding if my child is really worth it. If their life really matters enough to outweigh the costs to keep him alive and healthy.” Brayden’s mom, Carrie #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/34UNbPb

85/100 “#Lymphedema is incurable, it will always be her #PreExistingCondition. When she grows out of the children’s healthcare (#CHIP) we cannot afford her garments.” Emma’s mom, Tiffany #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/2HbGik8

86/100 “Maddox's coverage through the #Medicaid Waiver means we don't struggle financially to cover hospitalizations and nutrition supplies. We can focus on giving him a childhood, something every child deserves.” Maddox’s mom, Elizabeth #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/3j8Mbf2

87/100 “The #ACA is the closest thing we have to a health care bill of rights. The ACA ensures Natalie will have access to the care she needs to pursue a happy, independent life of her own.” Natalie’s dad, Joe bit.ly/3k7TxRD

88/100 “We get our healthcare through the state of Washington (#ACA health care #exchanges) for both of our boys. If we lost that as an option, JJ’s ongoing care would be astronomical.” JJ’s mom, Kayla bit.ly/31gn7Np

89/100 “Families who have children with special health care needs have enough to worry about, without worrying that their child's health care could be taken away.” Pippa’s mom, Amanda #HealthCareVoter bit.ly/3lU8JSI