Monika Ruiz

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Bio:
Monika is a single mother of two girls: Brizeida, 5, and Sytlalli, 3. During the day, Monika cares for her daughters while trying to find a job. She is also looking into going to college for forensic science. Medicaid allowed her to get weekly check-ups during her first pregnancy, which had complications. A few years ago, Monika and her daughters all caught the H1N1 virus and were sick for several weeks. Without Medicaid and the medical care it offered them, Monika says her younger daughter, who was just three months old at the time, would have been at serious risk of dying from the disease.

How has Medicaid benefitted you or your family?
"It has helped me because it takes a big weight off of my shoulders. I have enough to pay for rent, food, cell phone, and the girls' clothes."

What would happen to you or your family if you lost your Medicaid coverage?
"We'd probably be okay for some time, but eventually the kids would get sick and I would have to take them to the hospital. Without Medicaid, I wouldn't have the money to take care of my daughters if they were to get hurt."

What would you say to people who claim that our state can't afford to pay for Medicaid anymore?
"Why would they cut things people need? How can you go to school and learn if you are sick?! I wish they would just change their minds about the cuts."