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Tina

Tina, 43, lives in Lawrenceburg with her 17-year-old daughter, who is her pride and joy.  Tina loves to tell anyone who will listen about her daughter’s honor roll grades and plans to attend college.  Several years ago, Tina’s panic and anxiety disorders prevented her from leaving her home.  She was so paralyzed by fear, just getting out to the driveway was terrifying.

Then, she qualified for TennCare.  With medication and therapy, Tina’s health improved markedly.  She was able to take classes, and earned certification to work as a nurse’s assistant.  She got a full-time job and was proud to be supporting her family.  Then, Tina was diagnosed with a lipoma brain tumor and lumbar disc degeneration.  As her back problems increased, she had to reduce her work hours.

In August, Tina lost TennCare coverage.  She almost lost her apartment because she could not pay the rent.  She could not pay rent because she had to buy the medicines she needed to stay stable.  She took out loans.  She became desperate—not knowing how she would cover the cost of health care herself and still be able to make a home for herself and her daughter.

She called TJC.  We evaluated Tina’s eligibility information and found that she is eligible for TennCare Medicaid.  We assisted Tina with her appeal.  She has now been reinstated to TennCare coverage, and says she doesn’t know what she would have done without TJC’s help.