It’s not about convenience, it’s about fundamental human dignity

For 24-year-old Connor Murphy, Medicaid has meant dignity and independence. Connor is pursuing his Master of Computer Science from the University of Tennessee (UT). Graduate school is a challenging undertaking for anyone, but especially for Connor, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). SMA is a severe neuromuscular disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness. Because of his disability, Connor requires around-the-clock care. He gets his nutrition through a G-tube, he uses a manual suctioning machine to help him breathe and swallow, and he uses a wheelchair.  

Connor thrives, in part, because of Tennessee’s Medicaid program, TennCare. Connor is enrolled in TennCare through the Employment and Community First (ECF) CHOICES Program, a Medicaid category of eligibility in Tennessee for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. With ECF CHOICES, Connor has several UT students as academic aides. His aides attend his classes, take notes, and take over typing duties for Connor when he gets fatigued from coding. They also help with vital daily tasks, including suctioning, feeding through his G-tube, and other personal care needs.

TennCare may even help cover the cost of a robotic arm, which would help Connor live more independently. As Connor puts it, access to affordable healthcare “is not about convenience -- it's about fundamental human dignity.” TennCare allows Connor to build relationships with peers who share his interests while giving him the opportunity to pursue his education and career goals with autonomy and respect. 

Cuts to Medicaid’s funding pose a serious threat to people like Connor. Connor could lose both his access to his aides and the hopes of a robotic arm. Without academic aides, Connor might not be able to finish his graduate program, and his mother would likely have to step in as his full-time caretaker. Connor’s story is proof of the layered ways in which Medicaid works. 

With the high costs of medical care and assistive technology, access to affordable healthcare is essential. By protecting Medicaid, we protect Connor and his future.