Protect Medicaid, Protect Real Families

Drake Ingram is the beloved son of his mother, Jerri. Due to a catastrophic injury in early childhood, Drake battles a long list of severe disabilities that require around-the-clock care. Every moment of his daily life depends on the support of someone else. For decades, that someone has been his mother. 

As a single parent, Jerri has devoted her life to caring for Drake. Her only respite comes in the form of skilled nursing services provided by Tennessee's Medicaid Program, TennCare. These nursing hours are essential. They allow Jerri the time she needs to work and support her family. This kind of skilled nursing is not available through private insurance plans. Medicaid is their only option.  

Drake has had the same nurse for nearly 30 years, a testament to both his charming character and the quality of his care team. Thanks to this consistent care, Drake has been able to stay strong, healthy, and out of the hospital. His affordable and accessible healthcare has prevented serious complications and expensive hospital visits. Medicaid has also given Jerri and Drake peace of mind. When Jerri leaves for work, she knows her son is in safe hands. Jerri and Drake find joy going to baseball games, cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers, driving through Cades Cove, and watching waves roll in at the beach. 

TennCare Medicaid allows caregivers like Jerri to keep working and gives people like Drake the chance to live with dignity, stability, and joy. TennCare Medicaid cannot be scaled back without devastating consequences. When we protect Medicaid, we protect real families.