Medicaid Helps a Grandfather Keep His Grandchildren Healthy

Larry Locke is a 66-year-old lifelong resident of Hawkins County, Tennessee. Larry recently took on an unexpected role as full-time caregiver for his three grandchildren, who are now three, four, and eight years old. Larry loves his grandkids beyond measure, but raising three young children on a fixed income is no small task. Larry's granddaughter has ongoing health issues that needed immediate attention. Larry suspected a food allergy, but he could not afford the diagnostic care or treatment without health insurance. 

That changed when Larry discovered that his family qualified for TennCare—Tennessee’s Medicaid program. Once his grandchildren were approved for coverage, Larry was finally able to take his granddaughter to the doctor to address her health concerns. TennCare helps Larry afford routine doctor visits, dental care, and vision checkups for all three children, giving them a healthier start in life. TennCare also covers Larry himself under the caretaker relative category, keeping him healthy so he is better equipped to care for his grandchildren. 

Larry’s story is a quiet but powerful reminder of why Medicaid matters. Access to comprehensive, quality healthcare is not just about treating illness – it is also about keeping healthy children healthy. No parent or grandparent should ever have to choose between taking a child to the doctor and putting food on the table. Medicaid ensures that low-income families can access essential preventive and emergency care, helping kids stay healthy, stay in school, and carve bright futures.