I need everyone’s honest opinion. I know people have mixed feelings about Medicaid, and I understand that. For years, my spouse and I had employee health insurance while we both worked. Life was good until my spouse passed away. Now, I have therapy appointments and many other medical appointments for myself and my children.
I didn’t realize that if I earned under a certain amount, I would be directed to Medicaid for myself and my kids. I’m grateful that this safety net exists. I work part-time while my children are in school.
Here’s my question for the community: If my full-time job would cost about $7,000 a year for health insurance for all of us, would you work full-time or stick to part-time and stay on Medicaid?
If I earn about $40,000 a year and pay $7,000 for medical, I’d be left with $33,000 before taxes. Does that seem worth it? Right now, I make about $30,000 working part-time.
I enjoy working and have no debt or mortgage, so nothing is urgent. I’m just getting used to this “free medical” through Medicaid. It feels easy with no co-pays or bills afterward. This has never been my reality before, and I’m worried it might become a crutch.
Be thankful your state offers Medicaid and use it if you need it—that’s why it exists. The situation you described is something many people face: work a little more, and you lose Medicaid, or keep working part-time and keep Medicaid.
I hope no one stays on Medicaid just to avoid working full-time, but sometimes it makes sense to use it. People have kids to care for, medical conditions that make full-time work difficult, or they might face a tough job market.
You’ve captured the idea perfectly: Medicaid is meant to help during tough times, not to be a permanent solution if you can avoid it.
The general feeling here is that if you need Medicaid and it’s available, you should use it. Many people could really benefit from it, but they live in one of the 10 states without expanded Medicaid, so they end up uninsured.
Just remember, Medicaid isn’t truly free since we all pay into it through taxes. I wish I could qualify for Medicaid because I have a very expensive terminal illness, but we make just a bit too much to be eligible.
That’s exactly why I put “free medical” in quotes. My spouse and I paid into the system for decades. If I were 55 or older, I wouldn’t be on Medicaid because in some states they can take your home if you pass away or need long-term care.
I understand how people feel about Medicaid and welcome all comments on the issue.