“There are a lot of people who are working and they still need Medicaid.”
Charlotte Jefferson enrolled in Medicaid during a challenging time in her life.
About 25 years ago, she was getting prepared to attend pharmacy school as a single mother of three, who had recently left an abusive relationship.
She relied on Medicaid to provide critical coverage for her family’s healthcare needs.
Medicaid helped her ensure her kids didn’t miss their regular appointments with the pediatrician and the dentist during a difficult time for their family.
“It gave me peace of mind for my children,” she said. “I feel like it set the foundation for the kids to be healthier.”
Charlotte relied on Medicaid as a temporary bridge for her family’s healthcare coverage and transitioned off Medicaid after enrolling in the University of Montana’s Doctor of Pharmacy Program.
Now, in her role as the Director of Pharmacy at Big Horn Hospital, Charlotte continues to see the impact of Montana’s Medicaid program on working people, students and parents going through a tough time, just like she did.
“You’d be surprised at how many are in a similar situation I was in. They just need help to get back on their own two feet,” Charlotte said. “I see patients with asthma, patients with diabetes and I think, how would they make it otherwise?”
Medicaid expansion was reauthorized by the 2025 Montana Legislature, which removed the sunset attached to the program.
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