Self Advocacy Spotlight: Why Medicaid Matters

Carla’s Story of Independence, Dignity, and the Power of Support

For many Americans with disabilities, Medicaid is more than just a healthcare program—it's the foundation for a life of independence, stability, and hope. Carla Geeslin, a self-advocate in Macon, GA, relies on Medicaid services and recently shared her story and the critical role this support plays in her life and the lives of countless others.

“Life’s been good,” Carla said. “I get to see a doctor and I have a place to live.” 

Routine healthcare and stable housing are things many take for granted, but they are made possible by Medicaid. In a heartfelt conversation, Carla spoke out against proposed Medicaid cuts, calling them “wrong” and “devastating.” 

Carla explained that if her Medicaid waiver were to be taken away, she would be forced to move back home, losing her independence and the life she has built for herself. “The waiver gives me freedom,” she said. “It lets me live independently, be who I want to be. That’s why I don’t want to move back home.” 

Medicaid isn’t just about access to healthcare—it’s about dignity and the ability to participate fully in society like everyone else. For Carla, and many like her, it means the ability to live in a supportive environment, to see doctors when needed, and to have a life outside of institutional settings. When asked how cuts would affect her friends across the state, Carla didn’t hesitate: “It would hurt them deeply. They’d be disappointed. It would change their lives. Keep Medicaid open for all people with disabilities. We need it. We need to go to the doctor, and we need a place to live.” 

Carla’s voice is a reminder that behind every policy debate are real people whose lives hang in the balance. 

“The word I think of when I am visible is happy.”