Meet Matthew

Ten years ago, Matthew McFarland was at a crossroads. While battling addiction and serious health issues, he also faced a devastating diagnosis: Hepatitis C had caused stage 3 liver damage with advanced fibrosis. His medical prognosis was poor, and his future uncertain.

Luckily, he was able to sign up for Medicaid. That access saved his life, cured his illness, and helped him heal, both mentally and physically.

Matthew speaks in front of a yellow wall. He is wearing a black suit and black glasses. The Community Catalyst green logo appears in the top right of the photo and a caption at the bottom of the screen reads, "How has having Medicaid helped you?"
In this powerful testimonial, Matthew shares how access to Medicaid completely transformed his life, curing his Hepatitis C and addressing his physical, mental, and behavioral health needs. His journey to becoming a productive community leader demonstrates the critical importance of Medicaid.

Through Medicaid coverage, Matthew received treatment that not only cured his Hepatitis C but also addressed his physical, mental, and behavioral health needs – creating a foundation for a complete life transformation. Today, Matthew is a vice president, a proud homeowner, and a devoted father who comes home to his 15-year-old daughter every day.

“If it wasn’t for Medicaid,” says Matthew, “I would be none of those things.”

How Medicaid Improves Health Outcomes

Matthew’s story reflects what research consistently shows: access to care dramatically improves health outcomes and life trajectories.  

When people have access to Medicaid coverage: 
  • Chronic conditions become manageable, not life-threatening
  • Early detection and treatment prevent diseases from progressing to advanced stages
  • Preventive care reduces emergency room visits and costly hospitalizations
  • Mental health and substance use disorders receive proper medical treatment instead of stigma or criminalization
  • Financial stability improves as medical debt and bankruptcy are avoided
  • Workforce participation increases as health improves
  • Life expectancy extends by years, particularly for vulnerable populations

The data is clear: Medicaid doesn’t just provide health care – it helps create pathways out of poverty, reduce health inequities, strengthen families, and builds stronger communities. Each person who gains access to care represents potential transformation that extends far beyond medical outcomes.

The Human Cost of Medicaid Tax Cuts

Republicans in Congress are threatening to slash Medicaid funding just to pay for tax cuts to billionaires and greedy corporations. These aren’t just abstract policy debates – they have real consequences for real people.

Medicaid isn’t just a line item in a budget resolution – it’s a lifeline that makes transformation possible for millions of people in our country.

It’s the mother who can finally get treatment for her diabetes. It’s the child who can see a dentist for the first time. It’s the grandfather who can afford his heart medication. And it’s people like Matthew, who get a second chance at life.

Please, whatever happens, do not end or restrict Medicaid. It is of vital importance to our communities, to people like myself, to my 15-year-old daughter who welcomes me every day when I come home from work. We need this very important program. Please, please keep it alive. – Matthew McFarland

Each dollar cut from Medicaid represents countless people who won’t be able to get the care they want and need.

Take Action: Join the Fight to Defend Medicaid

Share your story: Do you have a story similar to Matthew’s? Policymakers need to hear from you. Record a short video, share your story, and tell policymakers: HANDS OFF MEDICAID.