“When I got custody of my two grandchildren a couple of years ago, I didn’t know where to go to get any help.  I’m so glad [I was told about LaCHIP] because LaCHIP has saved me hundreds and hundreds of dollars.  My grandbabies had not had any medical attention for two whole years before I got them.  They both needed glasses so I took them to the eye doctor and LaCHIP paid for everything- the eye exam and the eyeglasses.”

-Ann Williams, Grandmother Raising Grandchildren in East Baton Rouge Parish

“As I work independently on per project commitments, my income is sporadic and unreliable.  My husband was laid off from his position and spent nine months on unemployment before he was able to find comparable employment.  Without the support of LaCHIP, there is no doubt that my children would not have been able to have their medications and medical visits.  I did not really think that we would be able to obtain help, but…I needed to try for my kids’ sake.  Thank you.”

-Husband Laid-off in St. Tammany Parish

The parents of two boys, ages seven and four, “John” and “Sue” are both self-employed.  They have had private insurance in the past, but they cannot afford the high premiums, high deductibles, and no co-payment coverage of group insurance.  “John” fears that, without LaCHIP, their children would be turned away from medical attention when it is needed most.

-Self-employed Parents of Four in Evangeline Parish

A kindergarten teacher in the East Carroll Parish public school system, “Jill” is a single mother raising seven children.  Even though health insurance is available to her through her employer, she cannot afford the premiums, deductibles, and co-payments.  All seven of her children have used their Medicaid cards in the past year, and it is reassuring for her to know that she doesn’t have to worry about how she is going to pay their medical bills.

-Single Mother of Seven in East Carroll Parish

“I am a mother of seven children, married to a wonderful hardworking man who has for the past eight years been self-employed.  Being self-employed has many benefits, but one is not insurance.  Because of LaCHIP, our children have had everything they need medically.  They have all had their dental check-ups, vision check-ups, glasses as needed, and physical check-ups.  When my children are sick, I don’t have the financial burden and the worry [about] where the money will come from.”

-Christine Landry, College Senior in Calcasieu Parish

“I do not have legal custody of [my niece], but I have taken care of her since she was about two years old.  I’ve never been able to have insurance on her because…she is not my biological or legal child.  Up until last year, I was paying for all of [her] medical bills and prescriptions.  I…applied for Medicaid and [my niece] was approved.  Since last year, [she] has had preventive dental work and has been able to go to the doctor whenever she is sick.  I am very thankful for the program.”

-State Employee Raising Niece in Caddo Parish

"My daughter is an only child who has a delay in her physical and occupational mobility, and without LaCHIP, I wouldn't have been able to afford the services she is receiving today.  My child is now more confident and happy playing with other children and just having to do everyday activities."

-Valerie Wilson of Ouachita Parish