Kansas Stories: Alisha
July 2026
Alisha is one of thousands of “dual eligible” Kansans — people who rely on both Medicare and Medicaid to stay healthy. These programs help pay for health care and make it possible for Alisha to afford basic needs like housing and groceries.
Alisha, like many other Kansans, is eligible for Medicaid due to a disability diagnosis they received from the Social Security Administration. About twenty years ago, Alisha was involved in a car collision. The collision caused Alisha to suffer a traumatic brain injury. Alisha’s traumatic brain injury manifested in many ways, including intermittent explosive disorder, unspecified neurological disorder, and bipolar disorder. For ten years after Alisha’s traumatic brain injury, Alisha required a high-level of care and in-patient living. After, Alisha experienced many years of uncertain housing and even homelessness due to their traumatic brain injury.
About a year and a half ago, Alisha moved back to Emporia, where they grew up. They are grateful to have found a welcoming LGBTQ+ community where they feel accepted and supported. One place that has made a big difference is the Rainbow Sanctuary at the First United Methodist Church, where LGBTQ+ people can gather, build friendships, and support one another. Moving to Emporia also allows Alisha access to health care and services needed to live.
Medicaid helps cover nearly every part of Alisha’s health care. Alisha’s unspecified neurological disorder and bipolar disorder interfere with many aspects of their life, including their ability to maintain employment. In addition, Alisha’s disability diagnosis prevents them from earning more than a set amount a month without losing their support. Thus, Medicaid fills a gap for Alisha’s health needs. It pays for visits with a therapist, a doctor who manages medications, and a primary care provider. It also covers vision care, including eye exams, glasses, and cataract surgery, as well as dental care and dentures.
One of the most important services Medicaid provides is transportation. Alisha relies on rides to get to doctor’s appointments, therapy, peer support groups, and the hospital, when needed. Recently it was especially important, as Alisha needed a ride to the hospital, where they stayed several days to receive care. Without it, Alisha would miss many appointments and support groups that help manage their physical and mental health.
Alisha is extremely proud that, at the time of this writing, they are one month sober from alcohol, in large part due to support groups they are able to attend through Medicaid. Alisha is hopeful they can pair their love of animals with someday working with them, as Alisha’s care and kindness lends itself to working with animals, or pursue a career in meteorology, as Alisha has always loved science. In their free time, Alisha enjoys spending time with friends, playing games, going on walks, and watching the seasons change, especially fall when the leaves change.
Alisha is thankful that they have not lost any of the services they depend on. But they worry about the recent Medicaid cuts and how they will affect care in the future.
Alisha’s story is not unique. Thousands of Kansans, including many dual-eligible Kansans, depend on Medicaid to see a doctor, fill prescriptions, get mental health services, and access transportation to appointments. Medicaid is not a luxury or convenience – it is a lifeline. This is especially true for those Kansans who have a disability diagnosis from the Social Security Administration.
Protecting Medicaid means protecting the health, independence, and dignity of Kansans across our state. For Alisha, it means having the opportunity to not just survive, but to truly live.