After spending three decades taking care of Tennessee, Sabrina Dae Rider Harper is now asking the state to return the favor.
Sabrina is a retired nurse who has worked in various healthcare settings, including geriatrics, hospice, hospitals, home health, and rehab. Her nursing career shaped her views on politics and the world. As she says, “as a nurse, you see people from life to death.” She understands the importance of healthcare access and its impact on families.
Late in her career, Sabrina began experiencing health issues and was eventually diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.), which affects her eyesight, memory, speech, and stamina. Additionally, her youngest child has autism spectrum disorder and dyslexia. For Sabrina, having Medicaid means she can receive necessary medication and attend doctor’s appointments to slow the progression of M.S. She aims to stay as healthy as possible to continue caring for her autistic son.
However, Sabrina is no stranger to life without healthcare. In 2023, she unexpectedly lost her coverage as a caretaker relative. It took over a year for her to appeal and regain coverage. During that time, she had to forgo her costly M.S. medications to prioritize her son’s health. “I don’t care what happens to me, I’m just trying to get this youngin’ grown,” she says.
Thankfully, she regained coverage, but Sabrina is concerned about potential Medicaid cuts. She finds it “dishonorable and perfidious” that Tennessee and federal leaders are even considering such cuts. "I have no faith in the political system whatsoever,” she says. She has witnessed the devastation caused by lack of healthcare, whether through coworkers who had to leave their jobs in private duty nursing due to lack of funding, or neighbors who avoid doctors because they are uninsured and can't afford out-of-pocket expenses.
Sabrina fears for the future, especially “for the ones that come after [her] time is done.” Without coverage, her M.S. would progress more rapidly, potentially causing her death while her son still needs support. She wonders about who would meet her son’s complex needs as an autistic individual. She wants to leave something behind for her children but worries she won’t be able to if her medical expenses continue to grow. Additionally, she worries for her community, where high addiction rates could worsen if people can't access proper treatment.
Saving Medicaid is crucial for people like Sabrina, allowing them to continue raising their children and keeping communities healthy and strong. Someone like Sabrina, who has devoted her entire life and career to caregiving, should be able to afford to care for herself and her family.