Jason Lane Newton's life took an unexpected turn in 2018 when he suffered a heart attack and underwent open-heart surgery. This was followed by a spinal fusion, which left him unable to return to work despite his best efforts. Jason, a self-described “country boy” from Shelbyville, Tennessee, found himself navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, a journey that was both confusing and frustrating.
His troubles began when he received an unexpected bill from his doctor's office, only to discover that he had been dropped from TennCare — Tennessee's Medicaid program— without any prior notification. The appeals period had passed, and he had to reapply, a process that left him feeling like he was getting the runaround. When he called TennCare, he struggled to get direct answers about why he’d lost coverage despite still being eligible.
He felt like the TennCare system seemed more interested in getting him off the phone than providing real help. "You're a number to TennCare," he said. He worries that with proposed federal cuts to Medicaid, even more people will struggle with red tape, administrative issues, and lost coverage like he did.
"If this goes through, a lot of people will be hung out to dry," he warned. He believes that people need to understand the reality of dealing with TennCare and hopes that sharing his story will raise awareness and support for those in similar circumstances. "People need to know. I never would have known. They think it doesn’t affect them... If they [knew it] did, they’d be fighting for us," Jason emphasized.
Jason's story is a testament to the struggles many people face when dealing with disability and low income. Before his health issues, Jason knew little about TennCare. He has Type II Diabetes and relies on the CHOICES program for his care. The thought of losing his insurance is a constant source of anxiety for him, as it is his lifeline. "To be able to lose insurance... I might as well dig my grave," Jason said.
Through it all, Jason remains resilient. "You work hard all your life. I’m not one to ask for help... but maybe I do need help. It makes your whole way of thinking about the state change," he reflected. His story is a powerful reminder of the critical importance of Medicaid. For individuals like Jason, Medicaid is not just a program; it is a lifeline that ensures access to essential healthcare services and support.