After facing years full of challenges, a Manassas resident is seeing a silver lining.
Kara Murdock, an amputee, will be starting the new year receiving the care she needs.
The 27-year-old’s application for Medicaid has been approved.
“I can now go to the doctor when I’m sick,” she said. “I don’t have to go to the [Emergency Room] or worry about, ‘Oh, I can’t take my blood thinner, because I can’t afford it.’”
Murdock has undergone several surgeries during the past three years. Her right hand and forearm have been removed, as well.
Earlier this year, she didn’t have health insurance and was ineligible for Medicaid.
This changed on November 1, when Medicaid expansion began.
Many of the health care program’s rules have changed, Holly Handy from the Prince William County Department of Social Services explained at a meeting in October.
Before Medicaid expansion was passed, according to Murdock, applicants needed to be accepted by disability services.
“Now, with medicaid expansion, you can apply for Medicaid without having to be approved for disability,” she said. “But one of the challenges was just waiting for the legislation to pass.”
The former paramedic and professional dog groomer has become an advocate for Medicaid.
Murdock recently visited the Medicaid Call Center, where she met Governor Ralph Northam, Secretary of Health and Human Resources Dr. Daniel Carey, and Department of Medical Assistance Services Director Dr. Jennifer Lee.
“I shared my story and we’re using my story to tell people there’s new coverage — it can apply to you. It’s not too good to be true; it is true. Apply, and see if you get accepted,” she said.
In addition to Medicaid, Murdock has also applied for disability services.
“Unfortunately, it’s been denied on appeal for the second time, and our next step is to take it to a judge,” she said.
