
20/05/2025
Medicaid saves lives. And it lets people live.
South Carolina covers just 24.6% of Medicaid costs. With waitlists over 40,000 people long, we cannot afford to go it alone.
If federal Medicaid funding is cut, thousands of disabled South Carolinians could lose the care that keeps them healthy, safe, and connected.
Just ask James.
🧠James is a 38-year-old South Carolinian with autism and a rare genetic condition called MELAS—Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like Episodes.
🎓 He graduated in the top 10 from Dutch Fork High and earned his degree from the University of South Carolina. He loves video games, movies, and hanging out with friends.
Today, James goes to the Babcock Center for employment support. Thanks to Medicaid, he has:
Access to critical medications
Respite services
In-home supports
These services aren’t extras—they’re essential. They keep James safe, stable, and engaged in his community. They allow him to live a life filled with purpose, connection, and independence.
🚨 But if Medicaid is cut, James would lose the care that helps manage his complex medical needs. He could lose the supports that allow him to participate in daily life outside his home.
📣 Medicaid isn’t just about healthcare—it’s about belonging. It’s about people like James having the right to live fully in their community.
📞 Tell your lawmakers: Protect Medicaid. Protect lives: https://aapd.quorum.us/campaign/111899/
[Image description for accessibility: Text over a scrapbook-style dark blue background reads, 'I am Medicaid. Meet James, USC graduate. Loves playing video games and watching movies with friends. Graduated in the top 10 of his high school class. Has autism & MELAS. Medicaid allows him to have access to needed medication and also allows him to receive respite services and in-home support. Is working towards holding a good and meaningful job through employment support.' Arrows point to text from a centered print frame photo of James, a Chinese American man, with his dad. Able SC logo at base.]