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Tell Us Your Story

Santiago kids2By Dania Santiago - Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 

A couple years ago, my household income was just barely above the cut-off to qualify for SoonerCare. I was obligated to pay for private insurance, with sky high premiums, ridiculous co-pays and deductibles and unfair pre-existing condition clauses.

Each time my kids got sick I thought: "Do we really need to take you to the doctor?" Each illness could easily cost me anywhere from $75 and up. I often caught myself self-diagnosing and treating with over the counter remedies, something risky for little kids.

Today, my financial circumstances are a bit more difficult but, I am so blessed to know that my children's health is taken care of. A couple weeks ago my 10-year-old had difficulty breathing and chest pain. I didn't think twice before taking him to the nearest Urgent Care, where he was fully examined and X-rayed to find out that he had pneumonia.

As I picked up his prescription I remember thanking God and the pharmacist because everything was covered; inhaler, breathing therapies, antibiotics, Urgent Care visit, I didn't need to worry about a single penny. It's funny, because I had this very conversation with the pharmacy clerk as I checked out after that very long night. Her words were: "Above all, just thank God that we live in a country that still takes care of the needy during trying times."

Learn more about SoonerCare

OHCA’s “Tell Us Your Story” campaign was inspired by one mother’s thankful call to a SoonerCare outreach employee. The agency is asking other SoonerCare members to tell the agency how SoonerCare changed their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

Oklahomans can apply for SoonerCare online at www.mysoonercare.org. Learn more about SoonerCare and other health care programs on the website or call the SoonerCare Helpline at 800-987-7767.

 

 

 

 

soonerfacts

SoonerFacts

  • On average, more than 50 percent of the estimated Oklahoma populations younger than age 18 have been enrolled in SoonerCare.
  • SoonerCare provides quality health care for 1 in 4 Oklahomans.
  • SoonerCare provides medical, dental and vision coverage for children who qualify for the program.
  • More than 570,000 Oklahoma children are currently enrolled in SoonerCare.
  • A family of four can have an annual income of more than $50,000 and may still qualify for SoonerCare.
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