Cori’s story is a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of healthcare access and self-advocacy. Cori has been a resident of Amethyst Place for just three months and is working toward reunifying with her one-year-old daughter. One day, she took the time to complete a survey on how the Missouri Medicaid postpartum coverage expansion has impacted her life. It used to cover moms for 60 days postpartum, but now it lasts for a year thanks to recent legislation.
Cori was able to share how the expansion has had a huge impact on her wellbeing. Having extended postpartum coverage has allowed her to get necessary medication, receive dental care, and take care of her mental health. She also shared that without access to healthcare she would not be on her recovery journey — Medicaid coverage paid for her substance use treatment as well. Cori’s story is a testament to the power of advocacy and the importance of supporting mothers and families.
What’s next for Cori’s newfound passion for advocacy? Representative Patterson said he’d like to work with her further to share her story with other lawmakers in Jefferson City. According to Cori, she wants to change the world so that it’s a better place when her daughter is her age.