Louisiana Healthcare Connections Members Highlight Medicaid's Positive Impact on Business and Community
Date: 03/20/24
Baton Rouge, La. – In times of uncertainty and crisis, having proper insurance can make a significant difference in recovery. Louisiana Healthcare Connections, a Medicaid health plan serving the Louisiana Department of Health and a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), has been a steadfast ally for two farmers and their families, offering crucial support during challenging periods.
Maggie Long, the owner and operator of Mushroom Maggie's Farm in St. Francisville, faced multiple setbacks, including a devastating barn fire that left her husband, Cyrus, injured, and the subsequent challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maggie shares, "Being a farmer is not easy. We had a barn fire after we had been up and running for only a year. Cyrus got burned, and everything just melted. We finally got going again and then COVID hit. So, we've had to essentially restart the business three times. It's just been one foot in front of the other since then."
Despite these hardships, Louisiana Healthcare Connections has been a constant source of support for Maggie and her family. Louisiana Healthcare Connections has sponsored dollar-match programs of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at farmers' markets across the state, playing a crucial role in assisting farmers like Maggie by providing financial aid to both vendors and customers.
Maggie expresses her gratitude, stating, "The SNAP-match program sponsored by Louisiana Healthcare Connections has been a tremendous help. People who come in and put down $20 get matched with another $20, so they leave with $40 worth of good food. And that's 20 extra dollars to one of the farmers.”
Louisiana Healthcare Connections has not only been instrumental in providing financial support but has also ensured that Maggie and her family have access to comprehensive healthcare coverage, including additional therapy needed for her son's developmental delays.
“Thank you for answering the phone calls and supporting us,” continued Long. “It’s made it easier for farmers who work really, really hard.”
William Fletcher, a fifth-generation strawberry farmer in Ponchatoula, faced the challenges of two floods in 2016 that severely impacted his annual income. After the floods, William found solace and support through Louisiana Healthcare Connections, allowing him to afford health insurance for his family.
William shares, "Having excellent health care is something that lets me sink a little deeper into the pillow at night and the knowledge that if something happened, I know we would have been taken care of."
Louisiana Healthcare Connections not only provided essential healthcare coverage but also demonstrated a personal touch, with staff members remembering William and his family on a first-name basis.
“We were really impressed with everyone [at Louisiana Healthcare Connections], and as we were able to rebuild our lives and rebuild the farm and kind of start getting back on our feet financially, Louisiana Healthcare Connections was there for us, and for that, we will always be grateful.”
As Louisiana Healthcare Connections continues to play a pivotal role in supporting local businesses and farmers, these stories underscore the vital impact of Medicaid on individuals, businesses, and communities, showcasing the program's commitment to fostering resilience and prosperity across the state.
For more information, please visit www.louisianahealthconnect.com.
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About Louisiana Healthcare Connections
A Medicaid health plan serving the Louisiana Department of Health, Louisiana Healthcare Connections was launched in 2012 to provide the best benefits and programs possible to improve the overall health of the families and communities we serve. We are a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, focused on identifying and removing institutional barriers to good health with sustainable solutions that reduce health disparities and create health equity. Through a family of engaged employees, dedicated providers and diverse community partners, we deliver care for the health of all with Medicaid Made Personal. For more information, visit www.louisianahealthconnect.com..