Seriously, are people stigmatized about going on Medicaid?

[sadbear]

Seems a lot of people, even people here on DU, would rather pay the penalty than go on Medicaid. Are we really that shallow a society? Is there something else I'm missing something?

[TheWraith]

1. Funny how that works, isn't it?

Even in a place like DU, people resist at all costs showing the fact that they're poor.

Well, nobody's saying you have to be happy about it. I'm dirt poor, and not happy about it. But guess what: I'm not happy about BEING POOR, not about ADMITTING that I'm poor.

[EFerrari]

2. If they aren't now, they will be once they hit the system.n/t

[FarCenter]

3. A significant percentage of doctors don't accept Medicaid patients

Most Medicaid patients are seen by about a fourth of the doctors.

[sadbear]

7. Good point

Does anyone know if Obamacare addresses this?

[madokie]

4. I know several people on medicaid and they all think its the best thing since sliced bread

so I'm not sure where you're coming from with this OP.

[FirstLight]

5. I don;t know what they are thinking

I have been on Medi-CAL since i became an adult and a mother, can't afford any other healthcare, even when I do have a job....

granted, i have to make appts at the health clinic, and it took a while to get my chronic health issues addressed, and I had to be my own advocate in many ways, as well as be pretty educated about my kids' health issues too. But, if it weren't for that, we would have been in really bad shape. not to mention no dental or vision....

[Glitterati]

6. I would be overjoyed with Medicaid

I broke my foot a week ago and cannot afford to see a doctor. My toes are still blue, and the foot is swollen horribly.

But, I simply have no money at all, and when I get my social security check next week, it's gone on things like a roof over our heads and food on the table.

[Kookaburra]

8. Not stigmatized, but

I know in my case, my doctor who knows my medical history and has been treating my health issues for the past 12 years would not be included in the plan if I were to go on medicaid. It is an unfortunate situation that these medical corporations will not accept medicaid, but will accept medicare.

My brother has been on medicaid for a couple of years and I remember when he first got on it, we have a terrible time trying to find a physician to see him, then when we finally found one the wait time for an appointment was ridiculous.