Tell Us Your Story

By 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."

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.