I Lost Health Coverage and Nearly Lost My Future
Patrick M. was attending college in central Florida when his family experienced a financial crisis that left him without access to medical care and prescription medications that he needed.
As a high school student, Patrick was diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety disorders and was granted disability accommodations to support his learning. These accommodations, such as additional time to complete exams and assignments, helped him to excel in his classes.
Upon entering college, Patrick worked hard but still struggled to keep up with his courses. He let his professors know that he was experiencing some difficulty due to his diagnosed conditions, but instead of being met with acceptance and accommodation, he was met with cold indifference.
In his second semester, Patrick experienced a severe depressive episode that left him unable to get out of bed. He was feeling the weight of his family’s financial struggles. His father had lost his job, and as a result, the whole family lost access to health care. Patrick was no longer able to obtain the medications that helped him manage his anxiety.
Grades that had been exemplary before Patrick’s family crisis suddenly plummeted. He received zero credit for assignments turned in one or two days after the deadline. He asked his professor for more time and was asked to provide a letter from his doctor verifying his diagnosis. Without health insurance, he couldn’t see a doctor and couldn’t provide a note. Although Patrick was demonstrating that he could complete the work, it was rejected simply because it was late. No one took the time to ask why he was having such a difficult time or to look at his past record. He wasn’t given the opportunity to explain he no longer had access to health care and his medications.
This downward spiral left Patrick feeling like a failure. He was labeled “academically disqualified” and his Bright Future scholarship was revoked. He felt like his future was crumbling. In a December 2023 meeting, he attempted to share about his health conditions and offer an explanation for his sudden change in academic performance. When assessing whether this qualified as a disability, Patrick was asked, “do you have trouble walking?” He left the meeting feeling that even if he had requested accommodations, they wouldn’t have been provided. “I don’t want to feel like I’m making excuses or too lazy to get my work done,” Patrick reflected. “The administrators I met with treated me like I was a drug addict asking for pain medication.” School officials only viewed disability as something that can be seen. Patrick’s disability is invisible.
Now Patrick is fighting back. He was able to qualify for Managed Medicaid and is taking the medication he needs and receiving the medical care that helps him to cope with his anxiety and ADHD. With this health care restored, Patrick has been able to advocate for his academic future. He applied for a medical withdrawal from his studies, which was granted. His semester of failing grades is now expunged and will not impact his GPA moving forward. He looks forward to transferring to a school with more accessible accommodations.
No student with disabilities, visible or invisible, should have to encounter this kind of indifference. Health care is essential, not only feeling well, but to succeeding in all aspects of life.
If you’ve lost insurance or struggled to afford health coverage and care, we invite you to share your story as a catalyst for change. We amplify these experiences to help Florida legislators and voters understand the health care challenges being faced by everyday Floridians. Complete the form below to share your story.