More than 1.2 million hardworking Floridians would be eligible to gain access to quality healthcare if Medicaid were expanded. In Palm Beach County, 156,007 residents could benefit. Here is one of those stories. Courtney Larkin - Server, The Inn and Nursi Jerry Depeine, Dietary Aide, Palm Garden Nursing Home, Palm Beach



Jerry has been a dietary aide for 11 years at Pine Garden Nursing Home. He has never had healthcare coverage because he can’t afford the deductions from his paycheck to contribute towards the health insurance provided by his employer. He says, “It’s hard, you know. Every year I tell myself I’m going to get insurance, but every time I’m always held back because I’m not working enough hours or the cost is over my budget. I really can’t afford to even think about it.”

He is the father of two boys, and their healthcare is covered by Medicaid.



“As a single father, it’s not easy when they get sick, but they’re covered. I’m not, which means there are times I get sick and I can’t go to the doctor and get proper medication. Not long ago, I had a throat infection and the prescription was too much for me to pay. I couldn’t afford it, so I just walked way. I just had to bear the pain and not go to work.”



Jerry says that being a healthcare worker without healthcare coverage makes him “feel like an outcast. I am more concerned about going to doctor than getting sick. That’s the sad thing about getting sick now.”



Jerry loves being a caregiver and spending time with residents. He says, “Their stories make you laugh and it puts a smile on their face. I realize what healthcare is really about. I hope I get the care I need when I get that age. You realize you’re going to be them one day. You realize, wow, I want to make sure I have somebody that looks out for me, gives me an extra juice or piece of chicken when I ask for it. It’s important we take care of our elderly and respect that they took care of us.”