Medicaid safety net | The Salt Lake Tribune

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I appreciated Paul Gibbs' "Thanks to Medicaid" (Forum, March 20) about his experience with federal/state assistance.

My husband has a good job and insurance. We pay taxes and are happy to do so. We do not consider ourselves "takers."

However, we are the parents of a severely mentally disabled child who lives in a Medicaid-paid-for care center. We kept her in our home until she became a danger to herself and others. She thrives in a structured environment.

Without this government assistance, we could not afford a modest mortgage or provide a "normal" life for our other children. Nor could we provide the setting most appropriate for our daughter's growth.

How grateful we are to live in a country where there is a social safety net for the most vulnerable citizens. When we value those who are least among us, we show our common humanity.

May we as a state embrace the federal Medicaid assistance offered.

Tonya L. Christensen

Lehi