“The Undeserving Poor,” by Kristina Cooke, David Rohde, and Ryan McNeill. The Atlantic. Dec. 20, 2012.
Seven years ago, Alexsandria Elliott, now 37, said she developed hereditary periodontal disease. Last year, the infections grew so severe that a doctor told her she may die if she didn’t have her remaining eight teeth pulled. The extractions would cost $2,300. First she had to find the money. Elliott, who used to work as a low-wage hotel housekeeper, didn’t have health insurance. She couldn’t get on Medicaid, because working-age Indianans without dependent children aren’t eligible. She didn’t qualify for cash welfare benefits for the same reason – her daughter was over 18. In February, she had to borrow to have the dental surgery, leaving her with a debt to pay. When she gets a job, she hopes to raise the $800 she said she’ll need to buy dentures. Elliott also isn’t receiving food stamps. Read more…