For IEHP member Isaiah O. and his mother, Daisy E., Medi-Cal benefits serve as a lifeline.
Literally.
Isaiah, 19, has cerebral palsy (CP) – a neurological disorder that affects movement, balance and posture. He cannot walk or talk.
Despite his physical limitations, the Riverside teen – also known by his rapper name, “Lil’ Ice Bear” – leads a big life filled with love, joy and family because of services and in-home support he receives from California, according to Daisy.
“Medi-Cal is fundamental to helping with Isaiah’s care,” she said. “All of his life-sustaining medical care – feeding tube, supplies and medications – are all provided through Medi-Cal.”
For Isaiah and his family, the state benefits are crucial.
“If Isaiah didn’t have this safety net – Medi-Cal – available to him, it would be so damaging and dangerous,” she said. “Without it, major life-changing decisions would have to be made, and we would face the heart-wrenching decision … could we really provide enough to keep Isaiah home with us … keep him alive, healthy and with us?”
BEVY OF BENEFITS
Medi-Cal covers a wide range of items for Isaiah, including a special formula he needs (because of severe food allergies) and medications to keep him pain-free from involuntary, sometimes extreme muscle movements associated with CP. One single 12-pack of Isaiah’s formula provides three days of nutrition but costs as much as his family spends on one week’s worth of groceries.
Then there’s the special communication device, which Isaiah uses to speak as well as compose rap songs.
“As social of a person as Isaiah is, I don’t believe he would be as healthy without his communication device, since socializing has had such a positive impact on his mental health,” Daisy said. “Having this device also allows him to express himself – how he feels, what he likes, doesn’t like and for his basic needs. It is an integral part of his involvement in the community, and he would not have it if Medi-Cal didn’t cover it.”
In 2023, ABC7 News featured Isaiah and one of his nurses who helps produce Lil’ Ice Bear’s songs.
This creative partnership is a prime example of Isaiah living his best life because of Medi-Cal support, Daisy said.
CARE FOR THE CAREGIVER
Another Medi-Cal benefit central to Isaiah’s health is the respite care afforded to Daisy, who is her son’s primary caregiver. Other professionals, such as licensed vocational nurses, are provided for Isaiah.
“These hours of respite (care) ensure I don’t become burnt out by caregivers’ exhaustion,” Daisy said. “I love caring for Isaiah, but without these hours, my own health would be negatively impacted by not having any time to take care of my own health.”
When the prospect of cuts to publicly funded health care makes headlines, it gets Daisy’s attention.
After all, there are real people behind those numbers and budgets, she said.
People like Lil’ Ice Bear and Daisy.
“These types of programs allow people like Isaiah to live life, a valuable life, as well as to contribute to society in many ways,” Daisy said. “Just like most of us, Isaiah craves to be a part of a community – and he has been blessed to be part of a community where his quality of life has been positively impacted by him having access to these life-changing pieces of equipment and care.”
‘KEEP HELPING’
Because of Medi-Cal coverage, Isaiah can stay at home “for a fraction of what I imagine a long-term facility would cost, where he would only exist,” she said. “At home, he thrives; he is happy and joyfully contributes to a beautiful community.”
Isaiah himself agreed wholeheartedly, sharing encouraging words in a prerecorded video with thousands of IEHP team members gathered for a company-wide meeting in March 2024.
“A message I have for you guys is to keep helping disabled people and people who are poor,” said Isaiah via his Medi-Cal provided communication device. “You are helping someone whenever you are at your computer helping us to get our stuff.”
At that, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.