In 2019, Sara* immigrated to Wisconsin with the help of her brother. She was excited to reunite with her family, help with her brother’s business, and reside in Manitowoc as a legal permanent resident.
Shortly after she arrived, Sara was experiencing abdominal pain and went to the emergency room. A few days later, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, clinical stage 3C.
There was one thing Sara didn’t have and that was health insurance. 
Sara immediately applied for Medicaid. She found out that she only qualified for emergency Medicaid benefits since she had not lived in the United States as a legal resident for five years. Not having health 
insurance, Sara felt much uncertainty, anxiety and stress regarding her cancer diagnosis and treatment. 
A financial counselor at Holy Family Memorial shared information about Holy Family Memorial’s Community Care program and helped Sara apply for the program. Sara was able to receive a 100% adjustment on her services and was able to start her chemotherapy treatment.
*Patient name has been changed.