lesschumras – that is true only in theory. there are people who have “too much” income to qualify for medicaid but have expenses (such as loans, therapies, medical expenses that are not covered by insurance etc.)that leave them literally in the situation newbee described.
people who are honest and report all their income but don’t have more than 2 or 3 children do not always qualify.
It is also very common to have older children living at home until marriage but after 19 (in IL) they no longer qualify as household members so supporting 5 older kids can be a tremendous expense but you are calculated as someone living alone.
when my son got a job, because he lived in my house his income disqualified us from getting subsidized school lunches even tho he does not pay us any rent. and we could not afford full prices for the program.
while not common, being that poor is not necessarily as uncommon among our regular community members as you might think, but it is definitely well hidden
(not arguing, just clarifying)
sushibagel is right, if someone can’t get in her shoes, and if you have never been in that situation, maybe this isn’t the right thread to post in.