JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Jackson resident Charlene Meza is searching for answers and a healthcare solution.
She had a heart attack about five years ago, and in 2009 she discovered there were two spots on her right lung.
Now, she needs more tests to determine if she has cancer but cant' afford them.
Meza cleans houses, when the work is available, saying she makes just enough to provide for her 6-year-old daughter and pay bills.
"I can't afford to pay $300 or $400 insurance that they want me to pay," Meza told WLBT Monday.
The 41 year old was denied Medicaid and Social Security Insurance.
Meza worries about her future and believes her prospects of help are slim.
"I feel hopeless. I, I don't want to die but I'm gonna fight as long as there is a breath in me I'm gonna fight. Some where, some how, some way I'm gone find help," Meza said.
Knowing your healthcare options can be difficult, especially when you don't feel like you have any. That's where the Mississippi Health Advocacy Program steps in to help residents.
Program Manager Corey Wiggins says the Health Help Program is designed to help those like Meza but every situation is different.
"We're able to talk about what solutions are available to them now, but you know at the same time to sort of talk about what's available to them long term," Wiggins explained.
The group also does advocacy work to explain the benefits of the Affordable Care Act and spread the program's belief that the expansion of Medicaid could save lives.
WLBT gave Meza the contact information for the Mississippi Health Advocacy Program.
The group has a number of offices across the state.
If you would like more information you can visit the M.H.A.P. website at www.healthhelpms.org
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