Group rallies on Capitol Hill for decision to expand Medicaid and insure more Utahns

Davis-Stanford, however, works diligently to avoid being penniless. Her trauma-induced condition and inability to perform at her former job led to unemployment and lost benefits. It has left her at the mercy of emergency room doctors, whom she believes often don't provide the best care due to her inability to pay.

"I am stuck in a deadly downward spiral, which is costing taxpayers thousands, which could all be solved by your decision to accept the Medicaid expansion," she wrote in a letter to Utah lawmakers.

"This decision could save my life," Davis-Stanford said. "But the issue is bigger than me. The health of our citizens is something that affects every single one of us."

She has applied for cost assistance programs but has to limit her income, sometimes as low as $500 a month, to qualify. To make ends meet, she and her husband sell art and jewelry from their Salt Lake City home.

Davis-Stanford is planning to go back to school soon, to finish a degree in social work and political science, and eventually achieve a master's degree and be able to pay down some of the debts she's incurred in the two years since her accident.

And she hopes for a better day, "when things will all work out."

"I'm optimistic. I have to be," Davis-Stanford said.

E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com

Twitter: wendyleonards