Brian Lieser

As a former enrollee, Brian cites Medical Assistance with saving his life. As a counselor, he now helps people with substance use disorder in a treatment program. Half of substance use disorder treatment in Minnesota is paid for by Medical Assistance.

“If my access to MA was cut off when I was homeless, I wouldn't be here today. I wouldn't have survived. 

“I was on Medical Assistance for many years when I was homeless from 2006 to 2010, and it saved my life. Now I'm 15 years sober and working as a drug counselor trying to help others find their miracle.

“Most of my clients are on Medical Assistance, and it's funding them for our treatment services. Without the funding, these people wouldn't be able to receive the help they need. Addiction's mortality rate continues to climb, and we count on funding from the government to help them.

“I'm concerned about my clients who use county and Government funding to pay for their treatment, and I'm worried about the security of my job. Most clients in treatment are funded from the Medicaid program.

“I am advocating for everyone to share their story now before it's too late.”