In Missouri, people who can't speak and see wait in line for help

ST. LOUIS — Marcus Logan came into the world another happy, healthy baby. He learned to walk, talk, use the potty and identify colors. Then, at about 3, something changed. To his mother’s alarm, she’d find him sitting in one spot, rocking back and forth.

Today, he is 22, nonverbal and on a waiting list to receive much-needed assistance funded by Medicaid. Recently in line for a doctor to evaluate him for a new adult diaper prescription, he wore a blue helmet just in case he had a seizure or tried walking on his own.

Still by his side, his mother, Wynester, made sure he was comfortable in a wheelchair and had juice to drink. When he grabbed her cellphone, she leaned in close, on the hunt for another smile from her baby, who had grown into a man with severe autism and epilepsy.

“Trying to make a phone call?” she teased. “Who are you trying to call? Who are you trying to call? Ghostbusters?”

Read more: https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/in-missouri-people-who-can-t-speak-and-see-wait/article_66ece4e7-d87a-519e-b6a1-ea31ab7d09f0.html


Wynester Logan jokes with her 22-year-old son, Marcus, while waiting for his doctor appointment on Wednesday, Nov 6, 2019, at the People's Clinic in St. Louis. He has severe autism and epilepsy. He wears a helmet sometimes in case he has a seizure and falls. He's one of 86 adults with developmental disabilities in Missouri who are on the Medicaid waiver waitlist for 24-hour care; hundreds more await specialized services. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com