“I really think that Virginia has shown the rest of the country that we know how to move forward with this process,” Northam said of the 182,209 new enrollments since Nov. 1. “What a gift this is for individuals who can now, finally, on Jan. 1, wake up and know that they have the security that they can go see a provider.”

Murdock has already scheduled several medical appointments for January.

After her arm was amputated, Murdock underwent 15 surgeries in three years, including taking muscle, veins and an artery from her legs and transplanting them to her right arm.

Her medical condition has resulted in several complications, including chronic pain, a ruptured disc and issues with her heart and blood flow. When she lost insurance coverage, she had to pick and choose what treatments and medications she pursued.

Even without all of the treatment her physicians say that she needs, her medical bills have exceeded $500,000.

“I was so excited about Medicaid expansion,” Murdock said. “I knew it would change my life.”