I read in the newspaper this morning that the NC Senate is considering cutting "optional" Medicaid services as the costs rise. Sounds reasonable, right? That's until you hear what's optional. The place where my friend Stacie and her best friend, Ashley, live is optional. Stacie and Ashley have lived together since they were small children; they're in their mid-20s now, living at one of three residences at the Irene Wortham Center.