David Cohen has always had a keen eye for detail. Now 81 years old, he still carries the intricate leather-crafting skills he learned back in the eighth grade.
“They had a leather key holder — you put your initials on it and laced it up,” he recalls.
“It was called a Sheraton. Leatherworking, leather-crafting, carving, all sorts of variations. I knew right then, this was for me. Over the years, whenever I encountered a new pattern I liked, I kept it.”
Born and raised in Portland, Cohen has lived a multifaceted life. He served as a chemist in the U.S. Army. He worked at Oregon Steel and Cascade Steel Mill in McMinnville. He's not only a certified electronic technician, but also a computer technician and supervisor — helping answer many technical questions for companies and stores that may no longer exist today, but once were as popular as any modern tech outlet.
“RadioShack had computers, one of the very first models of computers,” Cohen said. “I remember Bill Gates was just starting at Microsoft, and they wrote the program that went into the chip for the machine. This was a long time ago.”
For three decades, Cohen brought his customer service and technical acumen to his work. But in 1976, Cohen was forced to rearrange his life. “My leg was hurting and I went to the doctor. I was diagnosed with diabetes.”
Walking remained a major part of his routine — to and from work and social occasions. But a couple of years ago, Cohen was living alone, he noticed a blister on his left heel.
“Next thing I know my foot was swollen up. I went to the bathroom, started walking out and my legs collapsed beneath me.”
Cohen managed to call 911 and went to the hospital, where surgeons operated on his foot. But he never returned home after that.
Cohen is one of hundreds of thousands of people who rely on Medicaid to stay healthy and housed. After being discharged from the hospital with a severe foot infection, his medical bills were overwhelming. In order to maintain the level of care he needed — at a long-term, residential-style facility — financial help was necessary.
“I was admitted because I couldn’t take care of myself. I wasn’t well enough to go home and couldn’t stand,” said Cohen. “I thought, ‘OK, it’s time.’ I remember being in this room and I said, ‘How soon can I move in here?’ When they said they had a private room, I thought they were kidding me.”
With the assistance of Multnomah County’s Department of County Human Services (DCHS), Cohen not only enrolled in Medicaid, but also received assistance through the County’s Transition and Diversion program. The program helps people discharged from the hospital either return to their home or, if they choose, find a community living option such as an adult care home, assisted living facility, residential living facility or nursing home.
The program supports independent living and the department’s commitment to reducing housing insecurity. In addition, when people who need care can live in the setting of their choice, it helps improve their quality of life.
“Case managers assist people in navigating an extremely convoluted system when people and families are at a point of personal crisis,” said Jody Michaelson, Nursing Facility/Transition and Diversion Manager.
“Their involvement, care and knowledge make a difficult life transition go as smoothly as possible and offer comfort, stability and reassurance to our clients during this turbulent time.”
Every year, Medicaid-eligible individuals must undergo both a physical and financial assessment to ensure they still qualify. Case managers provide a personalized touch throughout the process. Lately, that's been a daunting task with ongoing uncertainty around federal funding.
“Most of the people that we see are among the most vulnerable populations," said Katie Fudim, Cohen’s case manager. “Most of the time, there is no one else involved, so when they see us and get a chance to talk to us, they feel taken care of.
“If you’re watching the news, it can be a difficult system to understand. It's a valid thought and concern.”
Adds Cohen: “Hundreds of thousands of people who are senior citizens rely on Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. That’s what I live on. Some people on Medicaid aren’t in homes, or can’t take care of themselves. They might be doing 90% of stuff at home, but the Medicaid gives them the resources so they can stay at home and not on the streets.”
Multnomah County case managers work to reassure Medicaid recipients. When Cohen received his renewal letter in the mail just a couple months ago, he was unsure.
“But as it turns out, I was already recertified,” said Cohen. “They were super helpful. It got handled. I’m so happy that I’m here.
“I’m so grateful for being here and having been on the other side in customer service. They give all the possible information and they decide what information they need and don’t need. I tried to be as specific as possible.”
Today, Cohen continues to do what he loves. And he keeps his mind going with his leatherwork, good conversation, and the comfort of a home and community that supports him, too.
