Marcia Pope’s story is a familiar one in the modern American economy.
She had a good job in manufacturing at the Blue Heron Paper Mill sitting just above majestic Willamette Falls in Oregon City. The mill used recycled waste paper to make newsprint and other specialty paper products. Marcia enjoyed the job; she liked her work and her co-workers, and the insurance benefits helped her manage the diabetes that was diagnosed 34 years ago.
But Blue Heron began to struggle. Over time fewer people read newspapers. Then came the recession of 2008, just as China began buying up much of the available recycled fiber. Prices for Blue Heron’s raw materials went way up, and Blue Heron went bankrupt. Marcia lost her job, and her health care. She was 59.
While that was happening, Marcia’s mother got sick. Then she got sicker. So, Marcia stepped up to take care of her mom. But Marcia had always worked, and she wasn’t done supporting herself. Using federal job re-training benefits, Marcia went back to school. After two years at Clackamas Community College, she was ready to get back to work.
By now, you’ve figured out that Marcia is tough. But she’s not indestructible.
Her back went out, and Marcia needed surgery. Marcia’s mother passed away in 2013, and six months later she got more bad news.
Breast cancer.
Fortunately, Medicaid was there.
“When I got breast cancer, having lost my insurance and job to China, Medicaid took care of me,” said Marcia.
Get Involved
Support Medicaid for Our Vulnerable Friends and Family
Marcia is 67 now, and Medicare has picked up her coverage. Her health has improved. She worked hard to prepare for this phase of life, “dedicating years to saving and saving,” and now lives in a retirement home on the Willamette River. She walks regularly.
As for Medicaid, Marcia says, “I will always be grateful.”