In a single year (FY 2023), the Health Care Advocacy Department closed over 19,400 cases in which a veteran came to them with a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) related medical issue. Additionally, HCAD saved veterans a combined total of over $1.58M by resolving issues with VHA and non-VHA billings.
Health Care Advocates (HCAs) Shonda Roy and Na’Tavia Naulings-Linton are examples of this exceptional work in action.
Roy, pictured, assisted a Beaumont area veteran in March 2024 who needed help getting chemotherapy. Specifically, he needed financial assistance for non-VA care by Texas Oncology.
“Mrs. Roy was aware of possible financial assistance under the Patient Support program that was offered by the Merck pharmaceutical company. She took the time to understand the veteran’s needs and assisted him with completing the necessary documents,” said Jaime Melendez, HCAD Southeast District Supervisor.
The veteran told Roy that he was awarded financial assistance from Merck for 18 cycles of chemotherapy, a cost savings of over $103,800.
“The veteran was extremely grateful for the assistance that he received from Mrs. Roy. He praised her care and compassion,” said Melendez. “She continues to represent the Health Care Advocacy Department with professionalism and compassion.”
Naulings-Linton has been indispensable in helping justice involved veterans in Harris County access their VA health care benefits. Since February 2023, Naulings-Linton has helped to get over 3,400 applications to enroll in for these veterans.
Naulings-Linton got involved with helping the veterans due to the volume of veteran health care applications and reenrollment forms that were being submitting to the VA by the Harris County Jail Brothers in Arms program for justice involved veterans.
“A veteran was missed being enrolled with the VA,” said Naulings-Linton. “So, I asked Harris County Veteran Services Office Justice Involved Veterans Supervisor Jake Hicks and Brothers in Arms Program Coordinator Heidi Laser if I could come in so this wouldn’t happen again, and my wishes were granted.”
“She assists veterans every week with accurately filling out the entire and most recent form, then submits, tracks and works closely with our jail in-reach representative to ensure success,” said Laser.
The assistance provided helps the veterans receive their benefits as well as connecting with needed services upon their release.
“This helps our veteran services organizations assist veterans that may not yet qualify for all VA services; but still need assistance with release planning needs like housing, resources and benefits,” said Laser
“I feel so honored to be able to help our JIV Veterans the way that I do,” said Naulings-Linton.
Laser and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office appreciate Naulings-Linton so much, they gave her a shout out on their social media.
“I felt very honored to be recognized by the Harris County Jail and I will continue to assist these veterans as long as I can!!!,” said Naulings-Linton.
