UofL Health Helps 1,000 Veterans Access Benefits in First Year
Hospital staff now ask every patient about military service to identify those who may qualify for federal assistance.
By Paula Delgado ·
The University of Louisville Health system has assisted at least 1,000 veterans with accessing federal benefits since launching its Community Healthcare Veteran Impact Program last year. The initiative began with a simple inquiry posed to every patient: Are you a veteran?
Bryan Muncy, a former Navy electrician who served in the Gulf War, illustrates the program's practical impact. Muncy visited UofL Jewish Hospital for heart failure treatment this year while managing an uninsured status and a fixed income. Each doctor's visit required a $200 out-of-pocket payment. During a June appointment, a clinician noticed the Desert Storm hat Muncy wears to appointments. The staff member contacted Marsha, a program coordinator, who helped Muncy complete the paperwork for benefits he had not previously known existed.
The program aims to bridge the gap between service and post-service care. Army veteran Carolyn Furdek, who works within the initiative, notes that many veterans were previously unable to connect with the VA healthcare system due to changing laws or intimidation. The new protocol allows staff to guide patients through the application process, ensuring they understand their entitlements.
For Muncy, who recently lost his wife and underwent a procedure for a severe foot infection, the connection to benefits means he can receive necessary care without delay. He describes the military experience as involving long shifts and deployments but views the service as a trade for lifelong rights. "They earned it," Muncy said. "They fought for our country. So, they had rights while they were in the military. They should also have those same rights outside the military because once you’re a vet, you’re always a vet."
The program operates by identifying veterans at the point of care and providing immediate guidance on VA benefits. Furdek stated that the face-to-face assistance addresses barriers that prevented many from seeking help in the past. The hospital continues to implement the question-based screening for all new and returning patients.
The initiative is part of a wider effort to integrate veteran care into standard hospital protocols. Staff members are trained to recognize military service indicators and connect patients with resources. The goal is to ensure that financial or administrative hurdles do not prevent veterans from receiving the medical attention they require.
UofL Health will continue to track the number of veterans assisted through the program. The organization provides information on the Community Healthcare Veteran Impact Program for those seeking further details. The next phase involves expanding the outreach to additional clinics within the health system.
