Some people have a real knack for navigating complex systems—they enjoy digging into the details and solving tough problems. Tracey Wilbon Henderson, the Medicare billing coordinator at Oak Hammock, is one of those people. With over three years in this role, she’s also the insurance liaison for residents and often tackles behind-the-scenes billing challenges with skill and care. She finds happiness in serving others and lending a helping hand where needed.
“I love the challenges of billing and working with insurance companies and Medicare. I enjoy hard work and being the go-between and answering questions for our residents,” Henderson shared.
Many at Oak Hammock may still recognize her as Tracey Wilbon, but in April 2024, she married Paris Henderson and changed her last name. The couple relocated to Converse, Texas—just outside San Antonio—but Henderson continues to serve Oak Hammock remotely, returning to Gainesville quarterly.
Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Andrew Davey, Oak Hammock’s CFO, had this to say, “Tracey is an incredibly dedicated team member whose attention to detail and compassion have made a real difference for our residents. Her professionalism and willingness to go the extra mile make her a trusted and valued part of the Oak Hammock family. The billing function requires a great deal of precision and patience, especially when navigating insurance matters—and Tracey handles it all with remarkable skill and grace.”
Originally from Gainesville, Henderson graduated from Buchholz High School and earned two associate degrees in business administration and health information management from Santa Fe College. Her academic journey paused when she tragically lost her first husband and became a single mother to four boys.
Thanks to the OHICAN! Scholarship through Oak Hammock, she resumed her studies and is on track to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Health Administration from Santa Fe in December.
“I think the OHICAN! Scholarship is a wonderful program,” she said. “The process is simple, and the forms and interviews are a small price to pay for the opportunity to continue my education. Without the generosity and kindness of the residents and other donors, I wouldn’t be able to afford to attend college otherwise, and the program allows me to study at my own pace.”
Recently, Henderson reflected on her role at Oak Hammock.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love a challenge. I take pride in handling complex issues so residents don’t have to worry about all the insurance regulations and nuances. My background in long-term care and Medicaid gave me hands-on experience in high-pressure environments. I stay up to date on current regulations by frequently reading industry newsletters and white papers. I have maintained strong contacts within the various insurance companies and Medicare, which enables me to follow through until I find the answer.
How do you embody Oak Hammock’s ‘We Care’ values?
The We Care values of welcoming, exceptional, courteous, attentive, responsive and empathetic are descriptive of my role at Oak Hammock. I strive to be welcoming and responsive in all my interactions. I am always available to residents and other team members—even outside normal business hours—and I work hard to build trust with residents and their families. I regularly attend Oak Hammock meetings, help colleagues stay informed on industry changes and constantly pursue continuing education. I understand insurance can be stressful, so I aim to make things as smooth as possible.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
What might surprise people is that I have four sons, Adrian, Jalen, Savion and David, ages 28, 26, 21, and 20—all living in Gainesville, and a grandson named Brisen, who turns five in July. My husband Paris has two daughters, Kylie and Jada, and together they’ve built a vibrant, blended family.
We love cruising together and just went on a trip to celebrate our one-year wedding anniversary. We also enjoy spending time locally with our extended family, especially for birthdays. I golf with my dad, who’s 82—we play best ball, which keeps things fun and is a good thing for those of us who aren’t great golfers!
Looking to the future, I hope to work directly with veterans in a health care or assisted living setting. My grandfather served in the Navy, and one of my sons is in the Army. I’ve always admired veterans’ stories and feel they deserve excellent care and respect.
“I’ve worked with Tracey since 2022, when she applied for OHICAN! funds. She’s highly organized, professional, caring and responsive. She’s raised four boys, taken college classes at night and implemented billing programs—all while supporting residents with grace. She’s one of our most impressive OHICAN! recipients.” — Daun Dickie-Spindler, resident
“Tracey is incredibly responsive and helpful—not only to me but to residents and families. She’s my go-to for understanding Independent Living contracts and insurance claims. Her knowledge ensures residents receive their benefits.” — Brittany Matus-Ray, assisted living administrator
First impressions of Tracey are that she is a competent, approachable professional who either has the answers or will get them. And she is clearly that. Spend a little time around her, however, and you see the whimsical side of her that helps create a work environment that is more fun and uplifting, especially around the holidays. I miss seeing her smiling face in the office now that she is doing much of her work remotely. Keep coming back to see us, Tracey!” – Martha Rader, resident
“Tracey is truly helpful and knowledgeable in an area that plays a vital role within the Oak Hammock community. Tracey does not just keep things running smoothly, but she also makes everyone feel cared for. Oak Hammock is very fortunate to have her.” – Nadia Luna, admissions and marketing coordinator