The U.S. healthcare system has become increasingly difficult for patients to navigate, and independent patient advocates can help. Kansas resident Michael Hinton, for example, cut a $23,445 surgery bill to $3,175 with help from the Patient Advocate Foundation, a free nonprofit. Private advocates, often former healthcare professionals, handle billing disputes, insurance appeals, provider searches, care coordination and plan eldercare, charging $100 to $600 an hour. Directories include certified advocates and groups like Solace and Umbra. Since 2024, Medicare Part B covers 80 percent of some navigation services for serious conditions. See my full story in Consumers’ Checkbook.
