Patient
Advocate Costs
Now Covered by Medicare
Umbra Health Advocacy now accepts Original Medicare to cover patient advocacy services (subject to coinsurance). Get started now.
Private Patient Advocate Costs
If you do not have original Medicare, you can still get the support of an expert patient advocate.
Patient advocate costs vary based on what you need, your location, and the advocate’s credentials. Independent advocates typically charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $100 to $500 per hour.
The number of hours you’ll need varies based on the healthcare issues and how much you want the patient advocate to do for you (vs. how much they guide you to do the work). If you want your advocate to attend appointments or meet with you in person, you may need more hours, including travel time and costs.
Many advocates ask you to pay upfront for a block of time; they keep track as they use that time. Others offer monthly subscriptions for ongoing support. It can be hard to predict exactly how much time your situation will take, but you can ask for an estimate before signing up.
Umbra Patient Advocate Costs
At Umbra Health Advocacy, we provide clear, upfront pricing to help you make an informed decision. Our services are tailored to your needs, with flexible options designed to provide expert guidance when you need it most.
Your total patient advocate cost will depend on the hours you need. Your advocate can provide you with an estimate and update that scope as they learn more. You can always get more time if you need it.
$200/hour
Get help navigating the complex health system for you or a loved one
- Research and find doctors, specialists, hospitals, or other facilities
- Review your treatment plan and explain it in plain terms
- Communicate your needs to your doctor, facility, or any provider
- Coordinate and attend appointments - remotely or in person
- Make sure your doctors and specialists work together
- Manage senior care, including choosing facilities, handling hospital discharge planning, and coordinating services
$250/hour
Get help navigating medical and mental health issues
- Find second opinions
- Support to manage a new diagnosis
- Explain your condition and treatment options
- Prepare for and/or attend appointments (in person or remote) to
communicate your needs to doctors, nurses, and other clinical staff - Secure mental health services for you or a loved one
- Manage and reconcile medications
$200/hour
Get help managing medical bills
- Collate and organize medical bills
- Review and resolve medical billing errors
- Negotiate medical bill reductions
- Apply for medical bill forgiveness or financial assistance
- Manage and reconcile pharmacy bills
$300/hour
Get help navigating complex diagnoses and medical situations, working with an MD, PhD, specialized RN, or other credentialed professional
- Navigate complex diagnoses (like cancer) or multiple chronic illnesses
- Manage a medical or mental health crisis
- Navigate end-of-life care
$300/hour
Get help with health insurance coverage for the care you need
- Collaborate with your doctor/s to submit prior authorizations
- Fight claim denials through as many levels of appeal as necessary
- Advocate for out-of-network coverage or single case exceptions
- Review and appeal ambulance bills
- Research insurance options and help you select coverage
Health Insurance Coverage for Patient Advocacy
Great news! If you have Original Medicare, Umbra Health Advocacy now accepts Medicare That means that our patient advocacy services are more accessible to people on Medicare who need help navigating the healthcare system.
If you have another type of insurance, independent patient advocacy services usually aren’t covered. Independent patient advocates work for YOU—not for hospitals, doctors, or insurance companies. Often, your patient advocate works to make sure your health insurance company works for you. That can create a conflict for the insurance company if your advocate is fighting them on your behalf.
Insurance companies may be reluctant to fund an advocate who works to overturn their decisions.
You may not have to pay for help from a care manager that you may encounter if you are hospitalized or at your doctor's office. These people can be helpful while you're in the hospital or for appointments with a specific doctor, but they work for that hospital or doctor. Their goal is to manage your care, but it's also to meet their employer's goals such as containing costs or making the practice more efficient. When you hire your own advocate, they represent you in all your healthcare situations and can coordinate care across all providers. Having an advocate by your side who works for you can be especially important if you have complex health needs.
How Employers Can Help
Increasingly, companies are helping employees access patient advocacy services. It makes perfect sense for employers: Employees can’t fully focus on work if they’re facing a new or complex diagnosis or caring for a sick child or elderly parents. Patient advocates help employees research options, coordinate care, and get the best treatment possible, all while saving time and stress. Employers who support their employees get the benefits of fully engaged, happier, and more productive employees.
Umbra offers solutions for employers. Please contact us for more information.
Learn more about the qualifications required to be a patient advocate or about how to hire an advocate from our Guide to Hiring a Patient Advocate.
You might encounter a patient advocate, care manager or case manager at a hospital, clinic, or health plan. They work for the provider, not you. Only a private independent advocate works for YOU.
Search for a patient advocate in our national directory or let us help you find an advocate by submitting a Help Request or calling the number below.