<p>My company recently added the benefit of health care advocacy services. Has anyone ever used a service like this? Are there any HR people out there who could explain it from a disinterested point of view?</p>
<p>I have a recently widowed MIL across the state for whom DH is POA and lone surviving immediate family member - it seems like this type of thing could help with communication with assisted living facility DSHS (on medicaid) etc.</p>
<p>Would anyone consider setting this up for a teen/young adult going away to college in the event of some major health event where parent can’t get ther right away and/or doesn’t know how to navigate the system?</p>
<p>Do you know if it is a “case manager” type of advocate or merely someone who acts as a referral to service providers approved by your benefit plan? My husband’s company claimed to offer this but misrepresented the services. Is your MIL in an assisted living facility now? They usually employ MSW’s who will coordinate care with your husband. If she may need services in the future, have your husband contact her PCP who will assist in arranging the local VNA to schedule an assessment. Some cities have wonderful departments of aging that can also be of help. I know how difficult it is to address these issues long distance. I am an ER nurse and contemplated starting a “substitute mom” type of service for students at a local university. The liability was the deal breaker.</p>
<p>It depends upon whom the advocate is truly supporting. Is s/he standing up for your rights or trying to save the insurance company’s money?</p>
<p>Ours always questions if we REALLY need the procedures that our doctor prescribes, saying that they are “protecting us from unnecessary pain and expense”. Thank you for your concern, ma’am, but yes, since my husband has been in afib for two months now, he really does need that cardioversion…</p>
<p>KKmama - that was my question exactly! It is supposed to be your own point person advocate to help navigate things or do the calling, waiting on hold, etc. Sort of saving time and legwork especially on the phone. In MIL’s case, for example, one has to try to contact the care coordinator, but it’s often phone tag. However, I don’t exactly undserstand what the business model is on the side of the advocacy company. Do they make their money just from the fees of the benefit plan providers? Are they incentivised to “guide” you in a certain direction?</p>