Insurance-claim help is available through professional advocates

By Jessie Maurer

Two thumbs up for your April 3 editorial on the Legislature's proposed insurance consumer advocate bureau. I agree that in order to be justified, such a bureau should have clout and the ability to truly advocate for the consumer.

You stated, however, that people who file a consumer complaint with the Iowa Insurance Division often end up at a dead end and have nowhere else to turn.

This does not have to be the case. There is a little known but growing profession throughout the country - the medical claims advocate. These individuals are acutely aware of the injustices that the insured and uninsured endure. Not only do we assist people with medical billing issues, but we also work to educate the public on what they can do to help themselves.

The Medical Billing Advocates of America and Alliance of Claims Professionals are two such groups.

Some advocates charge by the hour; others charge on a contingency basis. Talk to several advocates before selecting one, and ask how they charge.

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