Last Updated on: 24th April 2024, 04:24 am
TrueHLTH, a pioneer in digital healthcare navigation for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), announced today the launch of the MyTrueHLTH Patient Advocate Network, supported by Umbra Health Advocacy. MyTrueHLTH, a unique platform, is dedicated to aiding IBD patients in accessing the necessary programs and resources for improved healthcare access, affordability, and coordination. The platform introduces the newly formed Patient Advocate Network, which includes a range of healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and more. Some advocates focus on clinical care navigation, while others address issues related to insurance coverage and medical bills. All advocates involved are reputable members of the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates, which manages Umbra Health Advocacy to connect patients with independent, professional health advocates.
Concurrently with the network’s launch, TrueHLTH is initiating a cost-sharing pilot program. This program offers IBD patients the opportunity to apply a sponsored coupon to aid with the expenses of hiring a patient advocate.
According to the American Gastroenterological Association, IBD patients encounter multiple care barriers, including high drug costs, insurance challenges like prior authorization and step therapy, forced medication switches for non-medical reasons, and limited access to coordinated, specialized care. IBD is among the most expensive gastrointestinal conditions, incurring an annual cost of $25 billion, as detailed in a study published in the journal Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Additionally, research by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation shows that IBD patients spend over three times more on healthcare costs (around $23,000 compared to $7,000), incur twice the out-of-pocket costs, and experience triple the work-related lost wages annually. Almost one percent of Americans with IBD are also more prone to chronic conditions like cancer, as well as heart, lung, or kidney diseases.
“I know from personal experience how hard it is to navigate healthcare system complexity and how valuable a patient advocate can be,” said Scott Genone, founder and CEO of TrueHLTH. “TrueHLTH is excited to partner with Umbra Health Advocacy to connect the IBD community to a network of highly qualified advocates, available to meet patients wherever they are on their journey to improve outcomes.”
“Independent, professional patient advocates work only for the patient’s interests and help patients overcome care-and cost-related barriers, which unfortunately IBD patients often face,” said Deb Gordon, Co-Founder and CEO of Umbra Health Advocacy and Co-Director of the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates, whose members populate the MyTrueHLTH Patent Advocate Network. “We are thrilled to partner with TrueHLTH to bring the power of professional health advocacy to IBD patients who need help navigating their complex conditions. Our diverse group of advocates will ensure that MyTrueHLTH patients can get expert support for their specific needs at any given point along their journey.”
