TrueHLTH and Umbra Health Advocacy launch a revolutionary patient advocacy network for IBD management

Last updated on: April 24, 2024, 4:24 am

TrueHLTH, a pioneer in digital healthcare navigation for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), today announced the launch of the MyTrueHLTH Patient Advocate Network, powered by Umbra Health Advocacy. MyTrueHLTH, a unique platform, aims to help IBD patients access 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 doctors, nurses, pharmacists and more. Some proponents focus on navigating clinical care, while others deal with issues related to insurance coverage and medical bills. All attorneys involved are renowned members of the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates, which operates Umbra Health Advocacy to connect patients with independent, professional health advocates.

Coinciding with the launch of the network, TrueHLTH is launching a pilot cost-sharing program. This program offers IBD patients the opportunity to apply a sponsored coupon to assist with the cost of hiring a patient advocate.

According to the American Gastroenterological Association, IBD patients face multiple barriers to care, including high drug costs, insurance challenges such as prior authorization and step therapy, forced medication changes for non-medical reasons, and limited access to coordinated, specialized care. IBD is one of the most expensive gastrointestinal diseases, causing annual costs of $25 billion, as described in a study published in the journal Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Additionally, research from the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation shows that IBD patients spend more than three times as much on health care costs (about $23,000 compared to $7,000), incur twice as much out-of-pocket costs, and experience three times as much work-related lost wages annually. Nearly one percent of Americans with IBD are also more susceptible to chronic conditions such as cancer, as well as heart, lung or kidney disease.

“I know from personal experience how difficult it is to navigate the complexities of healthcare systems and how valuable being 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 with a network of highly qualified advocates, available to meet patients wherever they are on their journey to improve outcomes.”

“Independent, professional patient advocates work solely for the patient’s best interests and help patients overcome care and cost-related barriers that IBD patients unfortunately 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 form the MyTrueHLTH Patent Advocate Network. “We are thrilled to partner with TrueHLTH to bring the power of professional healthcare to IBD patients who need help navigating their complex conditions. Our diverse group of advocates will ensure that MyTrueHLTH patients can receive expert support for their specific needs at every point in their journey.”