News
Baba raises $40M Series A
Baba announces its $40M Series A, led by FirstMark Capital with CVS Health Ventures and Valtruis joining as new investors.
Written by Baba · 4 min read
Baba
Patient Advocacy Organization & Care Navigation
Areas of expertise
- Patient advocacy
- Care navigation and care coordination
- Medicare and insurance navigation
- Claims, denials, and prior authorizations
- Hospital discharge and care transitions
- Complex chronic condition support
Baba is a patient advocacy organization with a network of hundreds of credentialed patient advocates and healthcare providers. We help people navigate complex healthcare decisions, coordinate care, understand insurance coverage, address claims and denials, resolve billing problems, and plan safer transitions from hospital to home.
Our network brings experience across nursing, social work, care coordination, insurance navigation, Medicare, and complex chronic care. Baba pairs that clinical and advocacy expertise with rigorous clinical operations designed to support consistent, high-quality service.
Baba’s healthcare guides are researched and written using primary sources, then reviewed for accuracy by experienced patient advocates with relevant subject-matter expertise. Our goal is practical, trustworthy guidance that helps patients and families understand their options and take the next step.
Articles written by Baba
News
Baba Partners with the American Breast Cancer Foundation
Baba partners with the American Breast Cancer Foundation to help individuals and families navigate breast health care and connect with support.
Written by Baba · 2 min read
Medicare
How to choose the best Medicare Advantage plan for your loved one in 2026: the 5-criterion decision framework
There is no single “best” Medicare Advantage plan — there is a best-for-your-loved-one plan. Here are the 5 criteria that reveal which one fits in 2026.
Written by Baba · 14 min read
Medicare
Care navigation for serious illness: what Medicare covers and how to ask for it
Care navigation for serious illness: what Medicare covers and how to ask for it
Written by Baba · 7 min read
Medicare
Certificate of Medical Necessity: what it is, what changed, and what your doctor uses now
Certificate of Medical Necessity: what it is, what changed, and what your doctor uses now
Written by Baba · 9 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare cover acupuncture?
Does Medicare cover acupuncture?
Written by Baba · 4 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare cover cataract surgery?
Does Medicare cover cataract surgery?
Written by Baba · 5 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare cover chiropractic care?
Does Medicare cover chiropractic care?
Written by Baba · 4 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare cover a colonoscopy?
Does Medicare cover a colonoscopy?
Written by Baba · 4 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare cover dental implants?
Does Medicare cover dental implants?
Written by Baba · 5 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids in 2026?
Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids in 2026?
Written by Baba · 12 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare Cover Lift Chairs in 2026?
Does Medicare Cover Lift Chairs in 2026?
Written by Baba · 13 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare Cover Mounjaro in 2026? A Caregiver’s Guide to Coverage, Prior Authorization, and Appeals
Medicare covers Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes with prior authorization. Weight-loss coverage splits by drug, indication, and the new 2026 GLP-1 Bridge.
Written by Baba · 12 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare cover patient advocates? Here’s what’s covered in 2026
Does Medicare cover patient advocates? Here’s what’s covered in 2026
Written by Baba · 10 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare cover routine checkups? A guide to physicals, wellness visits, and preventive care in 2026
Does Medicare cover routine checkups? A guide to physicals, wellness visits, and preventive care in 2026
Written by Baba · 9 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare pay for ambulance service? Coverage, costs, and what to do when you're billed
Does Medicare pay for ambulance service? Coverage, costs, and what to do when you're billed
Written by Baba · 10 min read
Medicare
Geriatric care manager vs patient advocate: which do you need?
Geriatric care manager vs patient advocate: which do you need?
Written by Baba · 9 min read
Medicare
Help with social needs: what Medicare covers and who qualifies
Help with social needs: what Medicare covers and who qualifies
Written by Baba · 8 min read
Medicare
Hospital discharge papers: what you are signing
Hospital discharge papers: what you are signing
Written by Baba · 12 min read
Medicare
How long does Medicare pay for nursing home care? The 100-day rule and what really happens
How long does Medicare pay for nursing home care? The 100-day rule and what really happens
Written by Baba · 11 min read
Medicare
How to hire a Medicare patient advocate: credentials, cost, and the questions to ask
How to hire a Medicare patient advocate: credentials, cost, and the questions to ask
Written by Baba · 9 min read
Medicare
Medicare Advantage cost in 2026: what caregivers should know
Medicare Advantage cost in 2026: what caregivers should know
Written by Baba · 15 min read
Medicare
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: what caregivers need to know for 2026-2027
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: what caregivers need to know for 2026-2027
Written by Baba · 13 min read
Medicare
Medicare Advantage dental coverage in 2026: what caregivers should expect
Medicare Advantage dental coverage in 2026: what caregivers should expect
Written by Baba · 14 min read
Medicare
Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNP) explained: the three types and who qualifies
Three Medicare Advantage SNP types — chronic condition, dual-eligible, institutional. Eligibility, enrollment, and how advocacy support fits in.
Written by Baba · 7 min read
Medicare
Medicare Advantage star ratings: what they mean when you’re picking a plan
CMS rates every Medicare Advantage plan 1 to 5 stars across five domains. What they measure, what changed for 2026, and how to use them well.
Written by Baba · 8 min read
Medicare
Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement: which one wins in your situation
Same starting point, two very different structures. Five scenarios walk you through the Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement decision.
Written by Baba · 7 min read
Medicare
Medicare Advantage vs Medicare: the foundational comparison for 2026
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage cover the same benefits — the mechanics differ enough that the wrong choice can cost you the doctor you trust.
Written by Baba · 10 min read
Medicare
Medicare flex card vs OTC card vs healthy food card in 2026: what's the difference and how to tell which you have
Medicare flex card vs OTC card vs healthy food card in 2026: what's the difference and how to tell which you have
Written by Baba · 10 min read
Medicare
Medicare grocery card in 2026: what changed, who still qualifies, and how to apply
Medicare grocery card in 2026: what changed, who still qualifies, and how to apply
Written by Baba · 10 min read
Medicare
Medicare IRMAA: what it is and how to get it reduced
Medicare IRMAA: what it is and how to get it reduced
Written by Baba · 10 min read
Medicare
Medicare Part D Coverage in 2026: What's Covered, Costs, and the $2,100 Cap Explained
Medicare Part D Coverage in 2026: What's Covered, Costs, and the $2,100 Cap Explained
Written by Baba · 12 min read
Medicare
Medicare premiums 2027: what your loved one will pay
Medicare premiums 2027: what your loved one will pay
Written by Baba · 11 min read
Medicare
Medigap vs Medicare Advantage: what Medigap actually is and how it compares
Medigap has existed since 1965 and been federally standardized since 1992. What it is and how it compares to Medicare Advantage.
Written by Baba · 9 min read
Medicare
Patient advocate for aging parents: a family guide
Patient advocate for aging parents: a family guide
Written by Baba · 10 min read
Medicare
SSBCI eligibility in 2026: who qualifies for Medicare's Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill
SSBCI eligibility in 2026: who qualifies for Medicare's Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill
Written by Baba · 10 min read
Medicare
How to switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare in 2026
Two enrollment windows, one Medigap trap most people miss. Your step-by-step guide to leaving Medicare Advantage in 2026 without losing coverage.
Written by Baba · 8 min read
Medicare
What happens when Medicare stops paying for nursing home care? Your options at day 101 and beyond
What happens when Medicare stops paying for nursing home care? Your options at day 101 and beyond
Written by Baba · 14 min read
Medicare
What is medical necessity? A Medicare glossary
What is medical necessity? A Medicare glossary
Written by Baba · 9 min read
Medicare
What is Medicare Part C? A Caregiver’s Guide to Medicare Advantage in 2026
Medicare Part C IS Medicare Advantage — one thing, two names. Here’s how Part C works, what it covers, and how to know if it fits your loved one in 2026.
Written by Baba · 16 min read
Medicare
What to do if Medicare denies oxygen equipment: your appeal path and the documentation that wins
What to do if Medicare denies oxygen equipment: your appeal path and the documentation that wins
Written by Baba · 11 min read
Medicare
When do you need a Medicare patient advocate? 8 scenarios that mean it is time
When do you need a Medicare patient advocate? 8 scenarios that mean it is time
Written by Baba · 10 min read
Medicare
Why do people say Medicare Advantage plans are bad? Seven documented reasons
Medicare Advantage enrolls over half of eligible seniors. Why the criticism? Seven documented trade-offs sourced to CMS, MedPAC, KFF, and GAO.
Written by Baba · 9 min read
Medicare
How to spot a bad Medicare Advantage plan: five red flags before you enroll
No plan is bad for everyone, but every plan can be bad for someone. Five red flags — sourced to CMS data — that tell you when to keep looking.
Written by Baba · 8 min read
Medicare
Caregiver certification: do you need one, and where do you get it?
Caregiver certification: do you need one, and where do you get it?
Written by Baba · 13 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare cover transportation in 2026? Ambulance, appointment rides, and free alternatives
Does Medicare cover transportation in 2026? Ambulance, appointment rides, and free alternatives
Written by Baba · 9 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare pay for assisted living for dementia? What’s covered, what isn’t, and how to bridge the gap
Does Medicare pay for assisted living for dementia? What’s covered, what isn’t, and how to bridge the gap
Written by Baba · 12 min read
Medicare
Home health vs home care: what Medicare covers and how to qualify
Home health vs home care: what Medicare covers and how to qualify
Written by Baba · 14 min read
Medicare
How to get a wheelchair covered by Medicare: eligibility, documentation, and the approval pathway
How to get a wheelchair covered by Medicare: eligibility, documentation, and the approval pathway
Written by Baba · 10 min read
Medicare
What to do if Medicare denies home health care: your appeal path and how to win
What to do if Medicare denies home health care: your appeal path and how to win
Written by Baba · 11 min read
Medicare
Who qualifies as a caregiver under Medicare rules? Eligibility, payment, and your options
Who qualifies as a caregiver under Medicare rules? Eligibility, payment, and your options
Written by Baba · 12 min read
News
Baba Partners with The Stroke Foundation to Support Survivors and Families After Stroke
Baba partners with The Stroke Foundation to help stroke survivors and caregivers coordinate care and navigate life after stroke.
Written by Baba · 2 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare cover home health care in 2026 — coverage, eligibility, cost, and how to qualify
Understand Medicare home health coverage in 2026: eligibility, covered services, costs, homebound rules, and what to do after a denial.
Written by Baba · 11 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare cover hospice at home in 2026? Coverage, cost, and the 4 levels of care explained
Learn when Medicare covers hospice at home, the four levels of care, eligibility, costs, respite care, and how to enroll.
Written by Baba · 10 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare cover physical therapy at home in 2026? The two pathways explained
Compare Medicare home health and outpatient physical therapy at home, including eligibility, homebound rules, costs, and appeals.
Written by Baba · 9 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare pay for assisted living? Coverage, costs, and 2026 alternatives
See what Medicare covers in assisted living, what it excludes, and how Medicaid, VA benefits, insurance, and other funding options may help.
Written by Baba · 11 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare pay for nursing home care in 2026? The 100-day SNF rule and what comes after
Understand Medicare nursing home coverage, the 100-day skilled nursing benefit, costs, appeals, and options for long-term care.
Written by Baba · 9 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare pay for skilled nursing? What "skilled nursing" really means and what's covered
Learn when Medicare covers skilled nursing at home or in a facility, how long coverage lasts, what you pay, and how to appeal a denial.
Written by Baba · 8 min read
Medicare
Hospital discharge planning: what it is, who's involved, and how to make sure yours goes well
A practical guide to hospital discharge planning, including who is involved, what to ask, your Medicare rights, and how to prepare your home.
Written by Baba · 8 min read
Medicare
How much does it cost to hire a patient advocate? A 2026 breakdown
Compare patient advocate costs, free resources, hourly rates, and retainers, and learn how to choose the right help for your situation.
Written by Baba · 8 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare cover CPAP machines? Coverage, compliance, and how to keep it
Learn when Medicare covers CPAP machines, what the 90-day compliance rule requires, what you pay, and how replacement supplies work.
Written by Baba · 9 min read
Medicare
What happens when a medical bill goes to collections in 2026 - your rights and next steps
Learn what happens when a medical bill goes to collections, how credit reporting works, and the steps you can take to dispute or settle the debt.
Written by Baba · 10 min read
Medicare
What is an unsafe hospital discharge? Warning signs, your rights, and how to appeal
Learn the warning signs of an unsafe hospital discharge, your Medicare appeal rights, and what to do before leaving the hospital.
Written by Baba · 8 min read
Medicare
How to appeal a Medicare prior authorization denial: 5 steps that win more than 8 out of 10 times
Learn how to appeal a Medicare prior authorization denial, gather evidence, request expedited review, and navigate all five appeal levels.
Written by Baba · 14 min read
Medicare
How to Dispute a Medical Bill in 2026: Your Rights and 6-Step Guide
Learn how to dispute a medical bill, identify billing errors, use No Surprises Act protections, and write an effective dispute letter.
Written by Baba · 12 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare cover portable oxygen concentrators? Costs, rental rules, and how to switch suppliers
Learn when Medicare covers portable oxygen concentrators, which tests you need, how the 5-year rental cycle works, and how to switch suppliers.
Written by Baba · 9 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare cover wheelchairs? Coverage, criteria, and how to get one
Learn when Medicare covers wheelchairs and scooters, which documentation you need, how rental works, and what to do after a denial.
Written by Baba · 10 min read
Medicare
Medical Bill Assistance in 2026: Programs and How to Apply
Find medical bill assistance through charity care, Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help, foundations, debt relief, and payment plans.
Written by Baba · 10 min read
Medicare
Medicare prior authorization in 2026: what it is, when it applies, and your appeal rights
Learn how Medicare prior authorization works in 2026, when Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage require it, and how to appeal a denial.
Written by Baba · 15 min read
Medicare
Does Medicare cover hospital beds? Coverage, qualifying conditions, and how to get one
Learn when Medicare covers a hospital bed for home use, what documentation you need, how rental works, and what to do after a denial.
Written by Baba · 8 min read
Medicare
What Medicare Covers as Durable Medical Equipment in 2026
See which durable medical equipment Medicare covers in 2026, how to qualify, what you pay, rental rules, and how prior authorization works.
Written by Baba · 8 min read
Medicare
How to Appeal a Medicare Coverage or Payment Denial
Learn how to appeal a Medicare denial in 2026, including deadlines, forms, all five appeal levels, and what evidence improves your odds.
Written by Baba · 16 min read
Medicare
How to hire a patient advocate: types, cost, and how to get started (2026)
Compare patient advocate types, costs, credentials, and coverage options, then learn how to choose the right advocate for your situation.
Written by Baba · 7 min read
Medicare
What Is a Medicare Patient Advocate? (And When You Need One)
A Medicare patient advocate helps you handle denials, billing, and care coordination. Learn what they do, what they cost, and when to hire one.
Written by Baba · 11 min read
News
Baba Selected for CMS ACCESS Model
Today we're announcing that Baba has been accepted into the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ACCESS Model across all four clinical tracks.
Written by Baba · 4 min read
News
Baba Appoints Former Mount Sinai Executive Director to Lead Clinical Operations
Baba has appointed Alicia Tennenbaum, LCSW as Head of Clinical Operations.
Written by Baba · 2 min read
News
Baba raises $6.5M Seed led by General Catalyst
Baba connects older adults and their families with dedicated advocates who can coordinate their care.
Written by Baba · 3 min read