The Ground Floor: Health-benefits navigator goes solo

As a supervisor in the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics's Health Care Benefits Assistance Program, Jacki Robison oversaw more than a dozen employees but didn't have a lot of direct contact with patients.

Robison said she wanted to work more closely with the individuals she was helping indirectly, but making a change was a big and daunting step. Or at least it seemed that way until her three-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter provided some perspective.

Isabelle Robison was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma - liver cancer - in April, and Robison took inspiration from the toddler's courage.

“It was sudden, and she is such a little fighter,” Robison said. “I realized that if she has the courage to fight this, I should have the courage to start my own business and do what I'm passionate about, which is helping people one-on-one.”

So, after 20 years at the UIHC where she was involved in developing its benefits-assistance program, Robison stepped down in June, and last month launched Rapid Benefit Solutions LLC out of her home in Marion.

“It's very new,” Robison said. “I'm waiting for my first client.”

Rapid Benefit Solutions, according to the website, provides “advocacy based eligibility and enrollment services to patients and health care providers in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and Eastern Iowa.”

She offers to help hospitals find solutions to manage uninsured patients and aid patients in obtaining financial assistance and medical coverage. Robison specifically wants to represent disabled clients appealing Social Security denials.

Robison said she passed an exam in August to become a non-attorney representative for disability appeals. She boasts 15-plus years of experience working with the Social Security Administration, Disability Determination Services, the Department of Human Services and the Office of Disability Review.

“I am looking forward to helping people who are struggling to obtain their disability benefits,” she said. “There are a lot people out there looking for this help.”

She said the other agencies in Eastern Iowa that provide similar services are too few, and demand for help remains high.

“The disability system is very overwhelming and difficult to navigate,” Robison said, “and I think everyone deserves a fair chance and an advocate who has had experience and who is passionate about what they are doing.”

Robison said she's thankful for the years she spent at the UI, but she's glad she made the transition. And Robison is glad to have her granddaughter around to continue providing motivation.

“She is cancer-free right now,” Robison said. “And she's such a brave soul.”

Owner: Jacki Robison

Company: Rapid Benefit Solutions

Email address: jacki@rapidbenefitsolutions.com

Phone: 319-461-4370

Website:

www.rapidbenefitsolutions.com