A patient advocate in an increasingly complex system

The New York Times calls Frederic Riccardi an attack dog disguised as an insurance counselor for the Medicare Rights Center. Riccardi helps elderly patients navigate the complex Medicare system. He endures bureaucratic phone trees at the state and federal level, to make sure patients get the medication and medical care they need. It's a difficult, but important job. And this story shows the difference an advocate, who works to communicate directly with patients and not above them, can make in the lives of patients.

See the story here: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/18/health/18tren.html?ex=1355634000&en=513a31769b8713f0&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink