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Why I Started CHA

Feeling Lost in the Healthcare Maze?

If you’ve ever opened a medical bill and felt your stomach drop, you’re not alone. For many families, healthcare feels like a confusing maze full of fine print, endless phone trees, and surprise charges.

The cost of confusion is real: families lose money, waste time, and too often, sacrifice peace of mind.

The Problem We Saw

Hardworking families are expected to navigate a system that’s almost impossible to understand. Deductibles, denials, pharmacy coverage—every step feels like a battle. And while the stakes are high, the help is hard to find.

That’s where an advocate makes all the difference.

My Story

I’ve spent over 25 years working in health insurance, right here in Western Massachusetts. Over and over, I saw the same thing: families doing their best, but still blindsided by a system stacked against them.

I’ve seen people not get the care they need due to costs, put medical bills on credit cards, struggle to understand and navigate coverages. I’ve seen people in collections for bills they shouldn’t have in the first place. I’ve seen it all.

It hit me—this isn’t just about explaining policies. Families need someone who will stand in the gap. That’s why I started Cornerstone Health Advocates.

Why “Cornerstone”?

A cornerstone is the first stone laid—the one that holds everything else steady. Our name reflects our mission: to be a solid foundation for families who feel shaken by the chaos of healthcare.

Our work is faith-informed and rooted in values of trust, guidance, and compassion. We believe healthcare should serve people, not overwhelm them

What We Do

At Cornerstone, we:

  • Help families understand their coverage
  • Review medical bills and fight errors
  • Support appeals and denials
  • Unlock pharmacy savings
  • Offer personalized advocacy and navigation

And because cost should never be a barrier, we use a sliding-scale model. First consultations are free, and no one is ever turned away.

Looking Ahead

We officially launch January 1, 2026. This isn’t just a nonprofit—it’s a movement to bring fairness and clarity to healthcare in Western Massachusetts.

We’re building a community of Founding Partners who share our mission. Together, we can give families peace of mind and a voice in the system.

Join Us

If you’re tired of feeling lost in the healthcare maze, you don’t have to walk it alone. We’d love to walk with you.

👉 Support our GiveSendGo campaign
👉 Become a Founding Partner
👉 Subscribe to The Advocate’s Journal for practical tips to save money and stress

Written by
Steve Corbin
Founder, Cornerstone Health Advocates · Licensed Health Insurance Adviser · 25+ years experience

Steve founded CHA after spending more than two decades in the health insurance industry watching working families get lost, overcharged, and overwhelmed. He writes plainly, without jargon — because that's how he talks at the kitchen table.

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Serving Hampden, Hampshire & Franklin counties · Sliding-scale fees · No one turned away