Disruptors. They are the few and the fierce. In the series, Leading between the Lines, we have the opportunity, and the pleasure, of meeting with some of South Florida’s most dynamic female business leaders, ones who are disrupting their industry, approaching things in a new way, solving new problems, and effectively pushing the status quo into a new frontier. We want to learn about their journey, what it really takes, what they’re actually up against, and how it feels each step along the way.

Meet Maria T. Santi, Founder and Managing Partner of the Health and Medicine Law Firm, a firm dedicated to advocating for patient rights and navigating health law complexities.

Maria holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law with a Health Law Concentration. With more than twelve years of legal experience, she founded her own law firm in 2018 to focus on medical coverage, billing disputes, and violations by health insurers, as well as defending patient rights against healthcare providers and facilities.

Throughout her career, Maria has also represented clients in insurance policy disputes, healthcare litigation, and ERISA actions, all while advocating for patient rights within the community. Her work extends to providing legal consulting services to medical providers and non-profit organizations committed to protecting consumers.

Read our full interview with Maria to learn about her journey from national law firm associate to firm founder, the challenges of building a law firm from the ground up, and her unwavering dedication to helping individuals navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.

What motivated you to get into your healthcare law? What led to the decision? 

My motivation to enter health law started when I was young, wanting to be a pediatrician. As a teenager, I worked with a pediatrician and learned about medical billing and insurance claims. Throughout my life, family and friends would reach out to me for help with medical bills and insurance issues. After becoming a young mom, getting divorced, and facing numerous battles with health insurance companies—especially when my son was denied knee surgery and other needed care—I realized how vital healthcare laws are. My personal experiences opened my eyes to the need for advocacy.

While working at a defense law firm, I was unfulfilled, and my family still relied on me for help with medical issues. My grandmother was denied coverage for an eye surgery she needed at Bascom Palmer. I fought to get her the care she deserved. She really encouraged me to help others like her. That’s when I knew I had to open my own practice.

What has surprised you most on this journey?

What has surprised me most is that the law is not always right or fair, morally speaking. While laws are meant to protect and serve, I’ve learned that they can sometimes be manipulated or misused, causing harm to those they’re meant to protect. It’s shocking to see that there are individuals, including attorneys, who use their legal knowledge to exploit loopholes or twist regulations for personal gain, often at the expense of vulnerable people. These experiences have shown me how important it is to not only understand the law but also to recognize the human impact it has. 

What influences and inspires you?

What influences me most is the ability to help others when they are not able to help themselves. The inequitable power dynamics and manipulation of the law have made me more committed to upholding justice in a way that truly helps those in need, particularly in times when they feel powerless, such as healthcare and insurance disputes. There have been many cases when I’ve played a critical role in saving someone’s life, ensuring they received life saving treatment after being previously denied.  It is in those moments that I am inspired by the impact I have through my work.

What is a common healthcare challenge for your clients and how do you help them navigate these situations? 

A common healthcare challenge for my clients is the denial of medical treatment, medications, and medical bills by health insurers. What sets my firm apart is that we don’t stop at the appeals process—we take a comprehensive approach, continuing to fight for our clients all the way through litigation when necessary. My extensive experience in this field allows me to effectively navigate these complex situations from start to finish, and very few attorneys offer the same level of service. But I would also add that this is an area of law where compassion is crucial. It demands expertise but also a high level of patience and empathy to guide clients through such difficult times, ensuring they feel supported and empowered every step of the way. I think my patience and empathy is truly what sets me apart. 

What is the biggest mistake(s) clients make when engaging in this health related legal service? What is the one thing you wish more people knew?

In more complex cases, clients often attempt to handle matters on their own, inadvertently waiving rights they may not even know they have. One of the biggest misconceptions is that suing a health insurance company isn’t an option, or that a denial is final and must be accepted. Many individuals are unaware that they have the right to challenge these denials. In fact, there’s compelling data showing that “consumers appealed less than two-tenths of 1% of denied in-network claims, and insurers upheld most (59%) denials on appeal”.

This lack of knowledge leaves many vulnerable, but it also underscores the importance of having experienced legal representation to ensure that clients can assert their rights and navigate the complexities of healthcare law effectively. I hope to help more people become aware of their rights and options, so less claims are abandoned and more appeals are pursued. 

What does the future of this industry look like? 

The future of the healthcare industry, particularly in the realm of insurance, remains uncertain given the current climate. However, one trend that seems likely is an increase in health insurance denials, especially as AI continues to play a larger role in claims processing. While AI can improve efficiency, it also raises concerns about algorithmic biases and the potential for even more automated denials. As the industry evolves, it will be crucial for both legal professionals and consumers to remain vigilant and adapt to these changing dynamics, ensuring that patient rights are protected.

What has been your proudest achievement thus far in building your practice? Why?

My proudest achievement is my three boys who are now men. They are 26, 23, and 20. I am so proud to see who and what they have become. They were the motivation for all I have done and continue to do to better myself. They were the ones that lit my path when I thought I could not continue any further. They struggled through life and law school with me and continue to motivate and inspire me every day. I am so proud to see the men they have become, humble, hard working, resilient, and unwavering in their support of me. 

What have been some of your failures or challenges along the way? And what have you learned from them? 

It has been incredibly challenging to manage the competing priorities of raising my family, building my career and business, and finding time to take care of myself or push myself to be the best person I can be. But I have been able to overcome these challenges with the help of my support system- my family and friends. Over the years, I have learned that it is not only ok to ask for help, but that it is necessary because I simply cannot do everything myself (or do it well). I really had to improve my mindset around this, lean into my self awareness, and get better at communicating with others to seek support when needed.

What steps or advice would you give other professionals who want to build their own firms or are embarking on a similar professional journey? 

My advice is to stay deeply passionate about what you do. The path is not easy, particularly when facing large corporations that often overlook the human element. It’s crucial to remain focused on your vision, no matter the obstacles or distractions that come your way. Your passion will fuel your perseverance, and your commitment to your purpose will guide you through the toughest times. Trust in your mission, but most importantly, never lose sight of the real impact you make. Let that light your path. The journey is incredibly rewarding when you stay true to your vision and values.