Detailed head-to-head comparison of Medicare Set-Aside (MSA) services, pricing, and turnaround times.
Last updated: April 2026
Choose Zicron if: You need fast turnaround (48 hours), transparent pricing ($1,200-$1,500), and high-volume support with modern AI-powered workflow.
Choose Ametros if: You're already integrated with their platform for MSA administration and want bundled allocation + administration (despite higher cost and longer wait).
| Feature | Zicron AI | Ametros |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $1,200-$1,500 | $1,800-$2,500 |
| Turnaround Time | 48 hours | 7-14 days |
| Expedited Option | 24 hours (+$400) | Not offered |
| Volume Discounts | 5+ MSAs/month | 10+ MSAs/month |
| CMS Submission Support | +$300 | Included (but adds time) |
| MSA Administration | Partner referral | Bundled (main business) |
| Technology | AI-native extraction | Tech-enabled platform |
| Founded | 2024 | 2007 (acquired by HUB 2021) |
$1,200 – $1,500
48-hour standard turnaround
What You Get:
Add-Ons:
Volume Pricing:
$1,800 – $2,500
7-14 day standard turnaround
What You Get:
Add-Ons:
Volume Pricing:
Cost Comparison Example
Annual cost for a law firm processing 10 MSAs/month:
Expedited 24-hour option available for +$400
No expedited option offered (as of April 2026)
Why the difference? Zicron uses AI-powered medical record extraction to automate 80% of data entry, allowing clinical reviewers to focus on analysis rather than manual transcription. Ametros uses a more traditional workflow with human-led record review.
| Aspect | Zicron | Ametros |
|---|---|---|
| Record Extraction | AI-native LLM extraction Claude Opus for medical record parsing | Manual + tech-enabled Human analysts with software tools |
| Life Care Planning | AI-generated draft + RN validation 13-section CMS-compliant format | Nurse-led life care planning CLCP-certified planners |
| M1-M7 Methodology | ✓ Full compliance | ✓ Full compliance |
| GPCI Adjustments | ✓ Automatic by ZIP | ✓ Manual application |
| Generic Substitution | ✓ Automatic (FDA Orange Book) | ✓ Manual review |
| Quality Assurance | AI QA + human clinical review Dual validation layer | Multi-level human review Peer review process |
✓ Strengths
✗ Limitations
✓ Strengths
✗ Limitations
| Aspect | Zicron | Ametros |
|---|---|---|
| Onboarding | Upload records → Quote in 4 hours No contract required for first MSA | Account setup → Enterprise contract May require MSA/admin bundle |
| Communication | Direct email/phone with clinical team No account manager intermediary | Account manager + support portal Tiered support structure |
| Revisions | 1 round included (free) Additional rounds: $200-$400 | Revisions included (policy varies) May have limits on scope |
| Reporting | PDF report + WCMSP-ready package Source citations with Bates numbers | PDF report + platform dashboard Integration with Ametros admin portal |
| Payment Terms | Net 30 (invoice on delivery) Volume accounts: Monthly billing | Enterprise contracts (varies) May require annual commitment |
Q: Can I switch from Ametros to Zicron for MSA allocation while keeping Ametros for administration?
Yes. MSA allocation and MSA administration are separate services. You can use Zicron for allocation ($1,200-$1,500, 48 hours) and continue using Ametros (or any other administrator) for ongoing account management. This is a common strategy for firms wanting to reduce allocation costs while maintaining existing admin relationships.
Q: Does Zicron's AI-powered approach produce CMS-compliant reports?
Yes. Zicron follows the same M1-M7 CMS methodology as traditional providers. AI handles data extraction and initial drafting, but all reports are reviewed and validated by registered nurses with MSA experience before delivery. The final deliverable is identical in format and compliance to manually-prepared MSAs.
Q: Why is Ametros more expensive if Zicron uses the same methodology?
Labor costs. Traditional MSA vendors (including Ametros) rely on 8-12 hours of manual record review per case. AI extraction automates 80% of this work, reducing labor costs. Zicron passes these savings to clients (40% lower pricing) while maintaining the same clinical review standards.
Q: Does Ametros offer anything Zicron doesn't?
Yes—bundled administration. Ametros's core business is MSA administration (managing the account after settlement). They offer seamless allocation → administration handoff within their platform. Zicron focuses solely on MSA allocation (not administration), though we partner with administrators for clients who need both services.
Q: Can Zicron handle high-volume accounts (50+ MSAs/month)?
Yes. Zicron's AI-powered workflow scales efficiently. We currently support accounts processing 10-50 MSAs/month and are expanding capacity for enterprise clients (50+ MSAs/month). Contact us for custom volume pricing.
Q: What if I'm already locked into an Ametros contract?
Review your terms. Some Ametros contracts bundle allocation + administration with minimum commitments. If you're in a contract, check if allocation services can be separated. Many firms negotiate hybrid arrangements (Ametros for existing accounts, Zicron for new MSAs) during renewal periods.
For most WC defense firms and PI practices, Zicron offers better value: 40% lower cost, 70% faster turnaround, and identical CMS compliance.
Ametros remains competitive if: You need bundled allocation + administration in a single platform, or you've negotiated enterprise pricing for very high volume (100+ MSAs/month).
Recommendation: Try both. Request a quote from each for the same case and compare deliverables, pricing, and turnaround. Most firms switch to Zicron after seeing the quality and speed firsthand.
Disclaimer: This comparison is based on publicly available information and industry data as of April 2026. Pricing and features may vary by account size, volume, and contract terms. Ametros is a registered trademark of Ametros Financial, Inc. (now part of HUB International). Zicron is not affiliated with Ametros.