How to Triage Health

In this episode, we discuss the unique challenges firefighters, military service members, and veterans may face when navigating cancer, including occupational exposures, health insurance, disability benefits, and legal protections.

We explore specialized benefits available to firefighters, including state presumptive cancer laws that recognize connections between certain cancers and occupational exposures. We also discuss benefits available to military service members and veterans, including TRICARE, VA health care, and disability compensation, as well as how the PACT Act addresses certain service-related exposures.

Throughout the conversation, we highlight the importance of understanding available benefits, eligibility requirements, and resources to help individuals and their families make informed decisions.

Key Takeaways

• Firefighters, military service members, and veterans may face increased risks of certain cancers due to occupational exposures and may qualify for specialized benefits and protections.

• State presumptive cancer laws may help eligible firefighters access benefits related to certain cancers.

• Veterans may qualify for health care, disability compensation, and other benefits through programs such as the PACT Act, depending on their service history and exposures.

• Understanding how health insurance, disability benefits, and other programs work together can help individuals make informed decisions.

• Learning about available benefits and eligibility requirements before a diagnosis can make navigating these systems easier.

Featured Resources Mentioned

• Fire Service Resource Hub: TriageCancer.org/FireService | TriageHealth.org/FireService 

• Military and Veterans Resource Hub TriageHealth.org/Military-Resources | TriageHealth.org/Military-Resources 

• International Association of Fire Fighters: iaff.org/presumptive-health 

• How Does Triage Cancer and Triage Health Support Fire Departments: TriageCancer.org/FireDepartment-Postcard 

• Medicare.gov: Who Pays First: Medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/coordination/who-pays-first 

• Registration: Triage Health Conference: TriageCancer.org/Conferences | TriageHealth.org/Conferences 

Connect with Triage Cancer & Triage Health:

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TriageCancer.org⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TriageHealth.org⁠⁠

Social:

Instagram:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triagecancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triage_health⁠⁠

Facebook:⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠Triage Cancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Triage_Health⁠⁠

LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Triage Cancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Triage Health⁠⁠

Bluesky:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ @triagecancer.org⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triagehealth.org⁠

Newsletter:

Triage Cancer: TriageCancer.org/Newsletters 

Triage Health: TriageHealth.org/Newsletter 

Blog:

Triage Cancer Blog: TriageCancer.org/Blog

Triage Health Blog: TriageHealth.org/Blog

AskTriage Email — Send questions to [email protected] for potential inclusion in future episodes and individualized help.

Hosts: Michaela Tobin & Monica Fawzy Bryant, Chief Mission Officer

Guest: Shannon Miller, Olympian & Founder & CEO of Salto Health

In this episode, Michaela and Monica are joined by seven-time Olympic medalist and ovarian cancer survivor Shannon Miller to talk about her experience with cancer, the importance of prioritizing your health, and asking for and accepting help after a diagnosis.

Shannon shares how a routine doctor’s appointment led to her ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2011 and why listening to your body, keeping up with medical appointments, and advocating for your health matter. She also discusses the practical challenges that can come with cancer and how being specific about what you need, or what you can offer, can make it easier to give and receive support.

Shannon also introduces Salto Health, a free platform she created to help individuals with cancer and caregivers identify products that may be useful during treatment and recovery and share those needs with people who want to help.

• Make your health a priority by listening to your body, keeping up with medical appointments, and asking questions when something does not feel right.

• Asking for and accepting help can be difficult. Being specific about what you need, or offering someone specific ways you can help, can make giving and receiving support easier.

• Cancer can bring practical challenges in addition to medical ones, and resources and support are available to help navigate them.

• Salto Health provides a way for individuals with cancer and caregivers to identify and share products that may be helpful during treatment and recovery.

Featured Resources Mentioned

• Salto Health: SaltoHealth.com

• Triage Cancer Legal & Financial Navigation Program: TriageCancer.org/GetHelp

• Upcoming Oct. 1 Health Insurance Changes Webinar: TriageCancer.org/HealthInsuranceChanges

• Triage Cancer Webinars: TriageCancer.org/Webinars

• Triage Cancer Animated Videos: TriageCancer.org/AnimatedVideos

• Triage Cancer Educational Materials: TriageCancer.org/Materials

• Cancer Finances: CancerFinances.org 

Connect with Shannon Miller and Salto Health

Website:⁠ SaltoHealth.com ⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ShannonMiller.com

Social:

Instagram:⁠ @saltohealth |⁠ @shannonmiller96

Facebook:⁠ ⁠⁠ SaltoHealth ⁠⁠ |⁠ ShannonMillerOfficial

Tiktok :⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ SaltoHealth ⁠⁠

Connect with Triage Cancer & Triage Health

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TriageCancer.org⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TriageHealth.org⁠⁠

Social:

Instagram:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triagecancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triage_health⁠⁠

Facebook:⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠Triage Cancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Triage_Health⁠⁠

LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Triage Cancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Triage Health⁠⁠

Bluesky:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ @triagecancer.org⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triagehealth.org⁠

Newsletter:

Triage Cancer: TriageCancer.org/Newsletters 

Triage Health: TriageHealth.org/Newsletter 

Blog:

Triage Cancer Blog: TriageCancer.org/Blog

Triage Health Blog: TriageHealth.org/Blog

AskTriage Email — Send questions to [email protected] for potential inclusion in future episodes and individualized help.

Hosts: Michaela Tobin & Monica Fawzy Bryant

In this episode

In this episode, Michaela and Monica discuss what it can look like to return to work after a chronic or serious health diagnosis and the questions that can arise when balancing work with ongoing health needs.

Together, they explore the different ways someone might return to work, whether going back to the same job after taking time off, working while continuing treatment, or looking for a new position. They discuss workplace protections under laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act and Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as how reasonable accommodations can help with fatigue, neuropathy, brain fog, appointments, and other ongoing needs.

The discussion also looks at disclosure and the choices individuals can make about what they share with employers and coworkers. Michaela and Monica explain when medical information may need to be provided to request leave or an accommodation, why that does not necessarily mean disclosing their diagnosis, and the importance of thinking through disclosure decisions before having those conversations.

Key Takeaways

• Returning to work can look different for everyone, from returning to the same job to finding a new position or even changing careers.
• Reasonable accommodations and workplace protections may help individuals manage ongoing side effects, appointments, and other needs when returning to work.
• Individuals can make intentional decisions about what medical information they share with employers, coworkers, and potential employers.
• Understanding your rights, benefits, and options can help you make informed decisions about what returning to work looks like for you.

Featured Resources Mentioned

• Triage Cancer Work & Cancer Resources: TriageCancer.org/Work-and-Cancer

• Triage Health Employment Resources: TriageHealth.org/Employment

• Quick Guide to Returning to Work: TriageCancer.org/QuickGuide-ReturningtoWork

• Returning to Work webinar: Ready to Return: Understand Your Rights When Going Back to Work

• Legal & Financial Navigation Program: TriageCancer.org/GetHelp

• Imerman Angels: Imermanangels.org

• Cancer Hope Network: CancerHopeNetwork.org

• In-Service Training - Navigating Cancer: Work & Insurance - TriageCancer.org/In-Service-Training

Connect with Triage Cancer & Triage Health:

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TriageCancer.org⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TriageHealth.org⁠⁠

Social:

Instagram:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triagecancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triage_health⁠⁠

Facebook:⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠Triage Cancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Triage_Health⁠⁠

LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Triage Cancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Triage Health⁠⁠

Bluesky:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ @triagecancer.org⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triagehealth.org⁠

Newsletter:

Triage Cancer: TriageCancer.org/Newsletters 

Triage Health: TriageHealth.org/Newsletter 

Blog:

Triage Cancer Blog: TriageCancer.org/Blog

Triage Health Blog: TriageHealth.org/Blog

AskTriage Email — Send questions to [email protected] for potential inclusion in future episodes and individualized help.

Hosts: Michaela Tobin & Monica Fawzy Bryant

Guest: Sofia Fernandez, Staff Attorney, Triage Cancer

In this episode

In this episode, Michaela and Monica are joined by Sofia Fernandez, Staff Attorney at Triage Cancer, for a conversation about advocacy and the many ways individuals can make a difference in their own lives and their communities.

Together, they explore how advocacy extends far beyond legislative action. Whether asking questions, appealing an insurance denial, helping a loved one navigate a diagnosis, sharing trusted resources, volunteering, or communicating with elected officials, advocacy can take many forms.

The discussion highlights how individuals affected by cancer and other serious medical conditions can advocate for themselves throughout the health care journey, including navigating insurance challenges, seeking second opinions, and ensuring their voices are heard when making medical decisions.

They also discuss the importance of community advocacy during times of changing health care policy. As Medicaid, Marketplace, and other health insurance programs continue to evolve, the hosts explain why sharing personal experiences, participating in surveys, connecting with advocacy organizations, and voting are all meaningful ways to help shape future policy decisions.

Throughout the episode, the team emphasizes that advocacy is accessible to everyone and that even small actions can create meaningful change for individuals and entire communities.

Key Takeaways

• Advocacy takes many forms, from speaking up for yourself and supporting a loved one to engaging in community and policy efforts.
• Sharing your experiences and making your voice heard can help improve access to care and shape future health care policies.
• Small advocacy actions, taken consistently, can create meaningful change for individuals, families, and the broader cancer community.
  

Featured Resources Mentioned

• Triage Cancer Advocacy Resources: TriageCancer.org/Advocacy 

• 2026-2027 Health Insurance Changes: TriageCancer.org/HealthInsuranceChanges and TriageHealth.org/HealthInsuranceChanges 

• Webinar Series: Understanding Changes to Medicaid & the Marketplace: TriageCancer.org/Webinars and TriageHealth.org/Webinars

• Legal & Financial Navigation Program: TriageCancer.org/GetHelp

• Triage Cancer Blog: TriageCancer.org/Blog and TriageHealth.org/Blog 

• Surveys: TriageCancer.org/Surveys 

Connect with Triage Cancer & Triage Health:

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TriageCancer.org⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TriageHealth.org⁠⁠

Social:

Instagram:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triagecancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triage_health⁠⁠

Facebook:⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠Triage Cancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Triage_Health⁠⁠

LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Triage Cancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Triage Health⁠⁠

Bluesky:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ @triagecancer.org⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triagehealth.org⁠

Newsletter:

Triage Cancer: TriageCancer.org/Newsletters 

Triage Health: TriageHealth.org/Newsletter 

Blog:

Triage Cancer Blog: TriageCancer.org/Blog

Triage Health Blog: TriageHealth.org/Blog

AskTriage Email — Send questions to [email protected] for potential inclusion in future episodes and individualized help.

Hosts:

Michaela Tobin

Monica Fawzy Bryant, Esq., Chief Mission Officer, Triage Cancer

In this episode

Community health workers are often the trusted connection between people and the care and resources they need - but what exactly do they do?

In this episode, Michaela and Monica discuss the vital role community health workers play in helping individuals navigate complex health care systems, connect with local resources, and overcome practical barriers to care. They share why these professionals are uniquely positioned to build trust within communities and why their work has become increasingly important as health care grows more complicated.

They also preview Triage Cancer's free Community Health Worker Training, explain how it was developed to meet the real-world needs of CHWs, and discuss why understanding topics like health insurance, employment, disability insurance, and finances will become even more important as policy changes affect Medicaid and Marketplace coverage.

Key Takeaways

• Community health workers serve as trusted connectors between individuals, health care providers, and community resources.
• CHWs can help people navigate health insurance, employment, financial, and practical challenges.
• Preparing for upcoming Medicaid and Marketplace changes will help communities better navigate future coverage changes.
• Free education and practical tools can help CHWs feel more confident supporting those they serve.
• Health insurance coverage does not always mean services are covered without out-of-pocket costs.

Featured Resources Mentioned

• Community Health Worker Training: TriageHealth.org/CHW-Training 

• Webinar: Understanding Changes to Medicaid & the Marketplace: What Health Care Professionals, Pharmacists, and Medical Office Staff Need to Know: TriageHealth.org/Webinars 

• Disability Insurance Resource Hub: TriageHealth.org/Disability-Insurance 

• Estate Planning Resource Hub: TriageHealth.org/Estate-Planning 

Connect with Triage Cancer & Triage Health:

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TriageCancer.org⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TriageHealth.org⁠⁠

Social:

Instagram:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triagecancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triage_health⁠⁠

Facebook:⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠Triage Cancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Triage_Health⁠⁠

LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Triage Cancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Triage Health⁠⁠

Bluesky:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ @triagecancer.org⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triagehealth.org⁠

Newsletter:

Triage Cancer: TriageCancer.org/Newsletters 

Triage Health: TriageHealth.org/Newsletter 

Blog:

Triage Cancer Blog: TriageCancer.org/Blog

Triage Health Blog: TriageHealth.org/Blog

AskTriage Email — Send questions to [email protected] for potential inclusion in future episodes and individualized help.

Hosts:

Michaela Tobin

Monica Fawzy Bryant, Esq., Chief Mission Officer, Triage Cancer

Guest: Sofia Fernandez, Staff Attorney, Triage Cancer

In this episode, Michaela and Monica are joined by Sofia Fernandez, Staff Attorney at Triage Cancer, to reflect on their experiences attending the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago.

Together, they discuss what makes ASCO one of the most significant gatherings in the cancer community and share their unique perspectives from the conference floor. From reconnecting with longtime partners and meeting new collaborators to participating in educational sessions and community events, they explore how ASCO serves as a space for learning, relationship-building, and innovation.

The conversation highlights several themes that emerged throughout the conference, including the importance of collaboration across the cancer community, the growing need for education around health insurance and access to care, and the critical role advocacy organizations play in helping individuals navigate an increasingly complex health care system.

They also discuss exciting advances in cancer research and treatment, while emphasizing that scientific breakthroughs only make a difference when people can access the care, treatments, and clinical trials available to them. The episode explores how legal, financial, and practical barriers can affect access to care and why education and advocacy remain essential components of improving cancer outcomes.

The discussion also provides a preview of Triage Cancer's upcoming work related to changes in Medicaid and Marketplace coverage and the importance of preparing individuals, health care professionals, and advocacy organizations for these changes.

Key Takeaways

• ASCO brings together researchers, clinicians, advocates, nonprofits, industry partners, and others committed to advancing cancer care.
• Scientific advances are only meaningful when individuals can access the care, treatments, and clinical trials available to them.
• Health insurance literacy and access to care remain critical challenges for many people affected by cancer.
• Collaboration across organizations can help expand education, resources, and support for individuals navigating cancer.
• Upcoming changes to Medicaid and Marketplace coverage may significantly impact access to health insurance and care.

Featured Resources Mentioned

• ASCO Annual Meeting: ASCO.org

• Elephants & Tea Special Edition: Cancer & Finances in partnership with Triage Cancer

• Empowering Parents Navigating Metastatic Cancer: TriageCancer.org/Parenting 

• Webinar: Understanding Changes to Medicaid & the Marketplace: What Health Advocacy Organizations Need to Know: TriageCancer.org/Webinar and TriageHealth.org/Webinar

• Triage Health Appeals: TriageHealth.org/Appeals

• Imerman Angels: ImermanAngels.org

• Bright Spot Network: BrightSpotNetwork.org

• Share Cancer Connect: ShareCancerSupport.org 

• Gilda’s Club: CancerSupportCommunity.org 

• Triage Cancer Partner Organizations: TriageCancer.org/Partners-Category 

• Cancer News You Need: Understanding Medicaid Work Requirements: TriageCancer.org/Blog 

• State Law Chart - Medicaid Work Requirements: TriageCancer.org/State-Laws/Medicaid-Work-Requirements 

Connect with Triage Cancer & Triage Health:

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TriageCancer.org⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TriageHealth.org⁠⁠

Social:

Instagram:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triagecancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triage_health⁠⁠

Facebook:⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠Triage Cancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Triage_Health⁠⁠

LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Triage Cancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Triage Health⁠⁠

Bluesky:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ @triagecancer.org⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triagehealth.org⁠

Newsletter:

Triage Cancer: TriageCancer.org/Newsletters 

Triage Health: TriageHealth.org/Newsletter 

Blog:

Triage Cancer Blog: TriageCancer.org/Blog

Triage Health Blog: TriageHealth.org/Blog

AskTriage Email — Send questions to [email protected] for potential inclusion in future episodes and individualized help.

Hosts:

Michaela Tobin

Monica Fawzy Bryant, Esq., Chief Mission Officer, Triage Cancer

Guest:

Haley Pollack, Executive Director, Bright Spot Network

In this episode

In this episode, Michaela and Monica are joined by Haley Pollack, Executive Director of Bright Spot Network, for a conversation about parenting while navigating metastatic cancer.

Together, they discuss the emotional, practical, financial, and legal challenges that can arise when parenting through a serious illness, particularly for families with young children. Haley shares how Bright Spot Network supports parents diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy or while parenting children ages 0–10 through support groups, educational resources, and community-building programs.

The conversation also highlights the importance of collaboration between organizations that provide different forms of support to families navigating cancer and discusses the joint Beyond Diagnosis: Empowering Parents Navigating Metastatic Cancer project developed by Triage Cancer and Bright Spot Network, with support from Gilead. The project was created to help parents diagnosed with metastatic cancer and the health care professionals who care for them access practical education, resources, and support.

They also explore the realities many families face while balancing medical appointments, side effects, child care responsibilities, and the desire to maintain normalcy and connection for their children. Haley shares insights into how parents can approach difficult conversations with children, why support systems matter, and the importance of providing practical tools and trusted resources to families.

The episode emphasizes that no family should have to navigate these challenges alone and highlights the value of community, education, and compassionate support.

Key Takeaways

• Parenting while navigating metastatic cancer can create unique emotional, practical, financial, and legal challenges for families.
• Bright Spot Network supports families with young children through support groups, educational programs, and practical resources.
• Collaboration between organizations can help provide more comprehensive support for individuals and families affected by cancer.
• Parents often face added stress balancing treatment, work, insurance issues, caregiving responsibilities, and parenting.
• Honest, age-appropriate communication can help children better understand and cope with a parent’s diagnosis.
• Community and trusted support systems can play an important role in helping families navigate uncertainty and change.

Featured Resources Mentioned

• Beyond Diagnosis: Empowering Parents Navigating Metastatic Cancer: TriageCancer.org/Parents 

• Bright Spot Network: BrightSpotNetwork.org

• Practical Guide to Parenting with Cancer: TriageCancer.org/Guide-Parents 

• How to Talk to Kids About Cancer Resources from Bright Spot Network

• People want to help

• Checklist: When Children Turn 18: TriageHealth.org/checklist-childturns18 

• Estate Planning Toolkit: TriageHealth.org/Estate-Planning-Toolkit 

• Young Adults Resources Page: TriageCancer.org/YoungAdults 

Connect with Bright Spot Network:

Website: BrightSpotNetwork.org

Social:

• Instagram: @brightspotnetwork

• Facebook: Bright Spot Network

• LinkedIn: Bright Spot Network

Connect with Triage Cancer & Triage Health:

Website: ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TriageCancer.org⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TriageHealth.org⁠⁠

Social:

Instagram:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triagecancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triage_health⁠⁠

Facebook:⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠Triage Cancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Triage_Health⁠⁠

LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Triage Cancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Triage Health⁠⁠

Bluesky:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ @triagecancer.org⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triagehealth.org⁠

Newsletter:

Triage Cancer: TriageCancer.org/Newsletters 

Triage Health: TriageHealth.org/Newsletter 

Blog:

Triage Cancer Blog: TriageCancer.org/Blog

Triage Health Blog: TriageHealth.org/Blog

Send questions to [email protected] for potential inclusion in future episodes and individualized help.

In this episode

In this episode, Monica speaks with Sarah Kelman, an attorney with deep expertise in employment, disability, and mental health-related legal planning and a Triage Cancer Legal Advisory Council Member. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, they explore an important but often overlooked topic: planning ahead for mental health care and making your wishes known before a crisis occurs.

The conversation introduces psychiatric advance directives, explains how they work, and discusses why these tools can be valuable for individuals living with mental health conditions, neurocognitive disorders, or any situation that could affect decision-making capacity.

Monica and Sarah also talk about the emotional and practical challenges families face when planning for future care, why these conversations are often avoided, and how early planning can help reduce stress and uncertainty later. Sarah shares personal experiences that shaped her work in this area and explains how thoughtful legal planning can help people maintain autonomy and communicate their preferences clearly.

The episode also highlights the role of trusted supporters, the importance of reviewing plans over time, and how mental health planning intersects with broader health care and legal decision-making.

Key Takeaways

• Psychiatric advance directives allow individuals to document mental health treatment preferences before a crisis occurs.
• Planning ahead can help families and caregivers better understand and honor a person’s wishes. 
• Mental health planning is not limited to severe mental illness and can be relevant for many individuals and families. 
• Conversations about future care can feel difficult, but starting early often makes decision-making easier later. 
• Legal planning documents should be reviewed regularly as circumstances, relationships, and preferences change. 
• Support systems and trusted decision-makers play an important role in future care planning.

Featured Resources Mentioned

• Legal Advisory Committee: TriageCancer.org/Legal-Advisory-Council

• Cancer Care: CancerCare.org 

• Estate Planning: TriageCancer.org/EstatePlanning and TriageHealth.org/Estate-Planning

• National Resource Center on Psychiatric Advanced Directives: https://nrc-pad.org/states

• State-Specific Estate Planning Toolkit: TriageCancer.org/Estate-Planning-Toolkit and TriageHealth.org/Estate-Planning-Toolkit

• Appeals Resources: TriageCancer.org/Appeals and TriageHealth.org/Appeals

Connect with Sarah:

• Sarah Kelman Law: SarahKelmanLaw.com

Connect with Triage Cancer & Triage Health:

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TriageCancer.org⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TriageHealth.org⁠⁠

Social:

• Instagram:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triagecancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triage_health⁠⁠

• Facebook:⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠Triage Cancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Triage_Health⁠⁠

• LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Triage Cancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Triage Health⁠⁠

• Bluesky:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ @triagecancer.org⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triagehealth.org⁠

Newsletter:

• Triage Health: TriageHealth.org/Newsletter 

• Triage Cancer: TriageCancer.org/Newsletters 

Blog:

• Triage Cancer Blog: TriageCancer.org/Blog

• Triage Health Blog: TriageHealth.org/Blog

AskTriage Email — Send questions to [email protected] for potential inclusion in future episodes and individualized help.

In this episode

In this episode, Michaela and Monica take a closer look at the upcoming Triage Health Conference, a free, two-day online event designed to help individuals navigate the real-world challenges that come with a serious medical diagnosis.

They share what makes the conference unique, including its practical, easy-to-understand approach to complex topics like health insurance, employment rights, and financial navigation. The conversation highlights who the conference is for, what attendees can expect, and why the information is valuable not just for patients and caregivers, but for anyone interacting with the healthcare system.

The episode also explores a common question: why Triage Cancer focuses on education rather than providing direct financial assistance. Michaela and Monica explain how empowering people with knowledge can have a broader, longer-term impact and help individuals access the resources that already exist.

Finally, they discuss financial assistance more broadly, including how to find help, what to look for, and how to approach the process of identifying reliable resources.

Key Takeaways

• The Triage Health Conference is a free, two-day online event focused on practical topics like insurance, finances, and employment.
• The conference is designed for patients, caregivers, and professionals who want clear, reliable information.
• Triage Cancer focuses on education as a way to help people better understand and navigate complex systems.
• Many people look for direct financial assistance, but understanding existing systems can help them access available resources.
• Knowing where to look for credible information can make navigating these challenges more manageable.

Featured Resources Mentioned

• Triage Health Conference: TriageCancer.org/Conferences and TriageHealth.org/Conferences 
• ⁠CancerFinances.org
• Legal & Financial Navigation Program: TriageCancer.org/GetHelp and TriageHealth.org/GetHelp

Connect with Triage Cancer & Triage Health

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TriageCancer.org⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TriageHealth.org⁠⁠

Social:

• Instagram:⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠@triagecancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triage_health⁠⁠

• Facebook:⁠

  Triage Cancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Triage_Health⁠⁠

• LinkedIn:

  Triage Cancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Triage Health⁠⁠

• Bluesky:

  @triagecancer.org⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triagehealth.org⁠

Newsletter:

• Triage Health: TriageHealth.org/Newsletter 

• Triage Cancer: TriageCancer.org/Newsletters 

Blog:

• Triage Cancer Blog: TriageCancer.org/Blog

• Triage Health Blog: TriageHealth.org/Blog

AskTriage Email — Send questions to [email protected] for potential inclusion in future episodes and individualized help.

In this episode

Navigating health insurance can be challenging, especially when unexpected barriers get in the way of accessing care. From confusing plan rules to coverage limitations, many people encounter hurdles that can delay or prevent treatment.

In this episode, Michaela and Monica break down some of the most common health insurance challenges and explain why they happen. They discuss issues like prior authorization, network restrictions, and coverage denials, and how these hurdles can impact both access to care and out-of-pocket costs.

The conversation explores how different parts of the health insurance system fit together, why it can feel so complicated, and what individuals can do to better understand and navigate these challenges. They also share practical steps for identifying potential barriers, asking the right questions, and finding reliable information.

If you have ever felt confused or frustrated by your health insurance, this episode offers a clear and grounded overview of common hurdles and how to approach them.

Key Takeaways

• Health insurance hurdles are common and can affect access to care and costs.
• Prior authorization, network rules, and coverage limitations are frequent barriers.
• Understanding how your plan works can help you anticipate and navigate challenges.
• Asking questions and reviewing plan details can help avoid surprises. There are resources available to help you make informed decisions.

Featured Resources Mentioned

• Health Insurance Basics: TriageHealth.org/Health-Insurance

• Health Insurance Appeals Resources: TriageCancer.org/Appeals and TriageHealth.org/Appeals

• Triage Health Podcast on Appeals: TriageHealth.org/Podcast 

• Triage Health Webinar on Insurance Hurdles: Triagecancer.org/Past-Webinars 

• Legal & Financial Navigation Program: TriageCancer.org/GetHelp or TriageHealth.org/GetHelp

• Triage Cancer Blog: TriageCancer.org/Blog

• Triage Health Blog: TriageHealth.org/Blog

Connect with Triage Cancer & Triage Health:

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TriageCancer.org⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TriageHealth.org⁠⁠

Social:

• Instagram:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triagecancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triage_health⁠⁠

• Facebook:⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠Triage Cancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Triage_Health⁠⁠

• LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Triage Cancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Triage Health⁠⁠

• Bluesky: ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ @triagecancer.org⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triagehealth.org⁠

Newsletter:

• Triage Health: TriageHealth.org/Newsletter 

• Triage Cancer: TriageCancer.org/Newsletters 

AskTriage Email — Send questions to [email protected] for potential inclusion in future episodes and individualized help.