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.

In this episode

Health insurance denials can raise immediate concerns about how to access care and manage costs. What does a denial actually mean? Do you have options? And what steps can you take next?

In this episode, Michaela and Monica break down what happens when a health insurance claim is denied and explain why an appeal can be an important next step. They discuss the difference between a denial and a final decision, outline the appeals process, and highlight the legal right to challenge coverage decisions.

The conversation explores why many people don’t appeal, common barriers to taking action, and how understanding your rights can help you make informed decisions. They also share practical guidance on how to review a denial letter, what information to gather, and how to move forward with an appeal.

If you have received a denial, or want to be prepared in case you do, this episode offers a clear and grounded overview of the appeals process.

Key Takeaways

• A denial is not the final decision—you may have the right to appeal.
• Health insurance appeals are a legal right for many types of plans.
• Most denied claims are never appealed, even though many could be overturned.
• Your denial letter includes important details about why coverage was denied and how to appeal.
• Understanding the process can help you access needed care and avoid unnecessary costs.

Featured Resources Mentioned

• Health Insurance Appeals Resources: TriageCancer.org/Appeals and TriageHealth.org/Appeals
• Triage Health Appeals Navigator, Powered by Counterforce Health: TriageCancer.org/Cancer-Appeals
• Health Insurance Appeals Tracking Form: TriageHealth.org/AppealTrackingForm
• Resources by Location: TriageHealth.org/StateResources
• Legal & Financial Navigation Program: TriageCancer.org/GetHelp or TriageHealth.org/GetHelp
• Blog: Proposed CMS 2027 Marketplace Insurance Rule Could Weaken Patient Protections
• Advocacy Resources: TriageCancer.org/Advocacy
• Triage Cancer Blog: TriageCancer.org/Blog
• Triage Health Blog: TriageHealth.org/Blog
• Charts of State Laws: TriageCancer.org/State-Laws

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.

Hosts:            

Michaela Tobin, Outreach Coordinator, Triage Cancer

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

In this episode

A serious or chronic medical diagnosis often raises immediate concerns about work and income. What happens if you needtime away from your job? Will you still get paid? Is your job protected?

In this episode, Michaela and Monica break down the workplace protections and benefits that may be available whensomeone needs time off because of their health. They explain the difference between employer-provided benefits, like paid sick leave or short-term disability insurance, and legal protections that may safeguard your job.

The conversation explores how federal and state laws can apply, how different protections may overlap, and why simplyhaving paid leave does not necessarily guarantee job protection. They also discuss practical steps for thinking through your situation, including what information to gather, what questions to ask, and how to approach conversationswith your employer.

If you are navigating work after a diagnosis, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers clarity and a grounded overview of the rights and protections that may apply.

Key Takeaways

• Employer benefits and legal protections are not the same thing.
• Paid sick leave does not always equal job protection.
• Federal and state laws may provide job-protected leave, depending on your situation.
• Multiple protections can apply at the same time.
• Understanding the bigger picture can help you make informed decisions about time off.

Featured Resources Mentioned

• Employment Resources: TriageHealth.org/Employment
• Charts of State Laws: TriageCancer.org/State-Laws
• Resources by Location: TriageHealth.org/StateResources
• Disability Insurance: TriageHealth.org/Disability-Insurance
• National Health Care Rights Day: TriageHealth.org/Health-Care-Rights-Day
• Upcoming & On-Demand Webinars:TriageHealth.org/Webinars
• Triage Health Blog: TriageHealth.org/Blog
• Triage Cancer Blog: TriageCancer.org/Blog
• Past Webinars: TriageHealth.org/Past-Webinars
• Past Webinars: TriageCancer.org/Past-Webinars

Connect with Triage Cancer & Triage Health:

Website:⁠         ⁠⁠⁠TriageCancer.org⁠⁠| ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TriageHealth.org⁠⁠

Social:

• Instagram:⁠     @triagecancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@triage_health⁠⁠
• Facebook:⁠ ⁠⁠     ⁠TriageCancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Triage_Health⁠⁠
• LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠       TriageCancer⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Triage Health⁠⁠
• Bluesky:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠        @triagecancer.org⁠⁠|⁠ @triagehealth.org⁠

Newsletter:

• Triage Health: TriageHealth.org/Newsletter
• Triage Cancer: TriageCancer.org/Newsletters

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

In this episode

Health care headlines have felt nonstop lately. From congressional proposals and executive actions to court decisions and state-level policy shifts, it can feel overwhelming to keep up.

In this Policy Watch episode, Michaela and Monica step back from the noise to talk about what’s actually happening, what themes are shaping health policy right now, and how to think about these changes in a practical, grounded way. They explore why the volume of health care policy updates feels so intense, and explain the important difference between broad national headlines and what truly impacts an individual or family.

The conversation highlights several major themes shaping the current landscape, including potential changes to health insurance access and eligibility, shifts in health insurance costs, and the growing role of states in making health care policy decisions. They also walk through how to determine whether a specific policy change applies to you, what questions to ask, and where to focus your attention so you’re informed without becoming overwhelmed.

If you’ve been feeling policy “whiplash,” this episode offers clarity, context, and practical next steps to help you move forward with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Headlines are broad. Impact is personal.
• Health care policy changes are happening at federal and state levels and timing matters
• Changes related to cost and eligibility for health insurance are major themes to watch.
• You don’t have to track everything. You just need to understand what applies to your situation.
• Trusted, nonpartisan information is essential when navigating uncertainty.
  

Featured Resources Mentioned

• Triage Cancer Blog: TriageCancer.org/Blog
• Triage Cancer Podcast: TriageCancer.org/podcast
• Upcoming & On-Demand Webinars: TriageHealth.org/Webinars
• Triage Health Blog: TriageHealth.org/Blog
• Triage Health Podcast: TriageHealth.org/Podcast
• Webinar: Legislative & Policy Watch 2026: Health-Related Updates: TriageCancer.org/webinar -legislative-policy-watch
• Past Webinars: TriageCancer.org/Past-Webinars
• Past Webinars: TriageHealth.org/Past-Webinars
• NeedyMeds: NeedyMeds.org 
• GoodRx: GoodRX.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 

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