Legal & Practical Issues for the Cancer Community

A story book is open with two pages folded into a heart.

11 Apr What is an Ethical Will?

Posted at 08:00h in Estate Planning by Triage Cancer

Only 46% of Americans have a will, even though every adult should have one. But that isn’t surprising, because most people find it hard to think about their mortality. And, after being diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition, it can be even harder. But it’s incredibly...

04 Apr Cancer News You Need: Coverage for Free Preventative Services Challenged, Medicaid Expansion, Paid Family Leave and more

Posted at 08:00h in Federal/State News and Updates by Triage Cancer

Here is the latest news you need about laws and programs that may impact the cancer community, including changes to health insurance coverage, Medicaid, and taking time off of work. National Updates Free preventative services required by the Affordable Care Act may be in danger. A...

A person wearing a white shirt with pink dots is carrying a clip board with a piece of paper that says "short term plan" and the words are crossed out in red.

28 Mar Losing Medicaid or Other Insurance? Beware of Short-term Health Plans

Posted at 08:00h in COVID-19, Employment, Finances, Health Insurance, Medicaid, Medical Care by Triage Cancer

Are you losing your health insurance and wondering about your options? You may have heard of a short-term health insurance plan. Before picking this plan option, it is important to understand how it may not cover your care. This blog explains what a short-term health...

A golden retriever is sitting and wearing a red and black vest that says "Service dog"

21 Mar Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals

Posted at 08:00h in Employment, Medical Care, Practical Tips by Triage Cancer

Do you have an animal that is part of your medical treatment plan? Many people with disabilities use animals for a variety of reasons. For example, a guide dog is a service animal trained to help a person who has a vision impairment navigate his...

16 Mar What is CaringBridge?

Posted at 08:00h in Partners, Practical Tips, Psychosocial Care by Triage Cancer

CaringBridge is a trusted, 25-year-old nonprofit social network that helps people connect with family and friends during a health journey. It’s a free, personal, protected online platform with simple tools for patients and their family caregivers to share health updates, and for their community to...

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14 Mar Are You a Veteran? A New VA Rule on Medical Debt May Help You.

Posted at 08:00h in Finances, Health Insurance, Medical Care by Triage Cancer

If you are a Veteran, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently finalized a new rule that may be helpful to you. The new rule changes how the VA reports medical debts to consumer reporting agencies. When a creditor reports a debt to a...

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07 Mar Can Noncitizens Buy Health Insurance Marketplace Plans?

Posted at 08:00h in Health Insurance, Medicaid, Medical Care by Triage Cancer

In order to buy a plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace, someone must (1) live in the United States; (2) be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. National, or be lawfully present in the U.S.; and (3) not be incarcerated. Immigration law can be complicated and there...

A couple sits together at the kitchen table and looks worried. The woman is holding up a late bill.

28 Feb When Your Bill Arrives Too Late for Your FSA or HSA

Posted at 08:00h in Finances, Health Insurance, Medical Care by Triage Cancer

Do you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), that you use to pay for your out-of-pocket medical expenses? If you do, it is important to know what to do if a medical bill arrives too late to get reimbursed. What is...

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21 Feb A Baby Spent 36 Days in an In-Network NICU. Why Did the Hospital Next Door Send a Bill?

Posted at 08:00h in Finances, Health Insurance, Medical Care by Triage Cancer

Written by Harris Meyer for KHN Originally published January 30, 2023 Updated 3:45 p.m. ET Brenna Kearney was seven months pregnant in December 2019 when she experienced what she thought were bad flu symptoms. Her husband, Casey Trumble, drove her from their Chicago home to her OB-GYN’s office at...