How to Triage Health Podcast

About

How to Triage Health is a health care rights podcast presented by Triage Health. In terms you can understand, each episode breaks down the legal and practical issues that impact people navigating a chronic or serious medical diagnosis, from patients and caregivers to advocates and health care professionals. In upcoming episodes, we will be discussing dealing with medical bills, taking time off work, how to pick a health insurance plan, and more.

Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Episodes

About Triage Cancer and Triage Health

Episode No. 1

In the premiere episode of How to Triage Health, host Michaela Tobin sits down with Monica Bryant, COO and co-founder of Triage Cancer, for an insightful conversation about the organization’s mission and evolution. Founded in 2012 alongside CEO Joanna Doran, Triage Cancer has long been a vital resource for individuals navigating the complex legal and practical challenges following a serious medical diagnosis.

Monica shares the story behind the creation of Triage Cancer and the organization’s recent expansion into Triage Health—a broader initiative aimed at serving individuals facing chronic and serious health conditions beyond cancer. Listeners also get a look at the Legal & Financial Navigation Program and discover practical tools for managing health-related life disruptions.

Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, health care provider, or advocate, this episode lays the groundwork for empowering, informed decision-making—right from the start.

Advocacy in Action

Episode No. 2

In the second episode of the How to Triage Health Podcast, Outreach Coordinator Michaela Tobin and COO Monica Bryant recap their time at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, highlighting the importance of staying connected to new science, policy developments, and industry partnerships. Monica and Michaela also take a deep dive into one of the most discussed topics at ASCO this year: concerns over the recently passed Budget Reconciliation Bill and its potential impact on the health care community. Other key topics include:

• How you can advocate for yourself and others, no matter your comfort level
• The connection between policy and individual health outcomes
• Managing side effects of treatment at work

Medicare 2025: What’s New and How It Affects You

Episode No. 3

Michaela Tobin is joined by Monica Bryant to break down critical updates to the Medicare program that impact more than 68 million Americans. They explore key changes around prescription drug coverage in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, including the new $2,000 out-of-pocket maximum and the rollout of the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan. This conversation is a must-listen for seniors, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and health care professionals who help others navigate these complex systems. Monica also shares thoughtful insights on the importance of advance care planning and estate documents.

Managing Work and a Health Condition: Your Legal Protections Explained

Episode No. 4

In this episode of the How to Triage Health podcast, host Michaela Tobin is joined by Monica Bryant, Esq., COO at Triage Health, to explore the complex relationship between employment and serious or chronic health conditions. They discuss how employment is often more than just a paycheck; it’s often a source of stability, purpose, and normalcy. But managing a job while navigating treatment or recovery brings legal, emotional, and practical challenges. Monica shares expert insights into workplace protections, reasonable accommodations, privacy, and how to advocate for yourself.

Breaking News: What's in the “Big Bill” & How it Impacts You

Episode No. 5

In this timely and important episode of How to Triage Health, host Michaela Tobin and Chief Mission Officer Monica Bryant debrief on the record-breaking turnout for Triage Cancer’s recent webinar on the newly passed Budget Reconciliation Act (often referred to as the “Big Bill”) and announce a second webinar to meet the overwhelming demand.

They dive deeper into the bill's key health care-related provisions, discuss court rulings that impact access to medical services, and explore the real-world consequences for millions of Americans.

Monica provides clear, thoughtful explanations about the reconciliation process, Medicaid and immigration impacts, the role of preventive services, and the positive changes related to orphan drug pricing. The episode ends with a candid and heartfelt conversation about what individuals can do in the face of these complicated, and sometimes devastating, policy changes.

Grounded in Uncertainty

Episode No. 6

Uncertainty is something we all face, but for individuals living with serious health conditions, and their caregivers, it can feel overwhelming. In this episode, host Michaela Tobin is joined by Monica Bryant and special guest Julie Larson, LCSW, to explore practical ways to find calm, stay grounded, and build resilience in the midst of change.

Julie brings years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker supporting individuals with serious illnesses. Together, the conversation unpacks why uncertainty feels so heavy, what it does to our mental and emotional wellbeing, and how to create practices that foster stability even when the world feels out of control.

Cancer, Fertility, and Insurance: Breaking Down Barriers

Episode No. 7

A cancer diagnosis often means making decisions quickly, and one critical but sometimes overlooked area is fertility preservation. Cancer treatment can impact fertility—but planning ahead can keep doors open. Michaela, Monica, and Joyce break down what fertility preservation is, why timing matters, how to talk with your care team, what it can cost, where coverage stands today, and how to appeal an insurance denial. You’ll leave with practical steps, credible resources, and a dose of advocacy: don’t take no for an answer.

Medicare Myths, Mistakes, and Must-Knows

Episode No. 8

Medicare can feel complicated, but understanding the basics is essential for making the best decisions about your health care. In this episode of How to Triage Health, host Michaela Tobin sits down with Triage Cancer’s Monica Bryant, Esq., and Amanda Goodstadt, Esq., to bust common myths, highlight frequent mistakes, and share the must-know details about Medicare. With open enrollment right around the corner, this episode will help you feel more confident navigating your options.

Navigating Life Transitions: Insurance, Legal, and Financial Essentials

Episode No. 9

Turning 18, moving, changing jobs, or going through open enrollment are all life transitions that can significantly impact your insurance, legal, and financial well-being. In this episode of How to Triage Health, host Michaela Tobin is joined by Triage Cancer’s Chief Mission Officer, Monica Bryant, Esq., to unpack the essentials you need to know to plan ahead and protect yourself and your family.
From legal documents for young adults to guardianship decisions for parents, COBRA versus marketplace coverage after a job change, and what to look for during open enrollment, this episode provides practical guidance for navigating big life changes.

How to Pick a Health Insurance Plan that Fits

Episode No. 10

Health insurance open enrollment is a critical time to make sure your coverage still meets your needs—but the process can be confusing. In this episode of How to Triage Health, Michaela Tobin and Monica Bryant, Esq., talk about how to navigate open enrollment like a pro.

They break down the differences between marketplace plans, employer coverage, and Medicare options. You’ll learn how to evaluate costs beyond just the monthly premium, what to look for in provider networks and drug formularies, how to use available tools to compare plans side by side, and more!

Trust But Verify: Finding the Resources That Protect You

Episode No. 11

When facing a serious medical diagnosis, the questions don’t stop with treatment. How do you protect your income? What rights do you have at work? Where can you find accurate, up-to-date answers? In this episode of How to Triage Health, we explore the importance of finding reliable information in today’s digital world.