| "I was just diagnosed with cancer, and I feel overwhelmed." | General support to cope with fear, anger, confusion or change brought about by a recent diagnosis or ongoing illness. Gather a sense of what to expect, questions to ask. |
| "How do I get a second opinion without offending my doctor?" | Navigate complex health information. Understand a diagnosis, navigate the health care system, create a partnership with providers, coordinate care. |
| "A clinical trial may be my only hope - how can I find one that is right for me? What are the risks and benefits?" | Explore evidence and options and frame health care decisions. Treatment and care options, rare conditions, identifying and gaining access to local and national experts, and research clinical trials. |
| "My insurer says my treatment is not the current 'standard of care'. How do I appeal? How will I pay for treatment?" | Access health care. How to access care and approach health literacy, language/cultural barriers, transportation, and other factors that affect access. |
| "I need to apply for Social Security benefits, but I don't know what other programs I might qualify for." | Finances and insurance. Understand health insurance coverage and reimbursement; qualify and apply for federal, state and county public benefits, including Medicaid (Medical Assistance), Medicare, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI); and identify alternative coverage options (e.g. Katie Beckett program, Community/Charity Care). |
| "My husband's FMLA is running out and he is not ready to return to work. How can we protect his job?" | Employment. Take steps to secure, understand and use health and disability coverage and protections (e.g., Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), work accommodations, leaves of absence, changing relationship to work); communicate effectively with employers. |
| "I don't know how to tell my kids I have Multiple Sclerosis." | Find support. Help patients identify and build support (family, friends, community, faith-based groups, medical team, and others). |
| "How can I best help myself?" or, "I'm worried about Dad's treatment options." | Advocate for oneself. Plan, strategize and learn to navigate health-related issues; help develop a "plan" to address issues. |
| "I want to die at home - what are my options?" | End-of-life issues. Key questions, timing, facilitating difficult conversations, changes in care, coverage issues, available options, payment. |
For more examples, please see our One-Page Summary of Advocacy Services (PDF).
