As you make decisions about your cancer treatment, it can be helpful to understand what prior authorization is and how it can impact your care. Sometimes, prior authorization programs can be barriers to getting needed treatments. Keep reading to learn more, including what to do if your health insurance company denies a prior authorization request from your healthcare provider.

Storytelling is an opportunity to connect with others, especially those who may not understand your experience or point of view. Because of this, storytelling can be an excellent tool in an advocate’s toolbox. Our blog explains how you can leverage storytelling in cancer advocacy — and shares tips for telling your own story.

CSC's CEO Debbie Weir reflects on key takeaways from President Biden's Feb. 7 State of the Union and what they mean for people impacted by cancer. "I am so grateful that President Biden chose to shine a light on the needs and concerns of people coping with cancer during his speech," she writes.

Utilization management (or UM for short) is a set of techniques used to reduce healthcare costs, and they can directly impact patient care. We recently gathered stakeholders together for a virtual forum to discuss the role UM plays in our healthcare system. The conversation focused on what patients, caregivers, and advocates can do to create a more patient-centered system. Keep reading for key takeaways and actions you can take to help ensure UM practices are used appropriately to benefit patients.

Have you ever arrived at a laboratory or pharmacy with your doctor's order for lab work or a prescription, only to be denied the test or your prescribed medication? Each insurance plan has different benefits and coverage guidelines. Benefit managers determine these guidelines. Keep reading to learn how laboratory and pharmacy benefit managers can impact your insurance benefits and coverage.

As part of our Advocate Spotlight series, we are highlighting Michael Kolodziej, M.D., who is passionate about ensuring that cancer patients receive the best possible care. “If we keep the patient as our North Star, we will succeed," he says. Read on to learn about Dr. Kolodziej, his background in cancer care, and how cancer advocacy has played a role throughout his career.

From the very beginning, CSC has been a dedicated partner and go-to resource for the Cancer Moonshot, the White House initiative to drive urgent progress against cancer. Cancer Moonshot Coordinator Danielle Carnival, Ph.D., recognized CSC’s contributions during a recent conference for our network partner leaders. We share highlights from Dr. Carnival’s presentation, including a call to action that you, your friends, and loved ones may be able to answer.

This month, we recognize Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois as a cancer champion for his work in advocating for increased investments in cancer research. Sen. Durbin lost his father to lung cancer at a young age. Watch a short video to hear about his story and his hopes for a future where cancer does not take the lives of loved ones.

If your insurance provider denies a claim for medical services you’ve received, you have the right to file an appeal. The process of filing an appeal can seem daunting. But it is both your right and in your best interest to appeal a denied claim that you and your healthcare team deem important for your health. Keep reading for step-by-step guidance and tools to help you through the process.

Each month we've been spotlighting a member of Congress who supports legislation and initiatives that make a difference in the lives of people impacted by cancer. This month, we recognize Rep. Tom Cole of the 4th Congressional District of Oklahoma.