NATIONAL HEALTH CARE RIGHTS DAY
March 22 is National Health Care Rights Day on the National Day Calendar. Today, we are raising awareness about the importance of making people aware of their health care rights, especially those who are facing a chronic or serious medical condition. Join in our conversation about important decision-making that will support the health and well-being of patients so they can focus on their recovery and maintain their quality of life.
#NationalHealthCareRightsDay
A chronic or serious medical diagnosis can be profoundly overwhelming. The initial shock often gives way to a cascade of fear, anxiety, and confusion as one grapples with the reality of the illness. People may feel an immense burden as they confront complex medical information, treatment options, and the potential impact on their lives and loved ones. Everything changes, giving way to new questions, needs, and challenges. The goal of National Health Care Rights Day is to share the importance of making all information accessible to those diagnosed with a chronic or serious medical condition and their families.
Health Care Rights 101
Knowing your Health Care Rights can significantly ease the burden of a chronic or serious medical condition. This knowledge empowers people to advocate for themselves. Knowing your Health Care Rights can alleviate some of the stress that often accompanies a diagnosis, fostering a sense of control and participation in their treatment journey. Having accurate, objective information and resources helps everyone make the right decisions, for the patient, their family, and their future.
Health Care Rights are found in a variety of laws, including those that:
provide access to care and health insurance;
protect health care consumers;
protect employees dealing with a medical condition and their caregivers; and
provide access to benefits and programs, such as disability insurance and paid family leave
Health Care Rights laws provide a foundation for making informed decisions that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, financial stability, and overall well-being. Health Care Rights cover a broad spectrum of areas, including health insurance, employment protections, and access to necessary medical treatments, all of which are pivotal in ensuring that individuals can focus on their health and recovery without undue stress or financial burden.
We dream of a world where everyone has access to information and resources needed to find their best path forward. ~Triage Cancer®
By being informed about these options, individuals can better manage their finances, reducing stress and allowing them to concentrate on their recovery.
Health Insurance Rights: Knowing your rights can help people select the best insurance plan to meet specific needs, especially considering the high costs associated with some medical treatments. Health insurance laws often outline the coverage requirements that insurance companies must adhere to and the appeals process a person can use.
Workplace Rights: Your rights also provide essential protections in the workplace. This knowledge empowers patients to maintain their livelihoods and support themselves and their families during a challenging time.
Financial Rights: Financial protections are another significant component of Health Care Rights laws. These laws can help mitigate the financial burden associated with a chronic or serious medical condition by providing information on available resources, such as disability benefits, tax deductions for medical expenses, and financial assistance programs. Individuals can better manage their finances, reducing stress and allow them to concentrate on their recovery.
CELEBRATING NATIONAL HEALTH CARE RIGHTS DAY
Here is how to share your voice for health care rights for all:
Partner with community organizations to identify and address health care needs of vulnerable populations and provide brochures, workshops, and online resources about patient rights.
Empower patients to advocate for themselves and make informed decisions about their health care by encouraging them to ask questions and understand their treatment options.
Engage with policymakers in your area to discuss health care reform initiatives and show support for policies that promote health care equity and address health disparities.
Start a conversation on social media by sharing your ideas, support, resources, and stories about Health Care Rights using the hashtag #NationalHealthCareRightsDay.
HISTORY: NATIONAL HEALTH CARE RIGHTS DAY
National Health Care Rights Day was submitted by Triage Cancer and unanimously approved by the committee. The Registrar at National Day Calendar officially declared National Health Care Rights Day to be celebrated each year beginning on March 22, 2025.
About the Founder
Triage Cancer® is a national, nonprofit organization that provides free education on the legal and practical issues that may impact individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers, through events, materials, and resources.
Triage Health is a program of Triage Cancer. Their goal for National Health Care Rights Day is to bring awareness to the importance of making information accessible to those diagnosed with a chronic or serious medical condition and their families. They also want to start a much-needed conversation around decisions that support patient health and well-being, allowing them to focus on recovery and maintain their quality of life.