What is a financial navigator?
A financial navigator is someone who helps you understand the money side of cancer care. The National Cancer Institute says a navigator will teach you about the health insurance plans you can get. They will also teach you about ways to save on the cost of treatment.
Financial toxicity is the NCI's term for money problems tied to the cost of care. Its summary lists ways being studied to reduce that strain. Meeting with a financial navigator is one of them. So having someone explain your coverage and savings options may help ease the money pressure of treatment.
You may also hear about hospital social workers and financial counselors. They do similar work. To find this kind of help, ask your care team, a hospital social worker, or the hospital billing office. This is general information, not financial advice. The people where you receive care are the best guide to what is available to you.
Want the full picture? Read our complete explanation: Meeting With a Financial Navigator for Cancer Care
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