An oncology financial navigation program can help patients better understand care costs and reduce their cost-related anxiety, researchers concluded after conducting a recent analysis involving 34 individuals. The median age of participants with cancer was 60 years, and half were commercially insured. They received a financial education course, followed by input from a Consumer Education and Training Services (CENTS) financial counselor and Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) case manager for 6 months. Investigators looked at program adherence, self-reported financial burden and anxiety, program satisfaction, and type of assistance offered. Among the results:

• 55% reported debt, 55% income declines, and 30% loans.
• CENTS counselors helped mostly with budgeting, retirement planning, and medical bill matters.
• PAF case managers helped with insurance coverage applications, cost of living matters, and disability applications.
• 37% reported high financial burden and 47% anxiety.
• Cost-related anxiety subsided over time in one-third of patients.
• Self-reported financial burden did not change.