Financial Navigator-Oncology

Overview

The Oncology Financial Navigator is an essential member of the oncology navigation team, helping patients and families navigate the financial challenges that can accompany a cancer diagnosis. This position assesses financial needs, identifies available resources, and develops individualized plans to reduce financial barriers to care.

Working collaboratively with an interdisciplinary healthcare team, the Financial Navigator helps patients understand insurance benefits, explore financial assistance options, navigate Medicaid and Marketplace enrollment, and coordinate payment arrangements. As a Certified Application Counselor, this role provides personalized guidance and support to help patients access the resources they need.

Responsibilities

Patient Financial Navigation and Support

• Serves as the primary point of contact for patients experiencing financial distress and assists in identifying resources to support access to care and treatment adherence.
• Connects patients and families with financial assistance, health insurance, government benefits, and community resources.
• Assists patients with applications for Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, SSI, SDI, Social Security, FMLA, and other applicable assistance programs.
• Assesses financial and insurance information to determine eligibility for coverage, government assistance, and hospital or foundation financial assistance programs.
• Completes and submits Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace applications accurately and timely.
• Educates patients, employees, and physicians on available insurance options, Qualified Health Plans, deductibles, out-of-pocket costs, and government subsidies.
• Maintains current knowledge of Marketplace insurance plans and exchanges in Iowa and, as applicable, Illinois, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.
• Follows up with the Department of Human Services (DHS) and other public agencies regarding application status, eligibility decisions, and required documentation.
• Ensures available insurance and community assistance options have been explored before patients are referred for Financial Assistance.
• Assists patients with completing hospital Financial Assistance Applications and forwards required documentation to the Central Business Office (CBO).
• Completes annual Certified Application Counselor (CAC) training through UnityPoint Health and CMS and maintains required certifications.
• Collaborates with the CBO to ensure coordinated processes and avoid duplication of efforts.

Patient Advocacy and Care Coordination

• Uses a holistic, culturally competent approach to assess and address patients' physical, psychosocial, spiritual, educational, and financial needs.
• Advocates for patients and families regarding confidentiality, informed consent, autonomy, and self-determination.
• Provides counseling and support by phone or in person to address financial barriers to care.
• Documents assessments, interventions, and referrals in the health record according to established standards.
• Maintains effective communication with patients, families, the navigation team, community resources, and referring physicians.

Program Outreach

• Promotes cancer health awareness and serves as a community advocate.
• Develops relationships with community partners to identify and coordinate resources for high-risk patients and families.

Basic UnityPoint Health Performance Criteria

• Demonstrates UnityPoint Health Values and Standards of Behaviors while adhering to organizational policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance to meet departmental needs.
• Maintains required licenses and certifications and completes annual education and competency requirements.
• Demonstrates knowledge and compliance with HIPAA, TJC, DNV, OSHA, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Maintains knowledge of Medicare and Medicaid compliance requirements, including fraud, waste, and abuse, and promptly reports compliance concerns to appropriate leadership.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Two (2) years of customer service or patient service experience
• Valid driver's license when driving for work-related purposes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, email, and web-based systems
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing demands
• Strong organizational, customer service, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Two (2) or more years of healthcare experience
• Experience with medical billing, insurance, financial counseling, revenue cycle, or healthcare reimbursement processes
• Certified Application Counselor (CAC) certification, or commitment to obtain within 12 months of hire
• Ability to maintain applicable DHS certifications and enrollment access for supported states