THRIVE

You can be referred by your provider, social worker, or patient navigator. They will provide you with the details and, in some cases, help you complete the application process. You may also receive direct outreach from community organizations BMC collaborates with, ensuring you have the support you need.

While we can't guarantee access to every resource, we'll do our best to connect you with programs that fit your needs. If one option isn't available, we'll explore alternatives together.

Yes, BMC’s Patient Financial Services can help with questions about health insurance or medical bills. You can call them at 617.414.5155 or visit BMC’s Patient Financial Assistance page.

A patient navigator is a trained member of your care team at the hospital. They can give you information about how to get around the hospital and can help you make appointments with different providers or appointments for tests when you have trouble doing it on your own. 

Your patient navigator knows about many community programs that can help with things like food, housing, transportation, and other needs. While they cannot promise you will get these services, they will do their best to connect you with helpful resources.

Patient navigators help for a short time, not long-term. They can guide you to services but do not provide the services themselves, like a case manager or social worker. If you think a patient navigator could help you, ask your provider about meeting with one.

Social workers are trained professionals who focus on your emotional and behavioral health needs. They help you and your family cope with illness, injury, or other life challenges. Through one-on-one meetings, they learn about your mental health, family support, and how your medical condition affects your daily life.

While supporting your emotional wellbeing, social workers also look at factors that might affect your health, such as housing, food, or employment challenges. They work closely with your entire medical team to create a care plan that considers both your emotional and practical needs.

Social workers serve as strong advocates for you and your family. They provide counseling, connect you with resources, and help you develop coping skills. They use their expertise in trauma-informed care to support you through difficult times and help you build on your existing strengths.

Ask your doctor or nurse if a patient navigator or social worker is available in your clinic to help you. While these staff members are not available in all clinics, you can still find resources in many languages by visiting massthrive.org.

It's helpful to bring any paperwork or information about your current needs, like notices from your landlord, utility bills, or a list of medications. Don't worry if you don't have everything - your navigator or social worker will help you figure out the next steps.

Patient navigators typically work with you for a short time to guide you to resources. Social workers can offer more long-term support if needed, depending on your situation.