Eligibility Specialist 1

Savista; Hospital; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Savista is seeking an Eligibility Specialist I to help patients access financial assistance for medical care. You will conduct assessments, guide applications for Medicaid, Medicare, and charity programs, and ensure HIPAA-compliant case management.

This role is full-time, onsite at UF Health locations in Gainesville, requiring compassionate communication, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate complex healthcare systems to support patients and the hospital’s financial counseling goals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Bilingual English and Spanish preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience in a customer-facing role, preferably in healthcare or financial counseling.
• Flexibility to provide support at nearby hospital locations within assigned market area, as needed for vacancy coverage.

Responsibilities

• Meet with patients in-person to assess eligibility for financial assistance.
• Facilitate applications for Medicaid, Medicare, Disability, and charity care.
• Liaise with patients, hospital staff, and government agencies to establish eligibility and funding.
• Manage multiple cases with deadlines and follow-up.
• Explain financial obligations and funding options clearly to patients.
• Maintain confidential records in HIPAA-compliant systems.
• Meet productivity and quality metrics for financial counseling.
• Use multiple systems/databases to track patient data.
• Assist with vacancy coverage and complete special projects.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Customer-facing experience

Excellent communication

Strong organizational skills

Detail oriented

Empathy in patient interactions

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Here at Savista, we enable our clients to navigate the biggest challenges in healthcare: quality clinical care with positive patient experiences and optimal financial results. We partner with healthcare organizations to problem solve and deliver revenue cycle improvement services that enable their success, support their patients, and nurture their communities, all while living our values of Commitment, Authenticity, Respect and Excellence (CARE).

The Eligibility Specialist I is a critical advocate for patients, helping uninsured and underinsured individuals access financial assistance for medical care. This role involves conducting detailed assessments, guiding patients through application processes for government and charity-funded programs and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. Successful candidates are empathetic, detail-oriented, and skilled at navigating healthcare systems to support patients in receiving the care they need.

Work Schedule and Location:

• Work Hours: Full time, 40 hours per week, hourly position. Shift is Sunday-Thursday, 8:00am to 4:30pm to meet business needs.
• Primary Locations: This position is onsite and will be required to service the primary hospital locations of: UF Health at Shands, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL
• Additional Locations (Support as needed, in limited capacity): UF Health Psychiatric Hospital

Key Responsibilities

Meet with patients in-person, including bedside visits, to assess financial assistance eligibility and provide compassionate guidance on available programs.

• Facilitate the application process for programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, Disability, and hospital charity care, ensuring timely submission of accurate documentation.
• Act as a liaison between patients, hospital staff, and government agencies to establish eligibility, secure funding and resolve coverage issues.
• Manage multiple patient cases, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines and ensure effective follow-up on pending applications.
• Clearly communicate financial obligations, funding options, and program details to patients in an empathetic and professional manner.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records in compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Consistently achieve productivity and quality metrics, contributing to the organization's financial counseling objectives.
• Efficiently use multiple systems and databases to gather, track, and report on patient data.
• Assist with vacancy coverage, as needed.
• Complete special projects, as assigned.

Required

Qualifications & Competencies:

• High school diploma or GED
• Proficiency in English and Spanish preferred
• At least 1 year of experience in a customer-facing role, preferably in healthcare or financial counseling.
• Flexibility to provide support at nearby hospital locations within assigned market area, as needed for vacancy coverage.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly and empathetically.
• Ability to identify solutions to financial challenges, leveraging program knowledge to benefit patients.
• Capability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and patient needs.
• Demonstrate genuine care for patients’ needs and concerns, building trust and rapport.
• Work effectively with colleagues, hospital staff, and external agencies to achieve shared goals.
• Ensure all documentation is accurate, complete, and submitted on time.

Preferred

• Experience in healthcare revenue cycle, financial counseling, or insurance verification.
• Basic knowledge of state and federal assistance programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security Disability.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare accounts receivable processes.

SAVISTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, age, veteran status, disability, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity or any other federal, state or local protected class.

California Job Candidate Notice