Authorization Specialist III

Centene Corporation; Arkansas; Hybrid; USD 58,428,000 - 99,187,000; Full time

Job summary

Centene Corporation is seeking a Prior Authorization Specialist to support the utilization management team. You will review and process authorization requests, verify coverage, and ensure timely adjudication within contract terms.

This role requires coordinating with clinical reviewers and providers to gather medical information and documentation. The position demands 2–4 years of related experience, strong medical terminology, and familiarity with insurance processes.

Qualifications

• Requires 2–4 years of related experience in health care or insurance.
• Located in the greater Little Rock, AR area.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship now or in the future.
• Strong knowledge of medical terminology and insurance.

Responsibilities

• Tracks and maintains authorization requests for services according to the prior authorization list.
• Verifies member insurance coverage and aligns authorization with guidelines for timely adjudication.
• Performs data entry to update complex authorization requests in the utilization management system.
• Maintains documentation on authorizations and referrals per policies.
• Supports clinical reviewers and providers through the prior authorization process.
• Researches health plan policies to identify in-network providers and referral requirements.
• Provides documentation to health plans to support reviews.
• Maintains relationships with providers and reviewers to ensure timely referrals.
• Acts as a subject matter expert on the authorization process across service types.

Skills

Medical terminology

Insurance knowledge

Documentation

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Utilization management system

Job description

Position Purpose:

Works with the utilization management team and supports the prior authorization request process to ensure that all authorization requests are addressed properly in the contractual timeline Documents some complex authorization requests and obtain accurate and timely documentation for services related to the members healthcare eligibility and access.

Key Details:

Qualified candidates must be located in the greater Little Rock, AR area. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Sponsorship and future sponsorship are not available for this opportunity, including employment-based visa types H-1B, L-1, O-1, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, or CPT.

• Tracks and maintains authorization requests for services in accordance with the insurance prior authorization list and routes to the appropriate clinical reviewer
• Verifies and assesses member insurance coverage and/or service/benefit eligibility via system tools and aligns authorization with the guidelines to ensure a timely adjudication for payment
• Performs data entry to maintain and update some complex authorization requests into utilization management system
• Maintains ongoing tracking and appropriate documentation on authorizations and referrals in accordance with policies and guidelines
• Develops in-depth knowledge of prior authorization review process and insurance coverage to support prior authorization process for clinical reviewers and providers
• Researches health plan providers and polices to identify preferred in-network providers and requirements for referral authorization; provides supporting documentation to health plan
• Provides some guidance and support of the authorization review process by researching and documenting necessary medical information such as history, diagnosis, and prognosis based on the referral to the clinical reviewer for determination
• Maintains relationships with service providers and clinical reviewers to ensure referrals are addressed in a timely manner
• Act as a subject matter expert to other team members for the overall authorization process and for multiple service types at different levels of urgency
• Remains up-to-date on healthcare, authorization processes, policies and procedures
• Strong knowledge of medical terminology and insurance
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

Education/Experience:

Requires a High School diploma or GED.
Requires 2 - 4 years of related experience.

Pay Range: $20.39 - $34.71 per hour

At Centene, we connect people to the care they need to live healthier lives — and the work you do here makes that impact real every day. You'll take on meaningful challenges that directly support individuals, families, and communities, building your skills while making healthcare more accessible and effective. It’s work with a purpose you can see, backed by a team committed to improving lives well beyond the workday.

Centene offers a comprehensive benefits package including: competitive pay, health insurance, 401K and stock purchase plans, tuition reimbursement, paid time off plus holidays, and a flexible approach to work with remote, hybrid, field or office work schedules. Actual pay will be adjusted based on an individual's skills, experience, education, and other job-related factors permitted by law, including full-time or part-time status. Total compensation may also include additional forms of incentives. Benefits may be subject to program eligibility.

Centene is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the LA County Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act