Eligibility Specialist 1

Savista, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Savista, LLC is seeking an Eligibility Specialist I to help uninsured and underinsured patients access financial assistance for medical care. You will meet patients in person to assess eligibility and guide them through Medicaid, Medicare, disability, and charity programs, ensuring timely submissions and HIPAA-compliant records.

This full-time in-person role covers several hospital locations in Chicago, with a travel requirement of about 15% to nearby facilities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Proficiency in English and Spanish.
• At least 1 year in a customer-facing role (healthcare/financial counseling preferred).
• Willingness to travel 15% to nearby hospital locations.
• Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Meet with patients in person to assess eligibility for financial assistance.
• Guide patients through Medicaid/Medicare/Disability and charity programs; submit documents.
• Act as liaison between patients, hospital staff and government agencies.
• Manage high caseload with timely follow-ups on applications.

Skills

Bilingual EN/ES

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).

Job Purpose

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. Monday- Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm to meet business needs.

Primary Hospital Locations

• St. Mary Hospital - 2233 W Division St., Chicago, IL. 60622
• St. Elizabeth Medical Center - 1431 N. Claremont Ave., Chicago, IL. 60622

Additional Locations (Support as needed, in limited capacity, for vacancy coverage)

• Resurrection Medical Center - 7435 W. Talcott Ave., Chicago, IL. 60631
• St. Francis Hospital - 355 Ridge Ave., Evanston, IL. 60202
• Holy Family Medical Center - 100 N River Rd., Des Plains, IL. 60016

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.
• Responsible for a high caseload, 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.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Required: High school diploma or GED
• Proficiency in English and Spanish
• 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.
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.
• Travel: 15%
• Preferred: Experience in healthcare revenue cycle, financial counseling, or insurance verification.
• Preferred: Familiarity with state and federal assistance programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security Disability.
• Preferred: Knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare accounts receivable processes.

The salary range for this role is from $18 to $24 per hour.

Savista is required by state specific laws to include the salary range for this role when hiring a resident in applicable locations.

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.