Eligibility Specialist I

Savista, LLC; Kankakee (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Savista is seeking an Eligibility Specialist I to help uninsured and underinsured patients access financial assistance. You will meet with patients, guide them through Medicaid, Medicare, disability, and charity programs, and coordinate with hospital staff to secure funding.

This full-time, on-site role at our Kankakee, IL locations requires empathy, accuracy, and the ability to manage a high caseload while maintaining HIPAA compliance. Bilingual English/Spanish skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Must be fluent in English and Spanish.
• At least 1 year in a customer-facing role, preferably in healthcare or financial counseling.
• Flexibility to cover nearby hospital locations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Meet with patients in-person to assess eligibility for financial assistance.
• Guide patients through applications for Medicaid, Medicare, disability, and charity care.
• Coordinate with hospital staff and government agencies on eligibility and funding.

Skills

Bilingual in English and Spanish

Customer-facing experience

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. Flexibility required, with shifts available between Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm to meet business needs. Primary Hospital Locations: This position is onsite and will be required to service the primary hospital locations of: St. Mary's Hospital - 500 W Court St., Kankakee, IL. 60901

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: 0%
• 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.

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

The salary range for this role is from $20 to $24 per hour. However, specific compensation for the role will vary within the above range based on many factors including but not limited to geographic location, candidate experience, applicable certifications, and skills.

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 The Savista experience is the combination of everything that’s unique about our culture, our core values, our commitment to success but most importantly, it’s our people. Our colleagues are problem-solvers, flexible and agile trusted partners who believe in a culture based on service. They make choices according to what is best for the team, they live for opportunities to collaborate and make a difference, and they make us a Certified Great Place to Work 4 years in a row!