Financial Advocate

Advocate Aurora Health; Milwaukee (WI); Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated individual to join their team in a vital role focused on patient financial services. This position involves calculating patient estimates, educating them on their financial responsibilities, and assisting with applications for financial aid. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and a solid understanding of healthcare insurance processes. With a commitment to supporting patients and ensuring they receive the care they need, this role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the community. Join a forward-thinking organization that values innovation and patient care.

Benefits

Comprehensive health benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Career development programs

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in Patient Access, healthcare, insurance, or customer service.
• Understanding of billing and denial processes.

Responsibilities

• Calculates and provides financial estimates based on insurance coverage.
• Educates patients on financial responsibilities and assistance programs.
• Collaborates with social workers for Medicaid applications.

Skills

Effective communication

Understanding of HIPAA regulations

Knowledge of insurance operations

Basic medical coding skills

Clear documentation skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED/HSED

Job description

Monday-Friday Business Office hours 6am-6pm, remote work

Department: 10420 Home Office IL - Patient Accounts

Status: Full time

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Hours Per Week: 40

Schedule Details/Additional Information: Monday-Friday Business Office hours 6am-6pm, remote work

Major Responsibilities:

1. Calculates and provides patients with personalized estimates of their financial responsibility based on their insurance coverage prior to service.
2. Communicates patient liability clearly and accurately while explaining concepts such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, and how they affect the cost of care. Explains how non-covered and out-of-network services factor into the out-of-pocket cost.
3. Requests upfront payment toward self-pay amounts, including estimated out-of-pocket costs and outstanding previous balances. Establishes payment arrangements in advance of scheduled services when applicable, communicating due dates and installment amounts.
4. Interviews uninsured patients to assess for qualifying financial needs. Identifies available assistance programs and helps patients complete paperwork and applications for coverage. Follows up to secure funding sources for patient’s health services.
5. Initiates credit scoring to determine eligibility for Medicaid, charity care, and other programs through patient interviews.
6. Collaborates with social workers and outside vendors to assist with Medicaid applications, maximizing funding based on eligibility.
7. Demonstrates knowledge of insurance benefits, insurance companies, and Marketplace options, staying informed of new payer sources.
8. Educates physicians and patients on policies such as Financial Assistance, Patient Financial Responsibility, Non-Covered Services, and Care Deferral. Coordinates scheduling to secure funding and clarify financial responsibilities.
9. Stays current on regulations and eligibility for government funding, especially Medicare and Medicaid. Complies with charity care policies, federal regulations, and HIPAA privacy standards. Manages demographic data and patient discussions confidentially.
10. Collaborates with peers to assist uninsured or cost-concerned patients in various settings, including virtual, bedside, clinics, and emergency departments.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• None Required

Education Required:

• High School Diploma or GED/HSED

Experience Required:

• Typically 2 years in Patient Access, healthcare, insurance, or customer service

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Effective communication and proactive management reporting
• Understanding of HIPAA and EMTALA regulations
• Knowledge of insurance operations, denials, and appeals
• Basic medical coding skills
• Understanding of billing and denial processes
• Clear documentation skills using scripted notes and written communication

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Travel required; exposure to weather and road conditions
• Operate necessary equipment
• Normal office environment, mostly sitting, occasional lifting up to 10 lbs.

This job description provides a general overview of the role. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Pay Range:

$22.50 - $33.75

Our Commitment to You:

Advocate Health offers comprehensive benefits including competitive pay, retirement plans, health benefits, paid time off, and career development programs.

About Advocate Health:

Advocate Health is a leading nonprofit health system, serving nearly 6 million patients across multiple states, with a focus on clinical innovation, health outcomes, and community benefits.

About the company

Advocate Aurora Health is a non-profit health care system based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.