Medicaid Access & Financial Assistance Advocate

aah; Park Ridge (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

aah is seeking an onsite teammate to help uninsured patients apply for Medicaid, meeting patients across the hospital and collaborating with care management to facilitate applications. The role focuses on calculating patient financial responsibility and guiding patients through Medicaid and charity options.

Qualifications include a high school diploma and 2 years of related experience in patient access, healthcare, or customer service.

Qualifications

• Clear and proactive communication with management about customer service and process improvement opportunities.
• HIPAA and EMTALA regulations explained in patient interactions.
• Understanding insurance operations related to denials and appeals.
• Basic medical coding knowledge.
• Knowledge of insurance, billing and denials.

Responsibilities

• Calculates and provides patients with personalized estimates of their financial responsibility based on their insurance coverage prior to service.
• Communicates patient liability clearly, explaining deductibles, coinsurance, and/or copayments and how they may affect the cost of care.
• Explains how non-covered and out-of-network services factor into the out-of-pocket cost.
• 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 the amount of each installment.
• Interviews uninsured patients to assess for qualifying financial needs. Identifies available assistance programs and coordinates with patient to complete paperwork and applications for any potential coverage(s). Continues follow-up efforts to obtain a funding source for patient's health services.
• Initiates credit scoring to determine each patient's eligibility for Medicaid, hospital-sponsored charity care, and other programs through a comprehensive patient interview.
• Works in conjunction with state social worker and/or outside eligibility vendor to assist in the appropriate completion of Medicaid applications, ensuring this funding source is maximized based on patients' eligibility.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of insurance benefits, insurance companies, and Marketplace insurance options, and stays informed of other payer sources entering the markets.
• Educates physician office/patient on the organization's applicable policies such as Financial Assistance Policy, Patient Financial Responsibility, Non-Covered Services, and Deferral of Care. Coordinates with provider office to determine scheduling options based on the need to secure funding and clarify patient's financial responsibility.
• Stays current on regulations and eligibility requirements for government funding, especially Medicare and Medicaid. Understands and complies with all internal charity care policies and processes. Understands, complies with, and can articulate federal regulations around 501R. Performs in a HIPAA-compliant manner with all pertinent patient interviews, including management of demographic data, topics discussed, and actions taken.
• Collaborates with peers in the operational flow for uninsured patients or patients that are concerned about costs for upcoming services. Serves consumers in various settings, including virtual, bedside, Emergency Department room, clinic exam room, Urgent Care, consult space, or a Financial Resource Specialist office.

Skills

Clear communication

HIPAA/EMTALA knowledge

Insurance denials & appeals

Medical coding knowledge

Billing and denials understanding

Documentation skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

aah is seeking an onsite teammate to help uninsured patients apply for Medicaid, meeting patients across the hospital and collaborating with care management to facilitate applications. The role focuses on calculating patient financial responsibility and guiding patients through Medicaid and charity options.

Qualifications include a high school diploma and 2 years of related experience in patient access, healthcare, or customer service.