Patient Benefit Coordinator

Kodiak Area Native Association; Kodiak (AK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with match

Parental leave

Health coverage (80% employer-paid)

OPM plan options access

Life insurance 2.5x salary

AD&D & disability coverage

Paid time off & holidays

Gym membership

EAP

Tuition assistance

Leadership development

Loan repayment programs

Housing assistance

Job summary

Kodiak Area Native Association (KANA) seeks a Patient Benefits Coordinator to help patients access insurance and alternate coverage options. You will screen for eligibility, guide applications, gather documentation, and ensure timely enrollment while meeting healthcare regulatory standards.

The role involves coordinating with Cerner, partnering with internal departments and community programs, and traveling to village locations to provide outreach and enrollment assistance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with three years of public-facing office experience or equivalent education/experience
• Associate's Degree in a related field preferred
• One year of experience with Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial insurance required
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local resources for health and social services preferred
• Knowledge of medical billing, terminology, HIPAA, and healthcare regulations required

Responsibilities

• Screens patients for alternate resources including Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, Denali Kid Care, T-SHIP, Worker's Compensation, and Fisherman's Fund
• Verifies and updates patient demographics and insurance information in Cerner
• Assists patients with completing applications and required documentation, ensuring timely submission
• Maintains organized tracking systems for screenings, applications, and follow-ups
• Connects patients to KANA and community resources, including housing and financial assistance
• Builds collaborative relationships with internal departments and external agencies to support coordinated care
• Travels to village locations to provide outreach and enrollment assistance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's Degree in related field preferred

Tools

Cerner

Job description

Kodiak Area Native Association (KANA) is a Tribal health organization committed to elevating the lives of the people we serve. At KANA, employees are more than staff members; they are part of a mission-driven team dedicated to meaningful work, community impact, and long-term professional growth.

Benefits & Perks

• 401(k) retirement plan with a 7% employer contribution beginning in year two, paid regardless of employee contribution
• Paid Parental Leave
• 80% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Access to 20+ medical plan options through federal OPM benefits
• Employer-paid life insurance at 2.5x annual salary
• AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability coverage
• Generous paid time off and 13 paid holidays
• Free gym membership to the KANA Wellness Center
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition assistance and reimbursement programs
• Leadership development and internal advancement opportunities
• Eligibility for IHS and NHSC loan repayment programs (role dependent)
• Potential temporary housing assistance for relocating employees, based on availability

Position Overview

The Patient Benefits Coordinator screens patients for eligibility for alternate coverage and assistance programs to support access to care and continuity of services. This role assists patients with applications, documentation, and follow-up to ensure timely enrollment and compliance with insurance requirements. The coordinator serves as a key resource for navigating insurance options and community programs while supporting organizational and regulatory standards in a healthcare setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Supports the organization's mission, goals, quality standards, and patient-centered medical home philosophy
• Demonstrates KANA's core values of Courtesy, Caring, Respect, Sharing, and Pride in all work activities
• Upholds KANA's Code of Ethics by conducting professional activities with integrity, fairness, and respect
• Screens patients for potential alternate resources including Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, Denali Kid Care, T-SHIP, Worker's Compensation, and Fisherman's Fund
• Verifies and updates patient demographic and insurance information in Cerner
• Assists patients with completing applications, gathering required documentation, and ensures timely submission and follow-up through eligibility determination
• Maintains organized tracking systems for patient screenings, application status, and follow-up activities
• Verifies active insurance coverage, identifies third-party payer eligibility, and assists with enrollment as appropriate
• Provides insurance-related problem solving to support patients in obtaining and maintaining coverage (excluding medical authorizations and service pricing)
• Connects patients to KANA and community resources, including housing, financial assistance, and other support programs
• Builds collaborative relationships with internal departments and external agencies to support coordinated, patient-centered care
• Participates in committees and quality improvement initiativesTravels to village locations as needed to provide outreach, education, and direct assistance with benefit enrollment and applications

Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and three years of experience working with the public in an office setting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Associate's Degree in a related field preferred
• One year of experience working with Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial insurance plans required
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local resources available to meet patient health and social service needs preferred
• Knowledge of medical billing procedures, medical terminology, HIPAA, and applicable healthcare regulations required

Work Schedule

KANA's standard work schedule is 37.5 working hours per week, typically consisting of 7.5 paid working hours per day plus a one-hour unpaid lunch break (total of 8.5 hours on site per day).

Our Values

KANA's work is guided by Courtesy, Caring, Respect, Sharing, and Pride. We seek team members who demonstrate these values in how they serve patients, collaborate with colleagues, and support the community.

Life In Kodiak

Located on beautiful Kodiak Island, this role offers the opportunity to build meaningful community connections while experiencing Alaska's unique coastal lifestyle, outdoor recreation, and close-knit community.