Patient Fin Team Lead - Patient Access Fin Asst - Hamilton - FT/Days

Kettering Health Network; Hamilton (OH); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Kettering Health Network is seeking a Patient Financial Advocate Specialist to assist uninsured patients in accessing financial support. The role focuses on pre-screening and enrolling patients in assistance programs, ensuring accuracy in applications, and providing high-quality customer service. Ideal candidates should possess a high school diploma and have relevant experience in financial counseling.

Qualifications

• At least two years of relevant work experience.
• Experience in financial counseling or Medicaid application processing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Pre-screens uninsured patients for financial assistance.
• Educates patients on insurance terms and financial responsibilities.
• Collaborates on Medicaid applications and offers personalized financial assessments.

Skills

Communication

Organizational Skills

Attention to Detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Overview

Kettering Health is a not-for-profit system comprising 13 medical centers and over 120 outpatient facilities serving southwest Ohio. We are dedicated to transforming the healthcare experience by providing high-quality care at every stage of life. Our service-oriented mission is demonstrated daily through patient care, training future healthcare professionals, and engaging in international outreach.

Campus Overview

Kettering Health Hamilton

• Formerly Fort Hamilton Hospital, has served the Hamilton community for over 90 years.
• Leads initiatives to improve health in Butler County, serving Fairfield, Oxford, Cincinnati, Middletown, and surrounding areas.
• Offers maternity, emergency services, advanced wound healing, and various outpatient services.
• Received an “A” grade from the Leapfrog Group in 2020, ranking among the safest hospitals in the U.S.
• Full-service community hospital with 203 licensed beds.
• Received multiple awards from Healthgrades, including:
  • America’s 250 Best Hospitals (2018-2020)
  • America’s 100 Best Pulmonary Care (2018-2020)
  • Gastrointestinal Care Excellence Award (2020)

Responsibilities & Requirements

Patient Financial Advocate Specialist

This role involves pre-screening and enrolling self-pay (uninsured and underinsured) patients into external financial assistance programs, focusing primarily on Medicaid. The specialist will assist patients in completing financial assistance applications, educate them about their financial responsibilities, and help resolve their balances. Communication with patients will occur both in person and via phone, emphasizing high-quality customer service.

• Pre-screens uninsured and underinsured patients to identify financial assistance opportunities.
• Assists patients without insurance in enrolling in programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and other state-based assistance programs.
• Ensures accuracy and completeness of financial assistance applications prior to approval.
• Provides staff coverage at other Kettering Health facilities as needed.
• Collaborates with on-site social workers or external vendors to complete Medicaid applications, maximizing funding based on eligibility.
• Conducts detailed interviews to determine eligibility for Medicaid, charity care, and other programs.
• Offers personalized financial assessments, explaining KH financial programs, insurance coverage, and patient liabilities.
• Initiates payment plans and collects patient liabilities after assistance is approved.
• Educates patients about their insurance terms, billing statements, and financial responsibilities.
• Stays updated on statutes and regulations affecting receivables collection.

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum Education

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least two years of relevant work experience demonstrating communication and organizational skills.

Minimum Work Experience

• Experience in financial counseling, eligibility screening, or Medicaid application processing strongly preferred.
• Community outreach experience preferred.
• Familiarity with statutes and regulations impacting financial conversations advantageous.

Required Skills

• Knowledge of government assistance programs, guidelines, and application procedures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to translate medical and administrative language into understandable terms.
• Attention to detail and confidentiality compliance.