Senior Policy Program Manager, Legislative and Regulatory Policy

001_BCBSA Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 128,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is seeking a senior policy professional to support policy development on commercial market and ERISA issues, with a focus on value-based programs and healthcare affordability. You will analyze federal/state initiatives, prepare policy recommendations, and build consensus with BCBS Plans and external stakeholders in Washington, DC.

The role requires deep knowledge of health policy, strong communication skills, and the ability to drive strategic

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public or Health Policy, Business or Public Administration; or equivalent work experience.
• Master's degree in Health Policy, Public Policy, Health Administration, Public Health or related field preferred.
• 7+ years of equivalent work experience in policy or government affairs.
• Advanced knowledge of health care systems and legislative processes; strong communication and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Support policy development on commercial market and ERISA issues, and value-based programs.
• Identify and analyze proposed regulatory and legislative initiatives at federal/state levels.
• Prepare policy recommendations and communicate updates to BCBS Plans and stakeholders.
• Lead workgroups and develop consensus-based policy recommendations for state and federal levels.
• Develop advocacy documents, messaging, and briefing materials for policymakers.
• Engage with White House, Congress, and other stakeholders to advance priorities.

Skills

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Policy writing

Public health policy

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Regulatory affairs

Team collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Responsibilities

Candidates will support policy development on commercial market and ERISA issues, commercial pharmacy benefit policy, value-based programs, and healthcare affordability solutions. This role identifies and proactively develops policy recommendations that further the BCBS mission and drive solutions. Identifies and analyzes proposed regulatory and legislative initiatives at the federal and state level which present significant implications to BCBS Plans' members and clients. Identifies policy questions, advances meaningful policy solutions, and builds consensus with BCBS Plans and stakeholder allies on high-profile issues. Prepares formal comments regarding recommended policies and communicates key updates from BCBSA and federal/state policymakers to BCBS Plans. Leads BCBS Plan workgroups to advance corporate goals for assigned programs and/or issues. Works closely with BCBSA leadership to develop strategy around regulatory and legislative priorities for engagement with the White House, Administration, Congress and other key stakeholders in Washington. Leads the development of effective, consensus-based policy recommendations to promote BCBSA and BCBS Plan objectives at both state and federal levels. Manages the review of legislation and regulations to identify and provide feedback to policymakers and staff on strategic and business considerations. Develops advocacy documents to support these activities, including key messaging, one-pagers, and briefing materials. Provides policy support for coalitions, third-party inquiries and internal business partners on select focus areas. Brings forward new ideas and strategic thinking to promote BCBSA priorities and objectives. Leads projects within assigned regulatory and legislative focus areas, including the identification of key business issues, legislative or regulatory analysis. Develops comment letters and resources for policymakers and educational materials for BCBS Plans. Produces bill summaries, policy analysis and memos on key issues and BCBSA positions for use by Plans. Leads BCBSA and Plan meetings to inform staff of key issues and actions taken by P&A staff. Responsible for researching and developing responses to Plan inquiries. Leads workgroup and related calls on focus areas. Identifies and communicates key regulatory and legislative activities to internal audiences, BCBS Plans and other external audiences. Collaborates with peers and others on BCBSA's business/operations team to support synchronized efforts to assess current landscape, identify opportunities for engagement for BCBSA leadership, and assist with implementing a forward-thinking, comprehensive, coordinated, strategy for assigned programs and/or issues. Keeps up to date on legislative and regulatory positions and priorities, strategies, federal policymaking activities, external stakeholder positioning, and health care issues generally in order to maintain an understanding of key issues and strategies. May provide policy support to State Affairs team and work with state-based organizations (SBOs). Takes on various health policy projects as assigned. Collaborates with BCBS Plan representatives, Policy and Advocacy staff and broader BCBSA staff. Engages with external stakeholders including federal policymakers and third-party representatives as appropriate. Ensures senior management, senior leadership team and BCBS Plan representatives are informed as to pertinent legislative and regulatory developments.

The posting range for this position is: 127,500.00 - 184,875.00

Qualifications

• Education Required Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Public or Health Policy, Business or Public Administration; or equivalent work experience
• Preferred Master's Degree in Health Policy, Public Policy, Health Administration, Public Heath or relevant subject
• Experience Required 7+ Years equivalent work experience
• Knowledge Skills and Abilities Advanced knowledge of health care systems and understanding of legislative and policymaking process. Strong communications skills; the ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing Strong planning and organizational skills Strong human relations skills; and the ability to work with others in obtaining feedback/input, accomplishing goals, and meeting deadlines Sophisticated/strategic thinking to determine how best to influence decision/policy makers Comprehensive understanding of health policy issues and the legislative process, as well as experience with policy writing Excellent interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships and influence outcomes Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to identify issues and develop appropriate advocacy recommendations Demonstrated ability to manage time and competing priorities
• Preferred: Demonstrates AI literacy and an understanding of generative AI tools, including appropriate business applications and limitations.

Additional Experience

• Seven or more years of equivalent work experience
• Experience working on one or more of the following health policy areas: Medicare and/or Medicaid issues which may include Stars, quality, prior authorization, dual eligibles
• Health insurance contracts and payment structures in Medicare/Medicaid and/or commercial lines of business (LOBs)
• Prescription drug issues (Rx reform, pharmacy benefit manager, opioid use disorder, cell & gene therapies)
• Pharmacy benefits for commercial, Medicare and Medicaid LOBs
• Improving affordability of health care, and value-based care programs including relevant regulation, legislation and/or law
• Health IT which may include AI, cybersecurity, technical and market issues related to data operations, standards development, application programming interfaces, data privacy and security issues, and third-party application capabilities
• Extensive experience developing and drafting policy and legal analysis with focus on above programs and/or issue areas
• Prior experience working for a health insurer, Congress, the Administration or third-party stakeholders focused on above programs and/or issue areas
• Experience working with public officials or in government

#LI-Hybrid

The posted salary range is the lowest to highest salary we, in good faith, believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the hiring range and this hiring range may also be modified in the future. A candidate’s position within the hiring range may be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, relevant experience, skills, seniority, performance, shift, travel requirements, and business or organizational needs. This job is also eligible for annual bonus incentive pay.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, 11 holidays, medical/dental/vision insurance, generous 401(k) matching, lifestyle spending account and many other benefits to eligible employees.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, or any other form of compensation that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

At Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), we are a national association of 33 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross Blue Shield companies and we are driven by purpose. Join the team who supports the nation's largest healthcare network, providing coverage to nearly one in three Americans as we relentlessly pursue affordable healthcare and ensure peace of mind for the people we serve. Be part of our storied history of innovation as we advance well-being and health equity. Experience a culture that is built on our core values, connection, work-life flexibility, well-being, and a commitment to our community. If you thrive at a company that values inclusivity, accountability, courage, teamwork, and respect, we're glad you found us!