Sr Medicaid Subject Matter Expert - CMS-64 - Federal Reporting and Policy - Remote

Optum; Schaumburg (IL); Hybrid; USD 113,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

Optum Insight is seeking a Senior Medicaid SME to anchor Medicaid data and CMS reporting within the IL EDW, translating policy into actionable business rules and ensuring data integrity.

Remote work is available nationwide with in-office requirements in Minneapolis or DC area four days per week. You will lead executive briefings, collaborate with state finance teams, and mentor analysts on Medicaid data flows and federal reporting requirements.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in healthcare with Medicaid agency or related data programs.
• 3+ years with CMS reporting (MARS, T-MSIS, PERM, Core Set).
• Hands-on CMS-64 reporting experience including FMAP and reconciliations.
• Strong knowledge of Medicaid/CHIP policy, eligibility, waivers, and data flow.
• Proven ability to brief senior executives and translate policy into requirements.
• Proficient in SQL or similar tools.

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior Medicaid SME for the IL EDW and CMS reporting.
• Lead CMS-64 reporting support including expenditures and FMAP.
• Support other federal reporting like MARS, T-MSIS, PERM, Core Set.
• Translate policy into clear business rules and acceptance criteria.
• Prepare executive briefings and recommendations to leadership.
• Collaborate with State finance, MCOs, and vendors on timelines.
• Review and validate report logic and data mappings.
• Identify data quality risks and propose solutions.
• Mentor analysts and ensure knowledge backup.
• Stay current on CMS and State Medicaid changes.

Skills

Medicaid policy knowledge

Executive briefing

SQL data queries

CMS reporting

Stakeholder communication

Tools

SQL

Data mapping

Job description

Optum Insight is improving the flow of health data and information to create a more connected system. We remove friction and drive alignment between care providers and payers, and ultimately consumers. Our deep expertise in the industry and innovative technology empower us to help organizations reduce costs while improving risk management, quality and revenue growth. Ready to help us deliver results that improve lives? Join us in making healthcare work better for everyone through people-led, responsible AI while

Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Position Summary

This senior Medicaid SME supports the State Medicaid Agency Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW). The role is the business and policy anchor for Medicaid data and federal reporting, with a primary focus on CMS-64 and related financial and federal reporting. The person in this role understands not only what the data says, but why the business works the way it does: the Medicaid policy, program rules, and federal requirements behind each claim, eligibility record, and report line.

You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior Medicaid business and policy SME for the IL EDW, guiding State and Optum teams on claims, eligibility, provider, managed care/encounter, TPL, and financial data and how they relate to Medicaid program rules
• Lead the business side of CMS-64 reporting support, including understanding expenditure categories, FMAP and enhanced match rules, reporting periods, prior period adjustments, and reconciliation of EDW data to State financial submissions
• Support other federal reporting work such as MARS, T-MSIS, PERM, and CMS Core Set/Quality of Care measures, making sure reports tie back to source data and federal guidance
• Interpret federal and State policy (CMS guidance, SMD/SHO letters, the State Medicaid Manual, the State Plan and waivers, and State administrative rules) and translate it into clear business rules, requirements, and acceptance criteria
• Explain the "why" behind the numbers Help State users and leadership understand trends, variances, and data issues in plain business terms, along with the policy or operational drivers behind them
• Prepare and deliver executive briefings, issue summaries, and recommendations to Optum leadership and State senior leadership, including Bureau Chiefs, Deputy Administrators, and the Agency Director
• Work with State finance and program teams (including the Bureau of Fiscal Operations), MCO partners, and other vendors on joint reporting timelines, dependencies, and approvals
• Review and validate report logic, data mappings, and test results from a business and policy standpoint before deliverables go to the State or CMS
• Identify data quality and reporting risks early, and recommend practical options to resolve them
• Mentor analysts, developers, and data specialists on Medicaid business knowledge, and help build documented knowledge and backup coverage so no single person is a point of failure
• Stay current on federal and State Medicaid changes (CMS rules, legislative mandates, federal reporting system changes) and advise the team and the State on impacts to the EDW and reporting

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications

• 15+ years of healthcare experience, including 10+ years working directly with or for State Medicaid agencies, MMIS/MES vendors, or Medicaid data warehouse/decision support programs
• 3+ years of experience with other federal CMS reporting such as MARS, T-MSIS, PERM, or CMS Core Set measures
• Hands-on experience supporting CMS-64 reporting, including expenditure reporting, FMAP/enhanced match, claiming categories, and reconciliation of data to financial reports
• Solid working knowledge of Medicaid and CHIP policy and program rules, including eligibility groups, benefits and covered services, managed care, waivers, TPL, and claims adjudication
• Deep understanding of Medicaid data (claims, encounters, eligibility, provider, financial) and how it flows from source systems into a data warehouse and federal reports
• Proven ability to present to and advise senior executives, including State agency directors or equivalent, with clear and concise briefings
• Proven ability to translate policy and federal guidance into business rules and requirements that technical teams can build and test
• Proven working ability to query and validate data using SQL or similar tools against large datasets
• Proven ability to travel to Springfield, IL three (3) to four (4) times per year or as needed
• Proven excellent written and verbal communication, sound judgment, and the ability to stay calm and credible in high-visibility, deadline-driven situations

Note: Core customer business hours are M-F 8 AM to 5 PM CST

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with State Medicaid finance operations, CMS-64 quarterly cycles, CMS-37 budget reporting, or federal draw and claiming processes
• Experience supporting MMIS/MES CMS certification, audits, or federal reviews
• Product owner or lead SME experience for a federal reporting module or Medicaid DSS/data warehouse
• Experience with Illinois Medicaid programs, or Medicaid managed care
• Experience with Teradata, Business Objects, Tableau, Power BI, or similar reporting and data tools
• Experience using Azure DevOps, JIRA, or similar tools, and SharePoint for documentation and collaboration
• Familiarity with CMS federal financial reporting systems (MBES/CBES) and the transition to MACFin
• Located within driving distance of Springfield, IL
• All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $112,700 - $193,200 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

Application Deadline

This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.