University of Michigan Health-Sparrow · 1 day ago
SHS-FINANCIAL COUNSELING SPECIALIST
Lansing, MI
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
2+ years expUniversity of Michigan Health-Sparrow is seeking a Financial Counseling Specialist to assist patients in financial interactions related to their healthcare expenses. This role involves working with uninsured patients to identify eligibility for coverage options and providing financial guidance in coordination with clinical providers.
Hospital & Health Care
Responsibilities
Complete bedside, phone, and in-person patient interviews and screenings of uninsured patients receiving or seeking care within Sparrow Health System
Independently assess each patient situation and recommend the best solution for both patient and hospital to address healthcare expenses
Work with patients to identify potential coverage options from all sources; Government Programs, Insurance Exchange, COBRA, Crime Victim's Funds, Work Comp, Third-party Liability, Sparrow Financial Assistance, and others
Adhere to all department policies and procedures and utilize tools to properly document the statuses and next steps on patient accounts. This will ensure accounts are properly worked and financial counseling department efforts are accurately captured
Review and utilize Sparrow Financial Assistance Policy guidelines to make approval decisions on Financial Assistance Applications
Analyze data related to uninsured patients, charity care, bad debt, etc. to develop strategies for reducing the amount of uncompensated care provided by Sparrow
Complete applications for coverage through Michigan's Presumptive Medicaid Eligibility programs. Assist and advise patients in completing full Medicaid, Health Insurance Exchange (healthcare.gov), COBRA, Sparrow Financial Assistance, and other applications
Serve as CMS Certified Application Counselors (CAC's) as outlined in CMS requirements
Coordinate activity between Sparrow and on-site FIA (MARA) workers, and third-party Medicaid Eligibility companies to establish coverage under any available Medicaid programs quickly and efficiently
Research, analyze, and continually update information related to relevant funding sources for healthcare expenses. Educate patients regarding other community resources available for healthcare needs
Work with supply vendors to obtain low or no cost products for uninsured patients needing assistance
Assist uninsured patients and insured patients with large patient liabilities, high deductibles etc. understand options including self-pay discount, payment arrangements, financial assistance, and point of service payment requirements
Work with all parts of Sparrow Health System, including Sparrow Medical Group practices, Patient Support Services, and other clinical providers in arranging resources for uninsured patients
Provide cost estimates to patients seeking elective non-covered services or those facing a large patient liability after insurance
Complete community outreach and patient outreach to better manage the utilization of Sparrow resources for patients with no payment ability or insurance coverage. Assist community agencies and other healthcare providers in establishing coverage for uninsured individuals prior to needing hospital services
Provide education and make recommendations to patients about all forms of insurance coverage, what they might be eligible for, and how to obtain that coverage. Explain complicated coverage options in an easy to understand manner
Qualification
Required
Complete training and receive certification from CMS as a Certified Application Counselor within 90 days of employment
Minimum 2 years of experience in a Healthcare setting (provider facility, insurance plan, or government assistance agency)
High school diploma and minimum of 3 years of Revenue Cycle experience OR Associates Degree in Business Administration, Communications, Healthcare Billing and Coding or other related field
Medical and Insurance Terminology
Outstanding customer service skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Excel products
Professional demeanor
Demonstrates ability to use a keyboard as may be required to perform the essential duties of the job
Preferred
Experience as a Healthcare Financial Counselor, Eligibility Assistant or other related position
Associates degree in Business Administration, Communications, Healthcare Billing and Coding or other related field
Knowledge regarding Government and Affordable Care Act insurance rules and regulations
Company
University of Michigan Health-Sparrow
As Mid-Michigan’s premier healthcare organization and the region’s largest private employer, University of Michigan Health-Sparrow provides quality care to hundreds of thousands of people each year.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageCompany data provided by crunchbase