Financial Advocate at Ellis Medicine – Schenectady , New York

Under the direct supervision of the Financial Advocate Supervisor, this position performs daily activities related to the enrollment of Medicaid and health insurance, including Medicaid for chronic care, eligibility and self-pay services within the Patient Access Department. Activities include patient interviews before, during and after services are performed. Often times, the interview is conducted in the patient’s hospital room. It is expected that the incumbent of this position will aggressively pursue third party reimbursement, on behalf of patients, from other governmental programs. This position will require proficiency with the use of internal Hospital Information Systems, insurance eligibility and verification, and external systems. Point of service collection of money owed to the hospital is also expected.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Associates Degree preferred. High School Diploma, or equivalent, is required.
• Five years of experience in healthcare systems and services.
• Experience with Medicaid eligibility and government programs preferred.
• Good verbal and grammatical skills required.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION:

• Aggressive completion of Medicaid and Financial Assistance applications is required. Must secure necessary signatures and update all systems, as necessary.
• Successfully performs registration interview to secure all required information with minimal supervision.
• Performs collections from patients with outstanding accounts receivable. Accurately estimates the patient liability (copayments, deductibles, coinsurance, etc.) via obtaining accurate demographic and financial information.
• Accurately educate the patient on their financial responsibility and expectations.
• For elective non-urgent services, ensures initial payment has been secured.
• Reviews and handles all self-pay activity before scheduled services are performed.
• Consistently meets initial outreach deadlines (Inpatient – prior to discharge; Scheduled High-Dollar Outpatients – 3 days prior to service).
• Answers patient inquiries regarding their liability and being able to explain the variables involved.
• Work closely with the cashier to ensure patients have direct access to make a payment and receive proper receipt(s).
• Thorough knowledge of process and systems related to patient scheduling and registration functions.
• Thorough understanding of alternative sponsorship programs and how to prioritize work approach and program applications.
• Aggressive pursuit of coverage with governmental programs.
• Discuss patient and staff related issues only in a confidential manner and setting, and only with those who have the right to know.
• Maintains an objective and impartial perspective based on facts and not personal influences.
• Must be able to execute multi-variable math.
• Informs patients of rights and responsibilities in addition to meeting all regulatory guidelines.
• Maintains current knowledge skills necessary to perform competently.
• Work independently and have the ability to request assistance, when needed.
• Work must be accurate and thorough; attention to details must be evident.
• Adheres to hospital human resource policies and procedures related to mandatory education and annual health assessment(s).
• Willingly accepts other duties as assigned.

Ellis Medicine is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will prohibit, discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex/gender (including pregnancy), age, national origin, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status, prior arrest or conviction record, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decisions, domestic violence victim status, known relationship or association with any member of a protected class, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law violates federal, state and, where applicable, local laws , reproductive health decisions or source of payment, consistent with applicable legislation and to comply with the laws pertaining thereto.

Salary Range: $ /hour Pay is based on experience, skills, and education. Exempt positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will be paid within the base salary equivalent of the stated hourly rates. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on location.