Benefits Counselor

Benefits Counselor

The Benefits Counselor coordinates the application process for financial assistance programs on behalf of patients and families. The counselor serves as the primary contact for benefit determination, initial enrollment in programs, financial assistance, and insurance coverage eligibility. The counselor coordinates the application process, conducts financial interviews regarding eligibility for financial assistance programs, assists families on getting enrolled in appropriate programs, and follows up on the application process.

Responsibilities

• Interviews patients or family members to secure information concerning insurance coverage, eligibility, and qualification for various financial assistance programs. Meets with patients and families to obtain consent form and information such as insurance cards, prescription cards, correct demographic information, financial information, etc. Responds to all inquiries regarding financial assistance programs. Assesses need for financial assistance and determines eligible financial assistance programs. Discusses benefit information in detail with financially responsible party. Coordinates submission and follow-up of applications presented to financial assistance programs on the patient's behalf. Provides regular updates on status of each application. Functions as a liaison in obtaining vital financial information. Prepares patients and families for managing the renewal process for each financial assistance program and serves as an ongoing resource. Documents in EPIC system on all discussions, events, and outcomes. Maintains effective communication and cooperative working relationships with government agencies, community organizations and providers, hospital partners, patients, and families.

Qualifications

Education Requirement: High school graduate, required. Associates degree, preferred. Licensure: Valid Ohio driver's license and proof of auto insurance as required by hospital policy. Must pass motor vehicle background inspection, insurance eligibility, driving qualifications, and training set forth by Nationwide Children's Hospital and maintain qualification of insurance guidelines. Skills: Familiarity with government, commercial and third-party billing preferred. Familiar with medical terminology. Knowledge of the impact of managed care trends on hospital operations. Excellent customer service and communication skills. Ability to understand and retain complex and quickly changing information, work and problem solve with minimal supervision, required. Analytical and decision-making skills with a strong attention to detail, required. Ability to adapt to change positively in workflow and process. Keyboarding/typing/data entry skills. Experience: 2 years of experience in registration, customer service, financial assistance programs or related medical field preferred.

Minimum Physical Requirements:

• Squat/kneel; climb stairs/ladder; reaching above shoulder; lifting/carrying 0-10lbs; pushing/pulling 0-40lbs; work environment may include contact with communicable diseases and/or pathogens/patient equipment/machinery/electricity: Occasionally - 1-33% of the time.
• Ben/twist - Frequently - 34-66% of the time.
• Sitting; flexing/extending of neck; repetitive hand/arm use; computer skills; audible speech/hearing acuity; seeing - far/near; problem solving, decision making, interpreting data, ability to multi-task within a stressful environment- Continuously - 67-100% of the time.

The above list of duties is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this classification. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties performed by the individual so classified, nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under their supervision. EOE M/F/Disability/Vet