Financial Counselor

Financial Counselor (259539) Chicago, Illinois Salary: USD20 - USD25 per year Medix Healthcare is currently hiring experienced Patient Financial Counselors to join a well-established academic hospital in Chicago, IL! This is a great opportunity for someone with a strong background in Medicaid eligibility, hospital financial counseling, and charity care programs who enjoys helping patients navigate their healthcare coverage and financial assistance options. You'll be joining a growing team at a large hospital system, helping uninsured and underinsured patients understand their coverage options, apply for financial assistance, and access the care they need. Pay: $20–$25/hour, based on experience Location: Chicago, IL 60612 Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite Available Schedules: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM Tuesday–Saturday, 7:00 AM–3:00 PM Weekend coverage required for select openings; Sunday may be an alternative to Saturday. Job Responsibilities Patient Financial Counseling & Assistance Assist uninsured and underinsured patients with understanding their healthcare coverage and financial assistance options. Meet with patients from inpatient, outpatient, and Emergency Department settings to assess their financial needs. Receive referrals from social workers, case managers, authorization teams, and other hospital departments. Provide guidance to patients regarding Medicaid, Medicare, and hospital charity care programs. Explain eligibility requirements, application processes, and available financial assistance resources. Support patients who may be experiencing financial hardship or stressful healthcare situations with empathy and professionalism. Medicaid Eligibility & Applications Screen patients to determine potential eligibility for Medicaid and hospital financial assistance programs. Review patient income, household information, and other eligibility requirements to determine appropriate coverage options. Complete and submit Illinois Medicaid applications through the ABE (Application for Benefits Eligibility) portal. Monitor application statuses and follow up on pending Medicaid determinations. Assist patients with gathering required documentation and resolving application issues. Maintain a strong understanding of Medicaid guidelines and eligibility requirements. Hospital Charity Care & Financial Assistance Evaluate patients for hospital charity care and financial assistance programs. Assist patients with completing applications and submitting required financial documentation. Explain available assistance programs and help patients understand next steps. Coordinate with hospital departments to ensure patients receive appropriate financial guidance. Communication & Documentation Respond to patient inquiries through phone calls, emails, and in-person visits. Communicate with social workers, case managers, and other healthcare professionals regarding patient financial assistance needs. Utilize Epic EMR to review patient information, document interactions, and maintain accurate records. Provide excellent customer service while assisting patients with sensitive or complex financial situations. Escalate complex eligibility or financial assistance questions when necessary. Maintain patient confidentiality and ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations. Qualifications Required: 2+ years of Patient Financial Counseling experience in a hospital setting. Hands-on experience with Medicaid eligibility, applications, and financial assistance determinations. Experience assisting patients with hospital charity care or similar financial assistance programs. Strong understanding of Medicaid and Medicare guidelines. Experience using Epic EMR. Ability to independently assess patient eligibility and complete Medicaid applications. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong customer service skills and ability to work with patients experiencing stressful or difficult situations. Ability to work independently while collaborating with multidisciplinary hospital teams. Preferred: Experience using the Illinois ABE Medicaid application portal . Previous experience with hospital charity care programs. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Experience supporting patients in Emergency Department, inpatient, or outpatient hospital settings. Why Apply? Competitive Pay: Earn $20–$25/hour based on experience. Long-Term Opportunity: Join an established hospital system with potential for permanent employment, dependent on organizational approvals and availability. Career Growth: Opportunity to grow within a large academic healthcare organization. Meaningful Work: Make a direct impact by helping patients access Medicaid coverage and financial assistance. Supportive Team Environment: Be part of a team that is rebuilding and expanding its patient financial counseling services. Permanent Employee Benefits: If converted to a permanent employee, potential access to state employee benefits, retirement pension, and union representation, subject to eligibility. #J-18808-Ljbffr Medix