Provider Contracting Advisor - Cigna Healthcare - Hybrid/Illinois

Provider Contracting Team Member

The work location for this role is Chicago, IL with a 3 day/week in-office hybrid schedule.

This position serves as an integral member of the Provider Contracting Team and reports to the Contracting Director. This role assists in developing the strategic direction and management of the day to day contracting and network management activities for a given territory within Illinois.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages complex contracting and negotiations for fee for service and value-based reimbursements with hospitals and other providers (e.g., Hospital systems, Ancillaries, and large physician groups).
• Builds relationships that nurture provider partnerships and seeks broader value-based business opportunities to support the local market strategy.
• Initiates and maintains effective channels of communication with matrix partners including but not limited to, Claims Operations, Medical Management. Credentialing, Legal, Medical Economics, Compliance, Sales and Marketing and Service.
• Manages strategic positioning for provider contracting, develops networks and identifies opportunities for greater value-orientation and risk arrangements.
• Contributes to the development of alternative network initiatives. Supports and provides direction to develop network analytics required for the network solution.
• Works to meet unit cost targets, while preserving an adequate network, to achieve and maintain Cigna's competitive position.
• Creates and manages initiatives that improve total medical cost and quality.
• Drives change with external provider partners by assessing clinical informatics and offering consultative expertise to assist with total medical cost initiatives.
• Prepares, analyzes, reviews, and projects financial impact of larger or complex provider contracts and alternate contract terms.
• Creates "HCP" agreements that meet internal operational standards and external provider expectations. Ensures the accurate implementation, and administration through matrix partners.
• Assists in resolving elevated and complex provider service complaints. Researches problems and negotiates with internal/external partners/customers to resolve highly complex and/or escalated issues.
• Manages key provider relationships and is accountable for critical interface with providers and business staff.
• Demonstrates knowledge of providers in an assigned geographic area through understanding the interrelationships as well as the competitive landscape.
• Responsible for accurate and timely contract loading and submissions and interface with matrix partners for network implementation and maintenance.
• May provide guidance or expertise to less experienced specialists.

Position Requirements

• Should possess a bachelor degree; preferably in the areas of Finance, Economics, Healthcare or Business related. Significant industry experience will be considered in lieu of a Bachelor degree. MBA or MHA preferred.
• Minimum 3 years contracting and negotiating experience involving complex delivery systems and organizations required.
• Experience in developing and managing key provider relationships
• Knowledge of complex reimbursement methodologies, including incentive based models strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in seeking out, building and nurturing strong external relationships with provider partners.
• Intimate understanding and experience with hospital, managed care, and provider business models.
• Team player with proven ability to develop strong working relationships within a fast-paced, matrix organization.
• The ability to influence both sales and provider audiences through strong written and verbal communication skills. Experience with formal presentations.
• Customer centric and interpersonal skills are required.
• Demonstrates managerial courage as well as an ability to maneuver effectively in a changing environment.
• Superior problem solving, decision-making, negotiating skills, contract language and financial acumen.
• Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office tools.

If you will be working at home occasionally or permanently, the internet connection must be obtained through a cable broadband or fiber optic internet service provider with speeds of at least 10Mbps download/5Mbps upload. For this position, we anticipate offering an annual salary of 92,000 - 153,300 USD / yearly, depending on relevant factors, including experience and geographic location.

This role is also anticipated to be eligible to participate in an annual bonus plan.

At The Cigna Group, you'll enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits, with a focus on supporting your whole health. Starting on day one of your employment, you'll be offered several health-related benefits including medical, vision, dental, and well-being and behavioral health programs. We also offer 401(k), company paid life insurance, tuition reimbursement, a minimum of 18 days of paid time off per year, paid holidays, and leaves of absence.

Cigna Healthcare, a division of The Cigna Group, is an advocate for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the health care system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality. Join us in driving growth and improving lives.

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, age, disability, sex, childbirth (including pregnancy) or related medical conditions including but not limited to lactation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by applicable equal employment opportunity laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the online application process, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for assistance. The Cigna Group has a tobacco-free policy and reserves the right not to hire tobacco/nicotine users in states where that is legally permissible. Candidates in such states who use tobacco/nicotine will not be considered for employment unless they enter a qualifying smoking cessation program prior to the start of their employment. These states include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Washington State.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal, state and local ordinances.