Patient Financial Advocate

Patient Financial Advocate

A Patient Financial Advocate is responsible for providing financial counseling to uninsured/underinsured patients, by determining medical assistance eligibility for patients in clinic, hospital outpatient/inpatient, emergency settings, and in a call center environment. Patient Financial Advocates assist patients with submitting and/or processing documentation to complete applications for various medical assistance programs, such as: State/Federal public benefits, ACA insurance availability, and internal/external financial assistance programs. A Patient Financial Advocate will provide general insurance education, provide price quotes to potential patients, and assist with payments and payment arrangements.

This position will be screening patients for Medicaid eligibility and providing education on Federal Marketplace tax credits, financial assistance programs, and other available coverage options. This role assists patients in understanding and accessing healthcare financial resources while supporting patient interactions across inpatient units, the Emergency Department, and Mother/Baby services through in-person visits and financial counseling.

Schedule - Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm

Essential Functions

• Provides financial counseling and assistance to patients and their families, explaining their insurance coverage, benefits, and out-of-pocket costs.
• Identifies and facilitates the application of financial assistance programs, such as Medicaid, charity care, or payment plans, for eligible patients.
• Completes and submits appropriate applications to Department of Human Services or MA Site as applicable. Follows up through determination.
• Obtains and verifies insurance information, authorizations, and referrals for scheduled and unscheduled services.
• Reviews and updates patient accounts, ensuring accuracy and completeness of demographic and financial information.
• Follows up with patients, providers, and insurance companies to resolve billing issues and disputes.
• Educates patients on their financial obligations and rights and provide information on billing policies and procedures.
• Documents all financial counseling and assistance activities in the electronic health record system.
• Collaborates with other departments and teams to ensure a positive and seamless patient experience.

Skills

• Healthcare Insurance
• Billing
• Financial Counseling
• Insurance Verification
• Detail Oriented
• Compassion
• Customer Service
• HIPAA
• Electronic Health Record
• Affordable Care Act

Qualifications

Required

• Demonstrated experience in healthcare revenue cycle, patient access or other customer service role.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the Affordable Care Act, Insurance billing, medical terminology, and reimbursement practices.
• Demonstrated proficiency in interpreting insurance Explanation of Benefits.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer skills including Microsoft Office applications, electronic health record systems, internet and email
• Demonstrates excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and other regulations.
• Ability to demonstrate compassion, empathy, and respect for patients and their families.

Preferred

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience in financial counseling, insurance verification, or collections.
• Experience with Epic

Physical Requirements

• Ongoing need for employee to see and read information, labels, documents, monitors, identify equipment and supplies, and be able to assess customer needs.
• Frequent interactions with providers, colleagues, customers, patients/clients and visitors that require employee to verbally communicate as well as hear and understand spoken information, needs, and issues quickly and accurately.
• Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to manipulate complex and delicate supplies and equipment with precision and accuracy. This includes frequent computer use for typing, accessing needed information, etc.
• For roles requiring driving: Expected to drive a vehicle which requires sitting, seeing and reading signs, traffic signals, and other vehicles

Location: Holy Rosary Hospital

Work City: Miles City

Work State: Montana

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

The hourly range for this position is listed below. Actual hourly rate dependent upon experience.

$19.41 - $28.14