Lead Medical Support Assistant

Medical Support Assistant

Incumbent is a working Lead Medical Support Assistant that interviews and registers applicants to determine eligibility and legal entitlement of applicants for health care, including assignment into the appropriate enrollment priority group. Applications may be received in person, by mail, by internet, by fax, or by referral from another VA facility. Verifies eligibility using various methods, including: income assessments, military discharge documents, hospital inquiry (HINQ), benefits delivery network (BDN), Veteran information solutions (VIS), and other means such as communications with a VA Regional Office. Incumbent assists with gaining new employee access to various programs and applications so that new AMSAs can fully perform their job function. Incumbent is a working Lead MSA that administers income assessments (means test). Advises and counsels Veterans and their beneficiaries or representatives of financial obligations, co-pay requirements, and their rights to appeal. Deals with and resolves complex eligibility, co-pay, and insurance questions that arise. Displays adaptability in dealing with a wide range of individuals as necessary. Explains to each individual the specific conditions or actions that could affect their co-pay status or eligibility for benefits. Informs Veterans of their responsibility to report changes. Incumbent assists AMSAs using VHA regulations, standard operating procedures, and various information systems in making eligibility determinations that may be more intricate due to special factors that may be involved in the Veteran's service record. Incumbent captures specific types of eligibility such as OEF/OIF/OND, Combat, Veteran, etc. Information may be gathered by mail, fax, internet, and/or in person. The Lead MSA trains new AMSAs on performing these tasks and makes themselves available to assist AMSAs with questions and routine problems. The Lead MSA deals with a variety of benefits and/or obligations (i.e. medical benefits, co-pay requirements, medication benefits, dental benefits, special transportation, and travel benefits) and special registries (i.e. agent orange, Camp Lejeune, burn-pit, psychosis and other mental illnesses, etc.). Reviews particular circumstances of each individual (i.e. military history, marital status, financial situation, medical conditions, etc.) to apply the regulatory requirements that will best meet the Veteran's needs. Processes claims for hardship determinations, catastrophic disability, beneficiary travel deductible waivers, and appointment/inpatient stay copay waivers. This includes researching for information and informing persons of alternative options. The Lead MSA will often be assigned enrollment/registration cases that involve special circumstances that require a higher knowledge of VHA regulations and the many data elements that may be involved in a Veteran enrollment.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:30am - 4:00 pm or 8:00am - 4:30pm

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: #50343

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized