Patient Benefits Coordinator: Closing Date: 11/9/26

Patient Benefits Coordinator

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is a federally recognized Tribe with its ancestral homeland located in Niobrara, NE. The Tribe does not have a reservation in the classic definition; rather, the Ponca Restoration Act defined its jurisdiction as a 'Service Delivery Area' comprised of 15 counties throughout parts of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. Within its Service Delivery Area, the Tribe offers a broad range of health, social, educational, and cultural services.

The Patient Benefits Coordinator helps Ponca Health Services patients obtain and maintain health insurance and other available resources. This position assists patients with applications, renewals, and required documentation; explains coverage and benefits; and maintains accurate benefits information in the electronic health record. Working under the Patient Access and Benefits Supervisor, the coordinator collaborates with Patient Access, billing, and Purchased/Referred Care staff to address coverage concerns and support access to services across all three clinics.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Provide benefits outreach and education to patients and eligible community members throughout the Ponca service area, with primary responsibility at the Omaha clinic and support to Lincoln and Norfolk as assigned.
2. Provide support and advocacy to provide up-to-date information and clarification regarding programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Administration, Medical Services, entitlements, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, state programs, Medicare Prescription Drug Programs, Affordable Care Act Marketplace Insurance, private insurance and other applicable resources.
3. Facilitate communications to determine potential eligibility for any alternate resources.
4. Assist patients with completing and submitting applications for available health coverage and other applicable resources, gathering required documentation, responding to notices, and completing renewals and recertifications.
5. Educate PHS staff about available benefits, common coverage questions, and referral procedures for patients needing benefits assistance.
6. Coordinate with Patient Access, billing, Purchased/Referred Care, clinical staff, and other Tribal programs to address coverage concerns and connect patients with appropriate resources.
7. Verify and maintain accurate insurance and benefits information in Aprima and other approved systems, including coverage status and supporting documentation needed for billing and coordination of care.
8. Track pending applications, missing documentation, renewal deadlines, and coverage changes; follow up with patients and appropriate agencies and document the status of benefits assistance.
9. Maintain accurate documentation of benefits assistance and outreach activities and complete required reports.
10. Maintain patient confidentiality and follow PHS privacy and security policies.
11. Perform other related duties as assigned by the Patient Access and Benefits Supervisor.
12. Support patients receiving services across PHS departments, including medical, dental, behavioral health, and specialty services, by addressing coverage questions and coordinating benefits assistance with the appropriate staff.
13. Assist with onboarding and training staff in established benefits workflows, referral procedures, and documentation practices under the direction of the Patient Access and Benefits Supervisor.
14. Attend required training and team meetings and recommend improvements to benefits workflows and patient service.

Relationships and Authority:

This position has no supervisory duties and reports directly to the Patient Access and Benefits Supervisor. The coordinator assists patients with benefits eligibility screening and applications; final coverage and eligibility decisions remain with the applicable agency or payer. PRC determinations are referred to designated PRC staff.

Working Environment and Physical Demands:

Physical requirements include carrying/lifting up to 5 pounds, frequently; up to 10 pounds, regularly; and up to 25 pounds, occasionally. Visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to drive an automobile and operate computer keyboard and basic office equipment; subject to carrying, lifting, twisting and reaching to perform essential job functions. Working conditions are primarily in an office environment with occasional travel to other locations. At times staff may be required to work with patients/clients who are in crisis and demonstrate empathy, understanding, respect, and advocacy while remaining calm in stressful situations

Qualifications:

Minimum:

1. Associates degree in health or related field or equivalent combination of experience and education in related field.
2. Two years of experience in Medical Insurance/Benefits
3. Ability to keep abreast current changes in policies and regulations of eligibility.
4. Knowledge of established procedures, required forms, etc., associated with the various health insurance programs.
5. Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs.
6. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
7. Successfully pass drug and alcohol testing, education, character, and criminal background checks.
8. Able and willing to travel.

Preferred:

1. Bachelor's degree in health-related field.
2. Experience using an electronic health record, preferably Aprima.
3. Knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, Marketplace insurance, and other health coverage resources.
4. Experience coordinating with Patient Access, billing, or Purchased/Referred Care programs.
5. Valid driver's license and be insurable.
6. One year of experience working with Native Americans or Native American organizations.
7. Knowledge and understanding of Public Law 93-638" Indian Self-Determination Act.

Preference will be given to Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members or members of a Federally recognized Tribe. However, all qualified individuals are eligible. The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is an at-will employer. Tribal Council Pending: 10/12/2026