Financial Navigator - Worcester, MA

Company: Optum
Location: Worcester
Posted on: April 24, 2024

Job Description:

$ 3,000 Sign-On Bonus for External Candidates

If you are in WORCESTER, MA , you will have the flexibility to work from home and the office in this hybrid role as you take on some tough challenges.

Serves with a team working with patients on coverage for medications in the Oncology/Infusion and clinic setting. The Financial Navigator (FN) helps patients analyze the best health insurance options available to them, taking into consideration their specific health concerns and financial situation. The FN then assists in getting the patient into that plan, be it connecting them up with a Medicare broker or signing them up for Masshealth directly. For patients where financial toxicity due to healthcare issues is still a concern, the financial navigator facilitates other resources such as foundational assistance, free drug, discounts, and other support. Works closely with the clinical staff, pharmacy services and billing department. Maintains a solid understanding of healthcare insurance policies, drug information, medical benefits, medical terminology and pharmacy benefits.

This is a full time position, Monday -Friday. Employees are required to work our normal business hours of 8:00am - 4:30pm OR 5:00pm. It may be necessary, given the business need, to work weekends.

Our office is located at 5 NEPONSET STREET, Worcester, Massachusetts . Employees will be required to work some days onsite and some days from home.

We offer weeks of paid training. The hours of the training will be based on schedule or will be discussed on your first day of employment.

All Telecommuters will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.

Primary Responsibilities

• Has an understanding of the care of the cancer patient, including treatment plans.
• Review patient chemotherapy protocols and determine insurance benefits and patient
  responsibility. Verify eligibility and benefits for all new patients and existing patients receiving treatment.
• Able to effectively communicate with patients newly diagnosed with cancer who may be emotional, angry, overwhelmed and/or frightened.
• Has a strong knowledge of healthcare insurance guidelines, programs and plans, patient assistance programs, co-pay assistance programs, Medicare health plans, Medicaid plans, COBRA guidelines and Healthcare reform.
• Works with patients to help understand and optimize their health insurance and supplemental coverage options for medical and pharmacy benefits.
• Verifies current insurance coverage, including out-of-pocket costs, deductibles, and/or coinsurance as necessary.
• Assist patients with insurance questions or denials.
• Assess patient need for outside assistance with medical care payments and if so, what programs might be available for individual patients, i.e. pharmaceutical, copay assistance, etc.
• Establish payment arrangements with the patient and document appropriately in the
  practice management system co-insurance assistance, etc.
• Assists patients with enrolling in Medicaid and other government-sponsored healthcare assistance programs.
• Acts as the patient's direct primary point of contact for all insurance and billing inquiries.
• Possess strong research and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrates a high level of initiative and ability to self-direct to solve financial problems of patients. May need to work collaboratively with the cancer team to adjust care accordingly.
• Work with billing team on denied, no authorization, no referral claims, and provides feedback and follow up to clinical areas.
• Discuss payment arrangements with patients for outstanding patient balance.
• Properly document appropriate information in the Patient EMR.
• Process additional information requests and coordinate requests for letters of medical necessity from and to insurance companies.
• Direct day-to-day contact with Providers to assure treatments are approved before administering.
• Complies with health and safety requirements and with regulatory agencies such as DPH, etc.
• Complies with established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives.
• Enhances professional growth and development through educational programs, seminars, etc.
• Attends a variety of meetings, conferences, and seminars as required or directed.
• Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.
• Regular, reliable and predicable attendance is required. You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
  
  Required Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma/ GED or equivalent experience
  • Must be 18 years old or older
  • 3+ years of relevant work experience with strong healthcare insurance background
  • Knowledge of various software applications such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, etc.
  • Must be able to work hybrid - onsite and home
  • Ability to work our normal business hours of 8:00am - 4:30pm OR 5:00pm. It may be necessary, given the business need, to work weekends. Preferred Qualification:
    • 5+ years experience applied knowledge of medical insurance, pharmacy insurance, co-pay and deductibles, patient assistance programs, and grant programs. Telecommuting Requirements:
      • Must be in commutable distance to 5 NEPONSET STREET, Worcester, Massachusetts
      • Ability to keep all company sensitive documents secure (if applicable)
      • Required to have a dedicated work area established that is separated from other living areas and provides information privacy.
      • Must live in a location that can receive a UnitedHealth Group approved high-speed internet connection or leverage an existing high-speed internet service. Soft skills:
        • Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and problem solving skills
        • Ability to compassionately work with patients who are often frustrated and/or overwhelmed by medical cost
        • Ability to effectively work with physicians, medical staff, and patients
        • Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks PLEASE NOTE The sign on bonus is only available to external candidates. Candidates who are currently working for a UnitedHealth Group, UnitedHealthcare or related entity in a full time, part time, or per diem basis ("Internal Candidates") are not eligible to receive a sign on bonus.
          
          At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location, and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups, and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.
          
          Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
          
          UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment .
          
          
          
          

Keywords: Optum, Worcester , Financial Navigator - Worcester, MA, Accounting, Auditing , Worcester, Massachusetts