Public Benefits Specialist

**This role is on-site in Columbia, MO **

Job Description

Interviews uninsured/under-insured patients to determine eligibility for a state Medicaid benefit or location Financial Assistance program. Assists with application processes to facilitate accurate and appropriate submissions. Follows-up on submitted applications to insure timely billing or adjustment processing.

Essential Job Functions: Public Benefits Specialists job duties include, but are not limited to: reviewing all referred uninsured/under-insured patients for program eligibility opportunities, initializing and coordinating the application process to facilitate accurate and appropriate submissions, effectively communicating with the patient to obtain documents that must accompany the application, following submitted applications to determination point, updating applicable insurance information and ensuring timely billing or adjustment posting, documenting all relevant actions and communication steps in assigned patient accounting systems, maintaining working knowledge of all state and federal program requirements; shares information with colleagues and supervisors, developing and maintaining proactive working relationship with county/state/federal Medicaid caseworker partners, working collaboratively with other revenue cycle departments and associates. Other job duties as assigned.

Employment Qualifications:

Minimum years and type of experience: 1-2 years of experience in healthcare industry, interacting with patients regarding hospital financial issues.

Other knowledge, skills, and abilities preferred: Understanding of Revenue Cycle including admission, billing, payments and denials. Comprehensive knowledge of patient insurance process for obtaining authorizations and benefits verification. Knowledge of Health Insurance requirements. Knowledge of medical terminology or CPT or procedure codes. Patient Access experience with managed care/insurance and Call Center experience highly preferred.

Minimum Education: High School Diploma or GED. Combination of post-secondary education and experience will be considered in lieu of degree. Certifications: CRCR within 9 months of hire.