Data Analyst - Remote

UnitedHealth Group•New York, NY

6h•$72,800 - $130,000•Remote

About The Position

The Data Analyst plays a critical role in supporting affordability initiatives for a risk-bearing entities within Optum Health’s East markets. This individual will leverage healthcare data, including medical, pharmacy, provider, and enrollment datasets, to analyze cost drivers, identify savings opportunities, and support strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate combines solid analytical and technical expertise with the ability to translate complex findings into actionable insights that improve cost efficiency, care delivery, and financial performance. You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in data analysis, preferably within healthcare, health insurance, or cost/claims analytics
Experience building dashboards and visualizations using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or similar
Experience working with large, messy datasets and performing data cleaning, validation, and transformation
Experience working in a regulated environment and handling sensitive data (HIPAA compliance knowledge preferred)
Solid experience with data analysis tools and programming languages such as Python (pandas, NumPy) or R
Understanding of key healthcare concepts (e.g., reimbursement models, value-based care, risk adjustment, provider networks)
Familiarity with healthcare data structures such as claims (medical, pharmacy), EHR data, or eligibility files
Proficiency in SQL for querying large, complex datasets (e.g., claims, enrollment, provider data)
Demonstrated ability to analyze healthcare cost drivers, utilization patterns, and/or pricing variation
Demonstrated ability to translate complex analytical findings into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Demonstrated solid problem-solving skills with attention to detail and data accuracy
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

Experience using statistical or analytical programming languages such as Python or R for advanced analysis and modeling
Experience operating in a highly matrixed, multi‑region healthcare organization, influencing without direct authority
Deep experience supporting Medicare Advantage, Medicare Risk Adjustment, or value‑based care programs at a regional or enterprise level
Solid familiarity with healthcare data sources, including claims, encounters, eligibility, provider, and clinical data
Demonstrated exposure to financial modeling, forecasting, healthcare economics, or actuarial concepts
Demonstrated solid communication skills, including data storytelling and presentation abilities

Responsibilities

Analyze healthcare cost and utilization data (e.g., medical, pharmacy, provider, and enrollment) to identify key cost drivers and affordability opportunities
Develop and maintain recurring reports, dashboards, and performance metrics related to healthcare spending and utilization trends
Partner with cross-functional teams (finance, actuarial, clinical, network, and operations) to support affordability initiatives and strategic decision-making
Conduct deep-dive analyses to investigate cost variation, high-cost populations, and emerging trends
Support development of business cases and financial impact analyses for cost-saving initiatives (e.g., care management programs, network changes, benefit design)
Translate complex datasets into clear, actionable insights and communicate findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Assist in building and validating analytical models to forecast cost trends and evaluate intervention effectiveness
Perform data extraction, transformation, and validation to ensure accuracy, consistency, and integrity of datasets
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce waste in healthcare delivery through data-driven insights
Collaborate with data engineering or IT teams to enhance data quality, accessibility, and reporting capabilities
Monitor performance of affordability initiatives and track savings against targets
Support ad hoc analyses for leadership, including strategic questions related to cost, utilization, and financial performance
Apply best practices in data governance, documentation, and compliance, including handling of sensitive healthcare data (e.g., HIPAA)
Continuously improve analytical processes, tools, and methodologies to increase efficiency and insight generation