Director, Government Legislative Affairs

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

3d•$198,360 - $242,440•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Legislative Affairs for Government and Regulatory Affairs serves as a health care policy expert and key advocate for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts with legislators, regulators and stakeholders. The Director identifies and analyzes policy issues, and develops an advocacy strategy, including public testimony and meetings with policymakers in coordination with the Vice President of Government & Regulatory Affairs. The Director also creates policy analysis materials for senior and C-suite-level leaders to inform BCBSMA corporate strategy, as well as for associates coordinating the implementation of regulatory requirements. The Director acts as a strategic advisor by identifying emerging policy issues that may impact the business or have implications for the Company and its role in the community. This position is eligible for the Flex persona.

Requirements

Advanced analytic skills.
Outstanding written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate information on multiple complex issues in a time-sensitive manner for policymakers, staff, senior leaders and other constituencies.
In-depth demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the health care and health insurance industry, including specific issue-area expertise in public policy related to behavioral health, substance use disorder, prescription drug pricing and transparency policy, provider payment policy, municipal health reform, and utilization management tools.
Strong established relationships with relevant legislators and regulators, including members of legislative leadership.
Strong relationship management skills.
Demonstrated project planning and implementation management skills.
JD preferred.
Minimum of 15 years of experience in the state legislative or executive branch, and/or government affairs work, with a minimum of 10 years focusing on health care policy.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the development and execution of the Company’s state and federal legislative strategy, including policy development, legislative drafting, coalition building, and oral and written legislative testimony.
Identify, evaluate and track all state and federal legislation that may impact the Company, including policy related to health care, the insurance industry, employers and nonprofit organizations.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with key state and federal legislators, regulators and staff interested in issues of importance to the Company, including members of legislative leadership and Congressional delegation.
Act as a direct point of contact for regulators on issues of specific expertise, including behavioral health, substance use disorder, mandated benefits, and prescription drug cost transparency.
Directly advocate for the Company’s interests in legislative hearings, regulatory sessions, and one-on-one meetings with legislators, regulators, and staff on issues impacting health care and the insurance industry, including behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment, prescription drug pricing and transparency policy, provider payment policy, municipal health reform, and utilization management tools.
Provide clear, concise and time-sensitive policy analysis on issues of importance to the Company for business leaders and C-Suite executives, and work with cross-functional internal teams to identify the impact of those policies on the Company and craft advocacy action plans for external audiences.
Engage with external stakeholders to build effective coalitions around issues of importance to the company.
Lead regulatory efforts, and coordination with internal business leaders, on issues related to state taxes and assessments on insurers.
Support the development and execution of the Company’s federal legislative strategy, including policy development, legislative drafting, coalition building, and oral and written legislative testimony.
Serve as the direct point of contact for state and federal legislators seeking assistance with issues on behalf of constituents, including coordination with the Escalation team, and HIPAA-compliant communications.
Manage all responsibilities associated with the Company’s state and federal political action committees, including event planning, budgeting, regulatory compliance and filings.
Support federal legislation, including various drafts and reconciliation bills. Conduct detailed reviews and analyses of federal legislation to understand its potential impact on the health insurance industry and BCBSMA.
Monitor the Association's legislative advocacy to inform internal strategy.
Assist in preparing high-level documents related to a) annual division and business planning and b) the S&P Annual Rating Review.