Financial Advocate

Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital•Grand Rapids, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Advocate represents Grand Itasca’s Business Services Department and assists patients across all locations with billing questions and concerns. The role is the primary contact for patients seeking guidance about financial assistance and payment options, and requires working knowledge of registration, hospital billing, and clinic billing to resolve account-related issues. The advocate also needs familiarity with collection practices, Attorney General requirements, and coordination with bad debt vendors. The Financial Advocate helps patients with insurance applications through MNsure and other applicable agencies, providing follow-up support throughout the process. This is a full-time, 1.0 FTE position (80 hours per pay period), working days onsite at Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital’s Pro Building in Grand Rapids. The posting states that there are no weekends.

Requirements

At least one year of work experience in hospital and clinic insurance billing and follow-up, or equivalent.
Must become a MNsure Assister during the first MNsure certification after the hire date.
Comprehensive knowledge of third-party payers, policies, and regulations.
Solid understanding of medical collections practices, including fee schedules and contracts.
Experience with professional written and verbal communication.
Exceptional customer relations skills.
Basic computer knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
Reliable and consistent attendance.
Ability to follow and adhere to Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital policies, vision, mission, and values.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of work experience in financial counseling, financial advocacy, or care coordination is preferred.
If no candidates meet the stated requirements, candidates with five years of Patient Access experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Assist patients at all locations with billing questions and concerns.
Serve as the primary point of contact for insurance benefit verification and eligibility checks.
Develop and provide cost estimates to patients upon request.
Assess patients’ financial counseling needs, explain available resources, and assist with required processes.
Coordinate and assist patients with Charity Care and applicable financial assistance programs and policies.
Help patients establish affordable payment plans.
Work with external agencies regarding patient accounts, including bankruptcies, probate matters, collection agencies, and legal billing inquiries.
Assist with obtaining authorizations, referrals, and other requirements needed to support patient claims processing.
Process patient refunds according to organizational policies and procedures.
Assist patients with insurance applications through MNsure and other applicable agencies, including follow-up and application completion as needed.
Attend required meetings, workshops, seminars, and training to maintain current knowledge and support professional development.
Participate in committees and workgroups as assigned or requested.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Competitive pay; experience pay is given.
Tuition reimbursement and scholarship/grant opportunities.
Health, dental, vision, and life insurance beginning on the first of the month after 30 days of employment.
Generous paid time off.
Short-term disability bank.
401(k) with employer contributions.
Employee referral program.
On-the-job training.
Short- and long-term disability.
Early access to earned wages.
Voluntary insurance options and resources supporting financial and personal well-being.