The Financial Assistance Specialist 1 requires extensive knowledge of Managed Care, Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Disability, Hillsborough County Health Care Program (HCHCP), Health Care Responsibility Act (HCRA) and Victims of Crime, as well as having expertise in Customer Service and exceptional time management and organizational skills. The responsibilities of a Financial Assistant Specialist include, but are not limited to: Interviewing Private Pay and under-insured patients to determine eligibility for government Financial assistance programs; assessing patient financial capabilities; preparation of charity care application, including the Utilization Letter (EA Letter) for illegal aliens as required by the Department of Children & Families (DCF); acquisition of all necessary documentation as required by the respective Government Agencies, including Social Security Disability (SSI/SSD), which may require additional contact with the patient or the patient’s family, even after discharge; submission of the assistance application to appropriate agency within specified timely filing requirements; tracking assistance applications, documenting location, status, approval or denial; attending DCF hearings to appeal cases that have been closed in error; notifying the Financial Assistance Specialist Team Lead of approvals or denials. Must provide counseling services for identifying and obtaining payment sources; postponing service for any patient, if no insurance or inappropriate insurance coverage and patient cannot pay the amount due. Explain financial accountability to the patient and/or guarantor/family; establish and obtain payment arrangements for patients that cannot be postponed or unable to pay co-pays and/or deductibles at the time of service. Notify patients of gaps/weaknesses in coverage and potential non covered services (i.e ABN). While patient is still in-house, follows up on all W/C and Auto admissions missing billing information. Responsible for performing all job duties in accordance with mission, vision and values of Tampa General Hospital.