Financial Counselor

One Brooklyn Health•New York, NY

67d•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Counselor is part of the Financial Investigation Department and serves as a key liaison between patients and revenue cycle departments across all One Brooklyn Health (OBH) locations. The counselor interviews patients and provides financial counseling by screening for eligibility for third-party insurance coverage or financial assistance, estimating balances due, and presenting payment opportunities. The role requires compliance with confidentiality standards for patient and hospital information and a customer-focused approach emphasizing financial security for patient accounts. This is an on-site, patient-facing role across various OBH locations, supporting patients with Medicaid enrollment and related services. The counselor may be scheduled at multiple locations during the week according to operational and patient care needs, and may also conduct counseling remotely through telephone, video conferencing, or other secure virtual methods. The role uses multiple system applications to analyze and update patient accounts, track productivity, and maintain knowledge of policies and procedures at each hospital and across the system. The counselor verifies insurance eligibility, records and updates third-party insurance information, completes pre-certifications and authorizations, notifies insurance carriers of admissions when required, and follows up with patients to obtain information or arrange payment. The role collaborates with Case Management, physicians, Registration, and other departments to support the financial security of each account. It also screens patients, family members, and community-based patients for coverage and assistance options; supports Medicaid and hospital financial assistance applications; navigates New York State application portals; documents application submissions, agency decisions, and communications in the EMR; explains financial obligations and options; and determines financial eligibility for system assistance programs.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent required; some college preferred.
At least one year of experience with demonstrated knowledge of patient access, patient accounting, or hospital reimbursement services; alternatively, experience with the NY State of Health Marketplace and local district Medicaid application processes is required.
New York State Certified Application Specialist certification required; certification must be obtained within 60 days after the start date.
Strong customer service skills and ability to communicate empathetically with patients.
Proficiency with automated systems, electronic medical records (EMR), and electronic verification systems such as ePACES.
Strong knowledge of commercial and Medicaid insurance plans.
Proficiency with computer systems and Microsoft Office products.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Well-developed problem-solving and detail-oriented skills.
Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in on-site and remote settings.
Ability to demonstrate continuous personal development regarding the responsibilities of the position.
Ability to work remotely and in a hospital environment, including prolonged periods sitting at a desk and using a computer.
Ability to occasionally stand and walk between hospital departments.
Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds as needed.

Nice To Haves

Some college.
Experience in a multi-facility or health system environment.
Experience in insurance verification, patient access, or revenue cycle operations within a safety net hospital or multi-facility setting.

Responsibilities

Conduct patient interviews and financial counseling in person at designated hospital locations and remotely through telephone, video conferencing, or other secure virtual methods.
Provide scheduled financial counseling coverage across OBH facilities, traveling between sites as needed.
Use multiple system applications to analyze and update patient accounts and track productivity across the hospital system.
Maintain working knowledge of policies and procedures for each hospital and the system.
Verify patient eligibility for insurance and accurately record or update third-party insurance data.
Complete pre-certifications and authorizations for patient visits and admissions in a timely manner and document them in the EMR.
Notify insurance carriers of patient admissions electronically or verbally when required.
Follow up with patients until requested information is collected or payment arrangements are made.
Collaborate with Case Management, physicians, Registration, and other departments to support the financial security of each account.
Screen patients, family members, and community-based patients for existing third-party coverage and help obtain documents for Medicaid or hospital financial assistance applications.
Follow up with patients through available communication methods to finalize arrangements.
Use New York State portals to submit and track applications.
Document application submissions, decisions from relevant agencies, and patient communications accurately in the EMR.
Explain financial obligations and respond to questions about insurance benefits, payment options, and financial assistance programs.
Determine financial eligibility for patients applying for financial aid, discounts, or other assistance programs offered by the multi-hospital system.
Comply with confidentiality standards for patient and hospital information.