FINANCIAL COUNSELOR

South Shore Health•Weymouth, MA

6d•$17 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Patient Access Manager, the Financial Counselor supports the financial integrity of South Shore Hospital through excellent customer service. The role advocates for and screens patients for benefits through state public assistance programs, interprets commercial and federal insurance coverage for patients and families, and determines and collects medical co-pays at the time of service. The Financial Counselor explains patients’ financial obligations and policies, collects and reconciles payments, provides estimated pricing for outpatient hospital services, and supports self-pay discounts and payment plans. The role contacts self-pay patients to screen for Financial Assistance, helps patients complete public assistance and disability applications, updates registration information, and coordinates benefits with patients, Case Management, Patient Accounts, and Precertification. The position uses department systems and technology, including the Virtual Gateway, Excel, Word, MMIS, Passport, the VERA phone system, and the API timecard system. It also supports patient safety and emergency preparedness procedures and directs patients to relevant state and federal assistance programs.

Requirements

Excellent customer service skills.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Computer skills and ability to use relevant department systems.
Ability to follow through and troubleshoot.
Attention to detail.
Strong organizational and documentation skills.
In-depth knowledge of insurance plans, including MassHealth, commercial insurance, and state and federal insurance programs.
Understanding of state and federal healthcare reform.
Strong working knowledge of state and federal disability processes and regulations.
Working knowledge of the Virtual Gateway and ability to navigate it and complete applications with patients and families.
Certified Application Counselor - Massachusetts Health Connector.

Responsibilities

Educate patients and family members about financial obligations and policies.
Collect co-pays by cash, check, or credit card; provide receipts; and reconcile and balance receipts by shift.
Provide and explain estimated prices for outpatient hospital services, including CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, and Travel Health services.
Promote and support the self-pay process, including explaining discounts and payment plans.
Contact self-pay patients in person, by phone, or by letter to screen them for Financial Assistance within established time frames.
Screen patients for eligibility for public assistance programs and initiate applications.
Work with patients, coworkers, other facilities, and departments to complete applications within required time limits.
Collaborate with Social Work and Case Management to support patient care.
Update patient registration information as needed.
Coordinate benefits and act as a liaison among patients, Case Management, Patient Accounts, and Precertification.
Use department computer programs and systems, review and analyze MMIS and Passport information, manage the API timecard system, use the VERA phone system, process credit card payments and refunds in Passport, and follow computer downtime procedures.
Follow safety and emergency preparedness practices, including hospital code responsibilities, universal precautions, respiratory etiquette, patient identification procedures, and NIMS 100 requirements.
Identify the correct insurance subscriber and understand individual emergency preparedness responsibilities.
Participate in continued learning and adopt new technologies and procedures.
Navigate the Virtual Gateway, process applications, complete applications with patients and families, and ensure supporting information is processed.
Identify patients who need state disability supplements; initiate and submit DDU supplements and follow them through completion.
Recognize and direct patients through the Federal Social Security disability process.
Complete and submit State Unemployment insurance applications as applicable.
Identify and advocate for patients who qualify for state-sponsored insurance premium assistance.
Advocate with the state to help ensure patients receive the appropriate level of assistance through state-sponsored insurance programs.
Direct patients to state and federal assistance programs and agencies, including SNAP, WIC, DTA, and Social Security.