Financial Counselor | St. Cloud Hospital

CentraCare•Saint Cloud, MN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Counselor is responsible for working with patients virtually or in person to provide information regarding anticipated expenses, insurance coverage, payment options/resources and financial assistance programs. They should have in-depth knowledge of Medicaid and its affiliated programs so we can best meet the needs of our patients. The Financial Counselor should strive to handle accounts in ways that best affect patient experience and minimize bad debts.

Requirements

Associate Degree in business or a healthcare related program or 2 years relevant healthcare or collection experience.
Experience with use of Microsoft Office applications, computer systems and software.
HPE and Mnsure Certification within 2 months of hire
Ability to prioritize and complete tasks in a timely manner with attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to research insurance.
Ability to read and communicate effectively in English.
Excellent communication, listening and negotiating skills and customer relations principles.
Strong written and verbal skills and interpersonal human relations skills.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of billing and collection principles, including all applicable laws and regulations pertinent to healthcare collections is preferred.

Responsibilities

Educates, screens, and assists patients with enrollment in programs including, but not limited to, Medicaid, other state-based assistance programs, etc.
Assists in the appropriate completion of Medicaid or MNsure applications, ensuring this funding source is maximized based on patients' eligibility including retroactive coverage.
Follows up with patients and necessary entities who need to return outstanding verifications for the determination of their eligibility for an assistance program.
Assists in the development and implementation of individual Emergency Medical Assistance Care Plans, and SMRT applications.
Evaluates patients for Hospital Presumptive eligibility
Screen patients for CentraCare’s Financial Assistance Program using the established guidelines and ensure patients are properly instructed and educated on completing the application process.
Collect pre-payments from patients for estimated services as well as payments on outstanding balances.
Follows up with all patients who have not been financially cleared prior to services.
Initiate the deferral process for all patients who are not financially cleared and who meet the deferral criteria per the deferral policy.
Understands ARN and ABN protocols as required for various services.
Understands explanation of benefits and possess ability to explain to patients.
Document and update records in the required systems while following corporate requirements.
Provide feedback and recommendations to leadership on ways the organization, department, system or workflow can improve.
Understands and utilizes the capabilities of the computer programs and payor portals.
Will be responsible for performing Patient Access functions as applicable.
Knowledge of Cobra insurance process and assisting patients in obtaining Cobra coverage.
Responsible for timely investigation and resolution of assigned work.
Ensure goals, objectives and standards established in conjunction with Leadership are attained.
Meets & maintains initial & ongoing MN DHS requirements & certifications that relate to performing the job functions of a Financial Counselor.
Advanced communication skills, both written and verbal including master-listening, with awareness of customer personality, negotiations, conflict avoidance and resolution.
Provides cross coverage and backup duties for co-workers.