Financial Counselor

SummitStone Health Partners • Fort Collins, CO

28d

About The Position

The Financial Counselor provides financial assistance and financial clearance support for uninsured or underinsured clients receiving behavioral health services, helping ensure timely access to care. The role conducts financial and benefits screenings, gathers and reviews documentation, determines eligibility for payer sources and assistance programs—including Medicaid, the Discounted Fee Scale/charity care, other applicable programs, and grant funding—and collaborates with inpatient and outpatient teams to verify coverage and identify barriers to care. The counselor supports re-verification and renewals to prevent interruptions in coverage and educates and advocates for clients about expected costs, billing processes, and their rights and responsibilities.

The position is trained and maintains competency as a Certified Application Assistant to support clients with Medicaid applications and related state requirements. It maintains accurate, confidential documentation and reporting, and supports staff understanding of billing and financial assistance workflows. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, in Larimer County, Colorado.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• More than two years of experience in healthcare billing practices or a healthcare/medical insurance environment.
• Detail orientation and high-level problem-solving, analytical, and investigational skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of CPT and ICD-10 codes, medical terminology, billing software, and electronic medical records.
• Understanding of healthcare policies, including HIPAA regulations.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree or two-year college certificate in business administration, medical billing, or a related field.
• Experience working with Colorado Medicaid.
• Mental health experience.
• Bilingual/bi-cultural abilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct financial screenings for uninsured or underinsured clients, gathering, reviewing, and validating required documentation.
• Determine eligibility and identify appropriate coverage and assistance options, including Medicaid, the Discounted Fee Scale/charity care, other applicable programs, and grant funding.
• Meet with uninsured or underinsured inpatient clients after admission to verify coverage, assess whether a Medicaid application is appropriate, and identify funding options.
• Complete outpatient financial clearance before services by confirming coverage status, program requirements, and covered services, and identifying limitations or barriers that could delay access to care.
• Coordinate with Clinical, Medical, Operations, and administrative teams by communicating coverage determinations, benefit limitations, and required follow-up.
• Meet with clients at the point of entry to services and when circumstances change to complete re-verification, renewal, and ongoing eligibility activities.
• Educate and advocate for clients regarding expected costs, billing processes, and their rights and responsibilities, including any client liabilities associated with services.
• As a Certified Application Assistant, support clients navigating the Medicaid application process and related state requirements, and maintain required certification or competency.
• Maintain accurate, confidential client-record documentation, including applications, verification documents, acceptance or denial determinations, actions taken, and detailed continuity and compliance notes.
• Contribute to data gathering, tracking, and reporting for financial assistance and departmental needs.
• Guide and educate administrative support staff and clinicians about applicable billing and financial assistance workflows.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, including options for eligible dependents.
• Mental health and wellness resources.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Accrued vacation and personal leave based on FTE status and length of service.
• Paid sick leave in accordance with the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
• Voluntary benefits available to all employees.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED