Health Access Coordinator

Bucksport Regional Health Center•Bucksport, ME

18d

About The Position

The Health Access Coordinator serves as the primary liaison between the health center and patients to help ensure care is affordable and compliant with HRSA Health Center Program requirements. The role manages the end-to-end Sliding Fee Discount Program (SFDP) process, screens patients for external assistance, manages patient accounts receivable with an emphasis on self-pay balances, oversees payment plans, and provides proactive financial counseling. The position also processes patient statements and payments, coordinates collections files, resolves account issues, answers billing calls, and supports other health center functions as needed. Work is performed primarily in a usually quiet office setting. Occasional evening or overtime work may be needed.

Requirements

1–3 years of experience in medical billing, patient accounts, collections, or financial counseling; experience in an FQHC is preferred.
Proficiency with EMR or practice management software.
Strong understanding of Federal Poverty Guidelines and HRSA compliance standards.
Experience using Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to handle sensitive financial discussions with empathy.
Exceptional organizational ability and attention to detail.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public, using tact and discretion.
Ability to communicate and present information, identify problems and recommend solutions, and establish priorities and coordinate work activities.
High school diploma or equivalent, with emphasis on office and business skills including keyboarding, filing, and multitasking.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including occasional lifting or moving of up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
Postsecondary education in medical billing/coding or related training.

Responsibilities

Conduct financial screenings to determine Sliding Fee Discount Program eligibility based on income and family size.
Process SFDP applications and renewals, verify income, collect required documentation, maintain audit-ready Electronic Health Record records, and notify patients when eligibility is nearing expiration.
Set up, monitor, and adjust patient payment plans; follow up on missed payments; document activity; and coordinate with billing to resolve account discrepancies and process self-pay payments.
Manage self-pay patient accounts receivable, monitor aging and delinquency, conduct patient outreach, and reduce outstanding balances.
Ensure accounts are reviewed for Sliding Fee eligibility before collections and contact patients with past-due balances to arrange payment or update financial assistance applications.
Audit recurring payment plan installments and troubleshoot failed transactions.
Prepare accounts for administrative adjustments, small balance write-offs, or external collections referral in accordance with center policy and HRSA regulations.
Generate monthly reports on self-pay collection rates, sliding fee utilization, and outstanding patient debt.
Provide compassionate financial counseling, assist patients with SFDP applications, screen for potential eligibility in Medicaid, CHIP, or the Health Insurance Marketplace, and explore available financial assistance options.
Provide cost estimates for upcoming services and procedures.
Review and process patient statements, ensure accuracy, and investigate discrepancies.
Prepare monthly collections files and ensure appropriate internal steps are completed before referral.
Answer patient billing calls, provide patient support, post payments, and prepare reports.
Provide backup for other health center functions and perform other clerical and administrative duties as assigned.
Represent the health center in community activities and work cooperatively with staff, patients, vendors, and others while maintaining confidentiality and professional conduct.