Healthcare Economics Consultant - Remote

UnitedHealth Group•Eden Prairie, MN

8d•$72,800 - $130,000•Remote

About The Position

This role within Optum Health’s Healthcare Economics Network Strategy & Analytics Department is responsible for producing quality work products, supporting the design and development of new standard work products, refining processes for scaling analytics across markets, and overall data organization that supports business goals. Candidates should have strong verbal and written communication skills and demonstrate self-motivation, initiative, and adaptability in a dynamic environment. This role primarily supports and validates provider and payor network contracting and trend management activities through financial or pricing modeling, negotiation support, analysis, and reporting. The team and this role manage unit cost budgets, reimbursement benchmarking, target setting, performance reporting, maintenance of associated financial models, and other responsibilities as assigned. This role will partner closely with contracting, finance, actuarial, operations, provider relations, and executive leadership teams to evaluate pricing impacts, support provider negotiations, and drive data-informed business decisions. This role also provides leadership and mentorship to analytical staff while advancing reporting automation, analytical capabilities, and operational efficiencies. You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Healthcare Administration, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Business Analytics, or related field
2+ years of analytical experience in healthcare pricing, managed care, provider reimbursement, network contracting, finance, or healthcare analytics
Experience working with healthcare claims and reimbursement methodologies
Knowledge of healthcare payment methodologies including: Fee-for-service, DRG, APC, Percent of billed charges, Medicare-based reimbursement, Value-based payment models
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, formulas, and financial modeling
Proven solid analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills
Proven ability to work collaboratively across cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

Experience in managed care, health insurance, PPO networks, or provider contracting environments
Experience with claims systems, contract modeling software, or reimbursement configuration platforms
Experience using SQL, Alteryx, Snowflake, or any advanced analytical platforms
Knowledge of CMS reimbursement methodologies and regulatory guidelines
Familiarity with actuarial or healthcare financial analysis concepts
Proven solid attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
Proven effective written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

Analyze provider reimbursement analysis, pricing model development, and financial impact assessments to support network strategy and contract negotiations
Manage unit cost tracking and UCRT entries, ensuring alignment with anticipated negotiation outcomes and reimbursement changes
Analyze large healthcare datasets and monitor cost, utilization, reimbursement, and market trends to identify risks and opportunities
Involved with the development of SQL queries, analytical models, dashboards, and automated reporting tools to support executive decision-making
Ensure pricing, reimbursement, and reporting methodologies are accurate, consistent, statistically sound, and transparent
Support initiatives focused on cost containment, network optimization, and operational performance improvement in collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders
Present analytical findings and strategic recommendations to leadership and build strong partnerships across contracting, finance, actuarial, and market teams
Standardize and document repeatable processes while mentoring and developing analysts to promote best practices and scalability