Legislative and Regulatory Senior Policy Program Manager

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association•Oklahoma City, OK

14d•$111,878 - $160,926•Hybrid

About The Position

This role identifies and proactively develops policy recommendations that further the BCBS mission and drive solutions. Identifies and analyzes proposed regulatory and legislative initiatives at the federal and state level which present significant implications to BCBS Plans' members and clients. Identifies policy questions, advances meaningful policy solutions, and builds consensus with BCBS Plans and stakeholder allies on high-profile issues. Prepares formal comments regarding recommended policies and communicates key updates from BCBSA and federal/state policymakers to BCBS Plans. Leads BCBS Plan workgroups to advance corporate goals for assigned programs and/or issues. Works closely with BCBSA leadership to develop strategy around regulatory and legislative priorities for engagement with the White House, Administration, Congress and other key stakeholders in Washington. This role requires subject matter expertise in Medicaid policy, including knowledge of Medicaid managed care, federal-state financing structures, delivery system and payment reform, and federal regulations and rulemaking processes.

Requirements

Required Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Public or Health Policy, Business or Public Administration; or equivalent work experience
Required 7+ Years equivalent work experience
Advanced knowledge of health care systems and understanding of legislative and policymaking process.
Strong communications skills; the ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing
Strong planning and organizational skills
Strong human relations skills; and the ability to work with others in obtaining feedback/input, accomplishing goals, and meeting deadlines
Sophisticated/strategic thinking to determine how best to influence decision/policy makers
Comprehensive understanding of health policy issues and the legislative process, as well as experience with policy writing
Excellent interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships and influence outcomes
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to identify issues and develop appropriate advocacy recommendations
Demonstrated ability to manage time and competing priorities
Seven or more years of equivalent work experience.
Experience working on one or more of the following: Medicaid managed care programs, CHIP, and federal-state Medicaid financing structures, including FMAP and capitation rate-setting; Federal Medicaid regulations and the state and federal waiver landscape, including Section 1115 demonstration waivers and Section 1915(b/c) waivers, and state plan amendments (SPAs); Medicaid delivery system and payment reform, including value-based care arrangements and state-directed payment programs; and Federal Medicaid policymaking processes, including CMS rulemaking, congressional activity, and federal budget and reconciliation developments affecting Medicaid.

Nice To Haves

Preferred Master's Degree in Health Policy, Public Policy, Health Administration, Public Heath or relevant subject
Additional preferred experience includes: Dual-eligible populations, including Medicare-Medicaid integration programs such as D-SNPs and FIDE-SNPs; Extensive experience developing and drafting policy analysis, comment letters, and advocacy materials focused on Medicaid programs; Prior experience working for a health insurer, CMS, a state Medicaid agency, Congress, or third-party stakeholders with a focus on Medicaid policy; and Demonstrated experience engaging with external stakeholders, including federal and state policymakers, advocacy organizations, and industry coalitions to advance Medicaid policy positions.

Responsibilities

Leads the development of effective, consensus-based policy recommendations to promote BCBSA and BCBS Plan objectives at both state and federal levels.
Manages the review of legislation and regulations to identify and provide feedback to policymakers and staff on strategic and business considerations.
Develops advocacy documents to support these activities, including key messaging, one-pagers, and briefing materials.
Provides policy support for coalitions, third-party inquiries and internal business partners on select focus areas.
Brings forward new ideas and strategic thinking to promote BCBSA priorities and objectives.
Leads projects within assigned regulatory and legislative focus areas, including the identification of key business issues, legislative or regulatory analysis.
Develops comment letters and resources for policymakers and educational materials for BCBS Plans.
Produces bill summaries, policy analysis and memos on key issues and BCBSA positions for use by Plans.
Leads BCBSA and Plan meetings to inform staff of key issues and actions taken by P&A staff.
Responsible for researching and developing responses to Plan inquiries.
Leads workgroup and related calls on focus areas.
Identifies and communicates key regulatory and legislative activities to internal audiences, BCBS Plans and other external audiences.
Collaborates with peers and others on BCBSA's business/operations team to support synchronized efforts to assess current landscape, identify opportunities for engagement for BCBSA leadership, and assist with implementing a forward-thinking, comprehensive, coordinated, strategy for assigned programs and/or issues.
Keeps up to date on legislative and regulatory positions and priorities, strategies, federal policymaking activities, external stakeholder positioning, and health care issues generally in order to maintain an understanding of key issues and strategies.
May provide policy support to State Affairs team and work with state-based organizations (SBOs).
Takes on various health policy projects as assigned.
Collaborates with BCBS Plan representatives, Policy and Advocacy staff and broader BCBSA staff.
Engages with external stakeholders including federal policymakers and third-party representatives as appropriate.
Ensures senior management, senior leadership team and BCBS Plan representatives are informed as to pertinent legislative and regulatory developments.