Medicaid Dental Policy Specialist
About The Position
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is seeking a strategic leader to provide leadership and oversight for Iowa Medicaid dental policy programs, including the Dental Wellness Plan, Dental Wellness Plan-Kids, Hawk-I Dental, and Fee-for-Service dental services. The role helps ensure dental policies meet federal and state requirements while advancing access to quality dental care for Iowans. The specialist serves as the department’s primary subject matter expert on dental policy and works with federal partners, managed care organizations, providers, stakeholders, and agency leadership to improve Iowa’s Medicaid dental programs. The position is based at the Lucas State Office Building, 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, Iowa. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Work performed on behalf of Iowa Health and Human Services must occur in the State of Iowa. Applicants must complete a background check. The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify. Applicants must meet at least one of the stated minimum qualification pathways: a four-year degree in any field plus three years of qualifying full-time experience; qualifying experience and education totaling four years; qualifying experience, education, and specified graduate education/experience; or current continuous state executive-branch experience meeting the stated Management Analyst 1 or 2 criteria.
Requirements
- Knowledge of Medicaid policy, healthcare policy, dental services, managed care, or public health programs.
- Experience interpreting and applying federal and state regulations, policies, and program requirements.
- Strong analytical, research, policy development, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience developing administrative rules, policy documents, reports, or program guidance.
- Ability to communicate complex policy concepts to diverse audiences.
- Experience collaborating with providers, government agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
- Strong project management, organizational, and strategic planning abilities.
- Ability to evaluate complex issues, identify solutions, and implement effective policy changes.
- Applicants must meet at least one minimum qualification pathway: a four-year college degree in any field and three years of qualifying full-time experience; three years of qualifying full-time experience plus four total years of qualifying education and/or experience; one year of qualifying full-time experience plus the specified four-year total and two years of graduate-level education and/or qualifying experience; or current continuous state executive-branch experience of six months as a Management Analyst 2 or two and a half years as a Management Analyst 1.
- Completion of a background check is required.
- Work performed on behalf of Iowa HHS must occur in the State of Iowa.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development, implementation, and oversight of Medicaid dental policies and programs.
- Establish and maintain policies defining covered services, provider eligibility and qualifications, reimbursement methodologies, and program requirements.
- Serve as the agency’s subject matter expert on Medicaid dental policy and provide guidance to leadership, stakeholders, and program staff.
- Develop and implement State Plan Amendments, CMS waivers, administrative rules, provider manuals, and policy guidance.
- Draft and revise administrative rules, provider communications, and policy documents to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.
- Analyze proposed federal and state policy changes and recommend program improvements.
- Review and recommend managed care dental contract requirements, performance measures, and quality initiatives.
- Represent Iowa Medicaid in meetings with providers, managed care organizations, professional associations, state and federal agencies, legislative staff, and community stakeholders.
- Develop reports, analyses, and recommendations to support executive decision-making and legislative inquiries.
- Research national trends and best practices in Medicaid dental care and recommend strategies to improve access, quality, and outcomes.
- Participate in actuarial discussions and evaluate the impact of reimbursement and rate adjustments on dental services.
- Develop presentations, training materials, and educational resources related to dental policy updates and program changes.
- Assist with confidential policy and strategic planning activities related to Medicaid program operations and healthcare delivery.
Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- IPERS retirement plan
- Retirement Investors Club (RIC) employer-sponsored retirement plan with a state match up to $75 per month
- Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses
- Life insurance
- Free long-term disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee discount programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
