Patient Financial Assistance Counselor

Hackensack Meridian Health•Hackensack, NJ

About The Position

Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change. The Patient Financial Assistance Counselor is responsible to implement, oversee, track and monitor Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) policies for cash collection and financial clearance throughout the Medical Center. This is done through audit and counseling of patients in accordance with HMH revenue cycle policies and procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree or a minimum of 10 years of Revenue Cycle Operations experience.
Minimum 2 years healthcare experience in a business office setting.
Proven analytical and interpersonal skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficient computer skills including but not limited to Microsoft Office and Google Suite platforms.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with Customer Service and/or hospital revenue cycle.
Experience with counseling patients regarding financial obligations and payment plans.
Familiar with eligibility requirements for NJ Medicaid and Charity Care.
Bilingual in Spanish.
Prior experience with Epic.

Responsibilities

Responsible for identifying patients who mandate financial counseling and to execute financial agreements in accordance with HMH policies. Responsible for tracking and auditing agreements for compliance.
Provides patient education regarding their insurance benefits, eligibility, and expected out of pocket expenses.
Explains the payment plan options to patients. Reviews terms and conditions of the payment plans and is responsible for enrolling the patient into the appropriate payment plan.
Provides outreach to patients with balances in the dunning cycle, in regard to facilitating payment and explaining payment options.
Maintains regular communication with a patient's clinical team regarding the treatment plan; includes modifications to the plan, and anticipated pharmacy items and doses.
Audits accuracy of demographic and insurance information to ensure maximum reimbursement in accordance with HMH collection policy.
In charge of implementing, reviewing, determining and subsequently calculating patient eligibility for upfront discount and/or compassionate discount in compliance and as per HMH policies.
Prescreens patients to determine possible eligibility for Medicaid and Charity Care programs; schedules patients for appointments with the Financial Assistance team.
Provides supplemental customer service as needed. Also, assist patients who are enrolled in Research Studies and require additional explanation of coverage.
Acts as a liaison with the Cardinal Health drug replacement program for patients in need.
Provides Financial Estimates for our International patients in accordance with policy; ensures accuracy of the related calculations, clear and timely communication, and constant account monitoring for those who travel to our facility for services.
Complies with all procedural workflows and departmental policies and procedures as identified.
Identifies the needs of the patient population served and modifies and delivers care that is specific to those needs (i.e., age, culture, language, hearing and/or visually impaired, etc.). This process includes communicating with the patient, parent, and/or primary caregiver(s) at their level (developmental/age, educational, literacy, etc.).
Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.