Payor Relations & Contracting Manager

Acorn Health•Annapolis, MI

8d•$85,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Acorn Health is an Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) treatment provider dedicated to providing the best quality care for our clients. We aim to continually establish best-in-class standards in integrity and quality for not only ourselves, but also in the field of ABA. We work courageously and with accountability to focus on the individuality of each child, collaborate with client families, and generate permanence in client outcomes. We strive to hire and to invest in our greatest asset - our employees, who are the heart of Acorn Health. Acorn Health is a standard-setting family of ABA treatment providers. We believe the best employees want to work with companies who share their beliefs, and that is true for families who entrust us with children they love. Every day and every interaction, we strive to demonstrate our Five Core Values. Acorn Health is driving autism therapy forward by combining evidence-based ABA best practices with innovative next practices. We are a family of standard-setting ABA providers committed to strong partnerships, high-quality care, and meaningful outcomes for children and families. We believe the best people choose employers who share their values, and families choose partners they trust with their child’s future. Every interaction, every decision, and every day is guided by our Five Core Values: Authenticity – We show up as our true, consistent selves and value genuine human connection Accountability – We do what we say we'll do, especially when a child’s future is involved Teamwork – Collaboration fuels the best outcomes Growth – We continuously evolve to meet the unique needs of children and families Hustle – In autism care, time matters. We act with urgency and purpose The Payor Relations & Contracting Manager is a strategic relationship and contracting leader responsible for strengthening Acorn Health’s partnerships with commercial and Medicaid payors. This role combines payor relationship management, contracting, reimbursement, referral growth, and network participation. You will work closely with Operations, Revenue Cycle, Finance, Credentialing, and clinical leadership to ensure strong payor partnerships and timely access to care. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator and relationship builder who understands healthcare payor operations and can confidently navigate contracts, negotiations, and complex issues.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred
5+ years of experience in payor relations, healthcare reimbursement, contracting, or a related healthcare field (commercial and/or Medicaid MCOs)
Experience with authorizations, referrals, or payor-facing workflows
Experience in ABA or behavioral health is highly preferred.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Strong organization and follow-through, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Experience working cross-functionally with teams such as Finance, Revenue Cycle, Operations, Credentialing, and Legal.
Comfort working in a fast-paced, collaborative healthcare environment
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Willingness to travel up to 15%

Responsibilities

Manage relationships with assigned commercial and Medicaid payors and serve as a key point of contact.
Support referral growth, patient access, and strong collaboration with payor case managers and representatives.
Lead and participate in regular payor meetings, presenting census, referral, staffing, access, and performance metrics.
Analyze payor data and reports to identify trends, growth opportunities, and barriers to patient access.
Manage payor contracting activities, including new agreements, renewals, amendments, reimbursement negotiations, and network participation.
Partner with Revenue Cycle, Finance, Operations, and Credentialing to review contract terms and assess financial and operational impact.
Coordinate internal review and approval of proposed contract terms and identify issues that require escalation.
Track contract renewals, deadlines, reimbursement changes, and implementation requirements.
Support payor onboarding, credentialing, enrollment, and network participation activities.
Help resolve complex payor, referral, authorization, operational, and reimbursement issues.
Maintain accurate payor profiles, contacts, contract information, and relationship plans.
Stay informed about payor requirements and applicable healthcare regulations.
Identify opportunities to improve payor partnerships, operational processes, and access to care.
Travel up to 15% as needed