Small Group Underwriter

Cambia Health Solutions•Washington, DC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cambia is hiring a Small Group Underwriter at the I, II, or III level. This hybrid role requires working in an office three days per week and is based at one of the Salt Lake City, Boise, Portland, Vancouver, Renton, Medford, Burlington, or Lewiston offices. Preference is given to current employees and candidates who live within commuting distance of Salt Lake City, Boise, or Lewiston, or are willing to relocate. The Underwriter evaluates group eligibility and risk and assigns appropriate rates for new and renewing groups across small and large group segments. The role applies underwriting guidelines, verifies eligibility and required documentation, audits groups for compliance, reviews rates and renewal changes, maintains accurate records, resolves discrepancies, and supports timely processing through workflow systems. It also involves using rating and underwriting applications, communicating rate or benefit changes, and maintaining working knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations, including the Affordable Care Act. The scope varies by level. Underwriter II responsibilities include assisting with training, handling retrospective settlements and reinstatement requests, advising internal teams, and supporting reporting and automated tools. Underwriter III responsibilities include supporting complex group clients and funding arrangements, reviewing underwriting guidelines and system changes, training other departments, analyzing claims and group risk, evaluating policy exceptions, and preparing specialized rate, experience, and coverage analyses. The position is primarily performed in an office environment. Travel may be required, locally or out of state, and work outside normal hours may be required. The role may use work-from-home options, subject to Cambia’s wired internet requirements. A personal mobile device is required to set up multi-factor authentication. Hiring compensation varies by level and location. For Oregon, Washington, Utah, and Idaho, the expected hourly hiring range for Underwriter I is $25.92–$37.26, with a current full hourly range of $24.40–$42.20 and a 5% bonus target. For Underwriter II, the expected hiring range is $69,700–$94,300, with a current full salary range of $65,000–$107,000 and a 5% bonus target. For Underwriter III, the expected hiring range is $84,150–$113,850, with a current full salary range of $79,000–$129,000 and a 10% bonus target. Cambia describes its culture as purpose-driven, collaborative, and focused on transforming health care. The company offers competitive compensation, benefits, career development, community outreach opportunities, and employee resource groups. Employment is subject to a background check; Cambia is an equal opportunity employer with a drug- and tobacco-free workplace.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business, math, statistics, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience (Underwriter I).
For Underwriter II: Bachelor's degree in business, math, statistics, or a related discipline and at least 3 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination.
For Underwriter III: Bachelor's degree in business, math, statistics, or a related discipline and at least 5 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination.
Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
Business acumen, including finance, accounting, economics, and risk-management principles.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to build and maintain positive internal and external customer interactions.
Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Technology proficiency, including Excel, Word, and applicable software applications.
For level II: Demonstrated success managing competing priorities and workload; ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and achieve standards; attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and administrative tasks; and understanding of fundamental negotiation principles and company policies.
For level III: Proficiency with complex computer software systems and automation; ability to explain complex mathematical and abstract concepts to varied stakeholders; advanced knowledge of healthcare benefits and programs; confidence presenting terms and defending underwriting decisions; and strong problem-solving skills to investigate and resolve complex issues.
Ability to meet the wired internet requirements for work-from-home options, if using them: a non-satellite, non-cellular wired connection with minimum upload speed of 5 Mbps and download speed of 10 Mbps.
Access to a personal mobile device to set up multi-factor authentication upon joining.

Nice To Haves

Experience with AI tools and technologies to enhance productivity and decision-making in professional settings is highly desired.
Residing within commuting distance of the Salt Lake City, Boise, or Lewiston offices, or willingness to relocate; preference is also given to current employees.

Responsibilities

Follow underwriting guidelines, policies, procedures, and formulas to develop and assign rates for new and renewing groups, including alternative benefits and complex funding arrangements.
Verify employer eligibility to purchase and renew group products and confirm minimum participation and contribution requirements are met.
Audit new and renewing groups as needed for compliance with underwriting and legislative guidelines.
Validate that required documentation is complete and properly executed.
Approve renewal changes after verifying rates and product selection.
Maintain complete and accurate underwriting-system records and documentation.
Identify and resolve data discrepancies and processing errors.
Monitor application status and ensure timely workflow processing.
Gather data to determine account refund status.
Maintain spreadsheet information on group renewal history.
Evaluate system-generated rate calculations for reasonability, using appropriate independent judgment or peer/manager review.
Use underwriting and rating applications, including StepWise, Salesforce, claims systems, and reporting databases.
Prepare memos and correspondence communicating rate or benefit changes.
Process paperwork for renewal rate actions and proposal closings.
Maintain working knowledge of state and federal regulations affecting group rating, including the Affordable Care Act.
For level II: Assist in training junior Underwriters; prioritize work independently, meet deadlines, and achieve standards; prepare retrospective settlements; analyze reinstatement requests; advise internal teams on underwriting questions and issue resolution; support management reporting and automated rating and analysis tools; develop state and federal reporting documents; and answer questions about basic rate-development factors.
For level III: Suggest alternative benefit options and determine rates for alternative benefit variations and complex funding arrangements; support self-funded companies, associations, and national accounts; participate in maintaining underwriting guidelines; conduct user acceptance testing; train non-underwriting departments on underwriting policies and procedures; answer questions about rate factors; analyze large claims and group health risks; review policy exceptions; ensure proper administration of underwriting and legislative guidelines; handle high-volume production with account-specific issues; prepare rate breakouts and group hierarchy definitions; review and direct experience-report preparation for fiscal, ERISA, and retrospective premium settlements; and prepare written analysis summaries, rating-history explanations, and recommendations when needed.

Benefits

Competitive base pay and bonus opportunities.
Market-leading 401(k) with significant company match and potential discretionary contribution based on company performance, with no vesting period.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible family members, including mental health benefits.
Annual employer contribution to a health savings account.
Generous paid time off varying by role and tenure, plus 10 company-paid holidays.
Up to 12 weeks of paid parental time off, subject to eligibility requirements.
Award-winning wellness programs with participation rewards.
Employee Assistance Fund.
Commute and parking benefits.
Career-growth support and employee resource groups.
Work-from-home options for most roles, subject to internet requirements.
Community outreach participation opportunities.