Underwriter I

Delta Dental of Missouri•Fenton, MO

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Underwriter I underwrites group dental and vision business of routine to limited complexity for new sales, renewals, and plan changes. The role independently completes non-experience-rated pricing and underwrites standard experience-rated cases within established guidelines. It analyzes group data, experience, and plan documentation to develop accurate pricing and benefit recommendations aligned with compliance requirements, underwriting guidelines, and profitability objectives. The position supports financial performance through rate accuracy, data integrity, and workflow execution in the Group Onboarding and Administration Tool (Cortex). It also helps ensure submitted RFPs, plan changes, and implementation requests are complete and accurate before downstream processing. The Underwriter I independently completes assigned workflow tasks for an assigned block or portfolio, supports shared queue coverage during peak periods, and escalates non-standard issues as appropriate. The role collaborates with Account Management, Sales, and other internal partners; supports contract and benefit documentation; participates in training and process improvement; and maintains confidentiality of company and client data. It requires regular and reliable attendance. The position is hybrid, with work performed from home and in-office environments and regular attendance at in-person meetings as determined by management.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Finance, Business, Actuarial Science, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
Ability to interpret benefit plan documents, including SPDs and certificates, with developing knowledge of dental and vision plan design features.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively across teams.
Demonstrated commitment to the company’s core values of integrity, adaptability, service-focused work, accountability, curiosity, and community.

Nice To Haves

0–2 years of underwriting, pricing, benefits, or group insurance-related experience, or equivalent proficiency.
Familiarity with Microsoft Access and workflow management systems.

Responsibilities

Analyze group census, experience, utilization summaries, and other inputs to develop dental and vision rates for routine to limited-complexity new business, renewals, and plan changes.
Apply established guidelines and methodologies to prepare pricing and benefit recommendations, escalating non-standard requests, higher-risk items, or deviations.
Review Summary Plan Descriptions, benefit certificates, and related plan documents to identify plan provisions and administrative considerations that affect pricing and benefit administration.
Prepare accurate quotes, renewals, and supporting documentation, with clear underwriting rationale and supporting data.
Partner with Account Management to align deliverables with client requirements and internal standards.
Support actual-to-expected analysis by validating claims projections and helping identify variances, data anomalies, and trend indicators.
Document analysis findings and elevate notable deviations for review.
Run GEO access and disruption reports as assigned, interpret findings, document implications, and communicate insights to Sales and Account Management.
Complete assigned underwriting workflow steps in Cortex for new group implementations and ongoing group maintenance.
Provide shared queue support, including during peak volume periods, to maintain service levels and implementation timelines.
Validate RFPs, renewals, and group changes for completeness, accuracy, and alignment with regulatory requirements and internal guidelines before they progress in Cortex.
Identify missing information or discrepancies, coordinate corrections, and escalate issues as appropriate.
Maintain Cortex data integrity to reduce downstream contract, plan setup, billing, reporting, and claims configuration issues.
Identify workflow exceptions, bottlenecks, and cross-functional handoff issues; resolve routine discrepancies and escalate complex or higher-risk matters.
Participate in testing and provide feedback for Cortex enhancements and related system or process changes as assigned.
Support preparation of standard ASC contract components and documentation based on approved group specifications.
Assist with reviewing and customizing benefit booklets to reflect approved plan designs and align documentation with underwriting intent.
Communicate underwriting decisions and key plan and rate information to Account Management, Sales, and other internal partners within the defined scope.
Respond to internal questions and routine broker or client inquiries, escalating complex or sensitive issues.
Participate in training on underwriting methods, benefit plan interpretation, Cortex workflows, and documentation standards.
Contribute to team discussions and assist with coverage during high-volume periods.
Support process improvement and system enhancement projects, including assigned testing activities.
Maintain confidentiality and protect company and client data in accordance with policy and regulatory requirements.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance and perform other assigned duties.