Underwriter I

Delta Dental Of Missouri•Fenton, MO

10h•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 standard experience-rated cases within established guidelines, analyzing group data, experience, and plan documentation to develop accurate pricing and benefit recommendations aligned with compliance requirements, underwriting guidelines, and profitability objectives. It supports financial performance through rate accuracy, data integrity, and operational execution in the Group Onboarding and Administration Tool (Cortex), and helps ensure submissions are complete and accurate before downstream processing. The Underwriter I independently completes assigned Cortex workflow tasks for an assigned block or portfolio and supports shared queue coverage during peak periods, escalating non-standard issues as appropriate. The position also supports actual-to-expected analysis, contract and benefit-document preparation, stakeholder communication, training, and process improvement activities. This is a hybrid role involving work from home and in-office environments. Regular in-person meeting attendance is required, with frequency determined by management. Regular and reliable attendance is required. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Finance, Business, Actuarial Science, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines.
Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across teams.
Demonstrated commitment to the company’s core values of integrity, adaptability, service-focused, accountability, curiosity, and community.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage stress effectively.
Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

0–2 years of underwriting, pricing, benefits, or group insurance-related experience, or equivalent proficiency.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
Familiarity with Microsoft Access and workflow management systems.
Developing knowledge of dental and vision plan design features and ability to interpret benefit plan documents such as SPDs and certificates.

Responsibilities

Analyze group census, experience, utilization summaries, and other inputs to develop rates for dental and vision products for routine or limited-complexity new business, renewals, and plan changes.
Apply established underwriting guidelines and parameters to prepare pricing and benefit recommendations, escalating non-standard requests, higher-risk items, and deviations as appropriate.
Review Summary Plan Descriptions, benefit certificates, and related plan documents to identify provisions and administrative considerations affecting pricing and benefit administration.
Prepare accurate and timely quotes, renewals, and supporting documentation, maintaining underwriting files with clear rationale and supporting data.
Partner with Account Management to align deliverables with client requirements and internal standards.
Validate claims projections and assist with actual-to-expected analyses to identify variances, data anomalies, and trend indicators; document findings and elevate notable deviations.
Run GEO access and disruption reports as assigned, interpret findings, document implications, and communicate insights to Sales and Account Management.
Complete assigned Cortex underwriting workflow steps for new group implementations and ongoing group maintenance for an assigned block or portfolio.
Provide shared queue support, including during peak periods, to maintain service levels and implementation timelines.
Validate RFPs, renewals, and group-change submissions for completeness, accurate documentation, and alignment with regulatory requirements and internal underwriting guidelines; coordinate corrections or escalate issues.
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 non-standard or higher-risk issues.
Participate in testing and provide feedback for Cortex enhancements and related system or process changes.
Support preparation of standard ASC contract components and documentation based on approved group specifications.
Assist with review and customization of 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 as appropriate.
Participate in training to build proficiency in underwriting methods, benefit-plan interpretation, Cortex workflows, and documentation standards.
Contribute to team discussions, provide coverage during high-volume periods, and support process-improvement and system-enhancement projects, including assigned testing activities.
Maintain confidentiality and protect company and client data in compliance with policy and regulatory requirements.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance.