Financial Counselor

Keystone Advisors is looking for a Financial Counselor to join our team supporting one of our healthcare clients in Chicago, IL.

Job Summary

The Financial Counselor assists CCH patients by providing comprehensive interviews and screenings to identify qualified programs to access patients’ ability to pay for medical services. Financial Counselors assist patients with various application and authorization processes through the gathering and analysis of pertinent financial, demographic, and other data pursuant to securing or identifying Medicaid, Medicare, Commercial Insurance, Workman’s Compensation, approved payment arrangement, or Financial Assistance. In addition to the above, financial counselors will engage in call center-based education, proactive outreach, and enrollment of eligible enrollees into the financial assistance programs. This may also include, but not limited to, managing inbound calls from patients and or guarantors.

Typical Duties

1. Explains financial responsibilities, payment options and collection procedures to patients or patient’s guarantor.
2. Collect payments due prior to, during or post POS (Point of Service) registration. Executes self-pay package agreements and approve payment arrangements.
3. Counsel underinsured/uninsured patients on alternatives sources of payment and financial assistance when appropriate.
4. Interviews patients and/or their representatives to obtain demographic and financial information to determine eligibility and complete appropriate applications.
5. Determines initial eligibility of patients for financial assistance programs (including but not limited to Medicaid, Medicaid Managed Care, and charity care programs).
6. Understands, meets or exceeds performance standards as defined by the department Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Submits weekly productivity reports and patient logs to management.
7. Keeps abreast of rules, regulations, policies, and procedures in accordance with Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Social Security Administration (SSA) and any other Illinois State governing body programs.
8. Completes all training and obtains required State licensure. Maintains active license and meets all required annual retraining course and credit obligations.
9. Provides follow up actions on all submitted applications in a timely manner.
10. Verifies all insurance and updates hospital system timely. Requests insurance notification when applicable. Scans supporting documents into electronic file as established via EMR protocol.
11. Serves as resource to patients for all account questions and concerns, providing detailed, comprehensive information in an efficient and professional manner.
12. Proficient in web based application processing system, patient access/accounting, document scanning, eligibility verification system, Microsoft Office, Illinois Department of Human Services application benefits eligibility systems, email, and navigating the Health Insurance Marketplace.
13. Exhibits thorough understanding of the hospital revenue cycle and managed care protocols.
14. Perform quality review and correct registration errors.
15. Maintains patient confidentiality, and privacy; adheres to HIPAA standards.
16. Travel to work sites throughout Cook County Health and Hospital System based on business needs.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to the Senior Manager of Financial Counseling.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two (2) years of work experience in hospital finance/ revenue Cycle operations or equivalent experience.
• Must be able to travel to work sites throughout the Cook County Health and Hospitals System.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Based on work location, bilingual skills in either English/Spanish, English/Polish and/or English/Mandarin may be required OR preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Knowledge of the Managed Care environment, third party reimbursement, hospital and community services and hospital and health care policies.
• Knowledge of Medicaid eligibility requirements and Cook County Health and Hospitals System and the Department of Human Services policies and procedures.
• Ability to have confidential financial conversations with patients and calculate patient responsibility.
• Ability to compile, analyze, organize, prepare, and maintain an assortment of records and information in an effective manner and according to CCHHS policies and procedures.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to work with a multi-cultural and economically diverse patient population.
• Ability to organize tasks and establish priorities in response to changing conditions and in Emergencies, sensitivity to the needs of a multi-cultural community.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and clients in a stressful environment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills necessary to explain CCH application processes to patients and their families.
• Strong interviewing skills.
• Attention to detail especially as it relates to obtaining pertinent financial, demographic and other data necessary to complete medical assistance applications.
• Ability to maintain confidential patient records.
• Efficient computer skills necessary to complete patient application process.
• Ability to use good judgment in routine and non-routine situations.

Compensation Package:

• Competitive Salary.
• Paid Time Off.
• Health, Vision & Dental Insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Short & Long Term Disability.
• 401 (K) with company match.
• Life Insurance.