Benefits Specialist Jobs in Iowa

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Primary Health Care (PHC) was founded in 1981 by Dr. Bery Engebretsen in Des Moines, IA. Our mission has remained unchanged since that time, to provide healthcare and supportive services to all, regardless of insurance, immigration status, or ability to pay.

Based on the needs of the communities we serve, PHC offers a spectrum of medical and dental services including family practice, behavioral health, HIV care and services, and pharmacy. PHC’s Homeless Support Services is the entry point for serving people experiencing homelessness in Polk County. Enabling services are available to help patients with benefits enrollment, case management, transportation, translation, and patient education. We currently have locations in Ames, Des Moines, & Marshalltown.

As a Benefit Liaison I, you will be in direct partnership with Iowa Health and Human Services (IA HHS) Ryan White Part B program, including the Benefits Drug Assistance Program (BDAP). The Benefits Liaison delivers education, outreach and in-person assistance to patients/clients to select health insurance coverage in response to health care reform; ensuring that patients/clients living with HIV find appropriate “health coverage home” expeditiously. The Benefits Liaison thoroughly and critically assesses various factors related to client’s/patient’s current financial situation, primarily related to private insurance plans, making appropriate recommendations tailored to patient’s/client’s specific HIV care needs. Attention is focused on specific communications, cultural, and linguistic needs of the population. Demonstrates PHC iCare values in daily work.

What's Great About this Position?

• Earn 4 weeks of PTO throughout your first year of employment and enjoy paid holidays as well.
• Continue to develop your skills and grow your career through PHC’s training opportunities including: PHC University, Emerging Leaders, and medical and dental assistant training programs.

What You Will Do

• Collaborate with Iowa Health and Human Services’ Ryan White Part B program, including the AIDS Drug Assistance Program; serves as a liaison between Iowa HHS and PHC to ensure relevant goals and objectives are successfully obtained. Participate in all required meetings and trainings with the Iowa Health and Human Services.
• Collaborate and consult with Benefit Liaison II for all BDAP, marketplace and private insurance needs that clients may present.
• Engage with a minimum of 10 assigned case management clients to identify any relevant financial needs and promote access to resources in the community by making referrals to entitlement programs.
• Work with Case Manager to assess clients insurance needs and execute a plan so the client has the best plan (Medicaid, ASI, ESI) as identified by the client’s situation. Provide case consultations and ongoing education to an interdisciplinary team.
• Assist clients in applying for the appropriate health benefit(s). Processes health benefit applications, complete premium payments and submit associated documentation. Acts as a patient advocate throughout the health benefit enrollment process. Identify and call uninsured or underinsured clients/patients identified by case managers, as needed, who may qualify for health benefits to discuss possible benefit options and offer assistance. Identify and address patient barriers to ensure continuity of health coverage and other benefits.
• Collaborate with Medical Case Managers and Nurse Care Managers in the creation of client/patient care plans, and ongoing coordination of HIV care.
• Make contact with all ASI clients (1st, 2nd and 4th quarters) to assess needs and ensure that clients are still receiving the best benefits depending on their situation.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of current health benefit options and assists patients and staff with health benefit questions.
• Participates in staff and performance improvement meetings and training as requested. Assist in chart audits as requested by the Program Director.

Qualifications You Need to Bring

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2 years’ work experience with public and/or private insurance benefit coordination.
• Experience with and working knowledge of third-party payers and associated regulations.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Exhibits professionalism when interacting with others while maintaining composure and demonstrating empathy.
• Organization, prioritization and time management skills with ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to work effectively with a diverse group of individuals.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications and internet-based applications; willingness and ability to learn different software and databases.
• Customer service orientation and commitment to service excellence.
• Team oriented with ability to work collaboratively and build/maintain professional relationships at all levels.
• Strong detail orientation with high degree of accuracy.
• Licenses & Certifications: Must possess a valid driver’s license and provide evidence of insurance. [If applicable, *Must be obtained within Introductory Period if not current]

Preferred:

• Three or more years work experience with public and/or private insurance benefit coordination.
• Experience in a human services agency.
• Experience in a community health center.
• Experience in a medical environment, including patient registration and use of medical terminology.
• Advanced knowledge of third-party payers and associated regulations.
• Knowledge of local entitlement programs.
• Bilingual, verbal, and written language proficiency.

We Take Care of Our People

Your experience and skills determine your base pay. The hiring range for this position is typically $18.65 - $23.32 per hour. Candidates with extensive work experience related to this position may be considered for additional compensation up to the pay grade maximum of $27.98 per hour. PHC also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous PTO accrual (equal to 4 weeks at end of 1st year) plus paid holidays
• License/certification fee reimbursement
• Paid time off for continuing education & continuing education reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement program
• 401k with company match
• Medical insurance - PHC Pays, on average, 80% of medical premiums for all plan types (employee, employee + family, etc.)
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life & disability insurance
• Flexible spending & health savings accounts
• Supplemental accident & critical illness insurance
• Discounts on pet insurance

Visit https://phciowa.org/careers for a summary of PHC’s benefits.

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