Job Information
Primary Health Care Bilingual Health Benefits Specialist - Part Time - School Clinic in Des Moines, Iowa
Are you looking for an opportunity to do amazing work helping others? You've come to the right place. Let's make a difference!
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 Health Benefits Specialist I, you will work with patients to ensure they are registered for medical or dental insurance coverage that they are eligible for and ensure the correct payer is identified for each patient visit. You will support patients in applying for or renewing Medicaid, verify private insurance coverage, and enroll patients in sliding-fee services, if applicable. You will provide excellent customer service in a medical or dental clinic while delivering benefits education, outreach, and in-person assistance to patient to obtain and maintain health coverage and other benefits. This position is part of the revenue cycle and partners closely with billing services to ensure reimbursement for services provided.
What's Great About this Position?
Work with students and families in the Des Moines Public School District to help them access healthcare and supportive services.
This position is part-time typically working 20 hours per week, Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM.
What You Will Do
Ensures a consistent revenue cycle process in a medical or dental clinic by reviewing patient schedules to identify patients with upcoming appointments who need assessment for financial assistance, payer sources, other available benefits, or payment plans. Performs insurance verification prior to patient appointments to confirm active coverage for the visit.
Meets with patients as needed to help them apply for Medicaid or other insurance programs. Helps patients apply for the sliding fee program after confirming no other coverage is available. Acts as patient advocate throughout the application and enrollment process.
Maintains patient financial assistance files including electronic notes in registration/financial note files.
Reviews monthly laboratory and radiology billing to verify eligibility for PHC financial assistance program and communicates adjustments to appropriate vendors as needed. Collaborates with PHC’s billing department to complete necessary back-billing for applicable patients.
Conducts outreach and enrollment activities related to medical or dental care by assisting patients in completing the application process for appropriate benefits and programs, including annual Marketplace enrollment events. May provide assistance at various locations, including PHC clinics, community agencies, & in patients' homes.
Answers patients’ questions related to billing statements and collaborates with the billing department to support patients in resolving issues related to medical or dental bills.
Monitors payer mix for assigned clinic and works with Clinic Administrator to address unfavorable payer mix changes.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications You Need to Bring
This position requires English and Spanish language skills.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum of 1 year in a healthcare environment or two years in a customer service role.
Excellent customer service skills.
Effective written and verbal communication skills and listening skills.
Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Takes initiative and is dependable.
Team oriented with ability to work collaboratively.
Math & reading skills with ability to follow instructions in all forms and calculations.
Basic computer skills with proficiency using Microsoft Office applications.
Detail oriented with high degree of accuracy.
Organization, prioritization and time management skills.
Strong interpersonal skills with ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals.
Demonstrates professionalism with ability to maintain composure in all situations and show empathy.
Licenses & Certifications: Presumptive Eligibility Certification required within 4 months of starting in the position and must be maintained throughout employment thereafter; Certified Application Counselor (CAC) certification is required within 12 months of starting in position and must be maintained throughout employment thereafter.
We Take Care of Our People
Your experience and skills determine your base pay. The hiring range for this position is typically $15.50 - $19.38 per hour, though highly experienced candidates may earn up to $23.00 per hour. This position is not eligible for benefits.
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
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.
Join the PHC Community
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