Position Overview
The Financial Counselor plays a key role in supporting patients’ financial needs at St. Thomas CHC. This position is responsible for assisting patients with billing questions, guiding them through insurance enrollment (Medicaid, Marketplace, and commercial insurance), establishing payment arrangements, and supporting front-end revenue cycle operations. The Financial Counselor helps ensure patients understand their financial responsibilities and maximizes access to available coverage options, contributing to the financial sustainability of the organization and improved patient satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
Patient Financial Counseling
- Provide in-person and phone support to patients regarding billing inquiries, insurance coverage, and payment options.
- Explain patient balances, insurance claims, and sliding fee scale eligibility clearly and compassionately.
- Assist patients with setting up payment plans in accordance with organizational policies.
Insurance Enrollment Assistance
- Guide patients through the Medicaid application and re-enrollment process.
- Assist uninsured patients with Marketplace insurance applications and commercial insurance enrollment when eligible.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of eligibility requirements for Medicaid, Marketplace plans, and charity programs.
- Collaborate with community organizations and outreach events to support insurance enrollment initiatives.
Revenue Cycle Support
- Serve as backup support for other revenue cycle functions, including front desk registration, insurance verification, and eligibility checks.
- Ensure accurate and complete capture of patient demographics, insurance information, and financial documentation at the point of service.
- Assist with reviewing claims for missing information before submission.
Compliance and Documentation
- Maintain thorough and accurate documentation of all patient financial counseling and enrollment assistance activities.
- Ensure all interactions comply with HIPAA, Medicaid, and Marketplace guidelines.
- Keep updated on changes to healthcare coverage regulations, eligibility guidelines, and billing practices.
Qualifications
Education & Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business, or related field preferred.
- 2+ years of experience in healthcare financial counseling, billing, front desk registration, or insurance enrollment assistance preferred.
- Knowledge of Medicaid, Marketplace, and commercial insurance programs strongly preferred.
Skills & Competencies:
- Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to explain complex billing and insurance information in simple, compassionate terms.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and Epic preferred.
- Bilingual a plus.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive hourly wage, commensurate with experience.
- Full benefits package including health, dental, vision insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive
consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other
characteristic protected by law.
St. Thomas Community Health Center is committed to equal employment opportunity as a sound business practice. Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or any characteristic protected by law.
