The Insurance Advocate provides insurance counseling and benefits information services to clients, case managers, and medical providers across Washington State. The Insurance Advocate is responsible for assisting clients with applications for appropriate insurance coverage, coordinating coverage with various public benefit/government programs, and enrolling clients into premium assistance. They also advocate for clients when there are billing issues or disruptions in medical benefits. Insurance Advocates are insurance and medical coverage experts and trainers for HIV Service Providers throughout Washington State.
- Carry an assigned client caseload and maintain ongoing communication with clients, case managers, and insurance carriers regarding enrollments, insurance coverage, and premium payments.
- Advocate for clients when there are billing issues or disruptions in medical services.
- Be knowledgeable about Washington state insurance laws and regulations, Washington’s Health Benefit Exchange, insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid, COBRA regulations, and WSHIP.
- Process client applications to enroll clients in EHIP and COBRA, insurance, or Medicare Drug Plans in a timely and accurate manner, including following up on incomplete and pending applications.
- Cover other advocates' caseloads as needed.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records in the client data systems. Ensure client accounts are current and accurate.
- Be a resource to HIV case managers, clients, the Early Intervention Program (EIP), and community partners on insurance for people living with HIV in Washington State. Provide technical assistance so clients can accurately apply to insurance policies, Medicare Drug Plans, and EIP and respond to insurance questions and concerns from clients or their advocates.
- Develop, update, and deliver training materials for internal and external partners as needed or directed.
- Assist in the development and maintenance of program policies and procedures.
- Conduct insurance benefits trainings one-on-one or as assigned. Represent Lifelong and present program information at public benefits forums and community events when requested.
- Be available to be reached by phone by clients and advocates on workdays; general hours of the program are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
- Generate status reports as requested by clients, insurance companies, case managers, Finance Officer, or Vice President of Integration.
- Engage critical thinking skills to conduct thorough analysis and research. Analyze data and information to ensure correct, complete, and appropriate action is taken to respond to client applications and/or vendor accounts.
- Work as part of the EHIP team and contribute to team goals and projects.
- Provide exemplary customer service to clients, HIV case managers, insurance companies, EIP, and community partners.
- Maintain confidentiality of financial, donor, and client records.
Core Competencies:
- Demonstrated skills and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of applications, including Excel, Access, and Word.
- Able to organize and prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a time-sensitive environment.
- Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy.
- Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability.
- Possess an understanding of professional boundaries.
- Experience working in client databases.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in both verbal and written form.
- Professional phone skills.
- Comfort with public speaking and public outreach.
- Proven ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment.
- Ability to respond quickly to change.
- Ability to develop good working relationships with internal and external customers.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively under stressful conditions.
Education and Experience:
- Three or more years of relevant experience.
- Two years of experience must be in direct social service or advocacy work, including assessing client needs and/or determining client benefit eligibility.
- Experience working with government entitlement programs, e.g., Medicaid, Medicare, and Title XIX.
- Bilingual English/Spanish is strongly preferred.
Hourly range $22.78 - $34.74
Work Environment:
- The position is full-time (40 hours/week), working remotely but may require some days in the office.
- All staff are currently required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination prior to hiring. The use of personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to COVID-19 may be required in the future should exposure warrant it.
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About Lifelong:
Lifelong is a community health organization committed to removing barriers to health with relentless compassion so that no one faces illness and injustice alone.
We lead with heart. Our respect for people drives our mission. For 40 years, Lifelong has fought health inequities so that everyone can have the opportunity to thrive. Our comprehensive services include food and nutrition, healthcare navigation, aging and disability support, and connection to housing and other vital resources.
We are looking for passionate, dedicated people to join our talented team and make real, meaningful changes in the daily lives of those living with chronic and life-threatening illnesses in their community. Lifelong offers exceptional benefits, including paid time off, medical and dental coverage in addition to a balanced work-life integration.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Lifelong, we are dedicated to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
EEO Statement:
Lifelong is committed to creating an accessible, supportive environment and experience that recognizes diversity and cultural competence as integral components of what we do.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and as such, we do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
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DISCLAIMER: INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.
Job descriptions assist organizations in ensuring that the hiring process is fairly administered and that qualified employees are selected. They are an integral part of a compensation system, effective performance review system, related promotion, transfer, layoff, etc. decisions.
All descriptions have been reviewed to illustrate the job functions and basic duties, in addition to peripheral tasks or that could generally be considered as other duties as assigned.
In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities and requirements be interpreted as all-inclusive. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. Requirements, skills and abilities included have been determined to illustrate the minimal standards required to successfully perform the positions.