Job Description:
The Patient Financial Services Specialist is responsible for both long-term care and hospital settings. This role requires specialized expertise in Massachusetts Medicaid (MassHealth), including application, renewal, and compliance processes, as well as a strong understanding of reimbursement models for custodial care, skilled nursing facilities (SNF), and managed care programs.The ideal candidate will serve as a key liaison between patients, families, clinical teams, admissions, MassHealth and payers to ensure timely coverage, guarantor education, and financial compliance.
Position Responsibilities:MassHealth (Medicaid) Eligibility & Maintenance
- Complete and submit MassHealth applications and renewals accurately and timely Assist patients, families and guarantors in gathering required financial documentation
- Resolve eligibility issues, denials, and coverage gaps Stay current with Massachusetts Medicaid regulations and policy changes
- Track and manage all resident MassHealth renewal dates on a rolling 12-month cycleInitiate renewal process upon receipt of MassHealth notices; monitor deadlines and follow up on outstanding documentationFinancial Coordination
- Verify insurance coverage and benefits across multiple payers in conjunction with admissions.Collect, review, and organize required financial documents (bank statements, income verification, asset records, social security records, etc.)
- Determine ability to pay privately vs. eligibility for assistance programs.Coordinate transitions between payers (e.g., Medicare to Medicaid; Private to Medicaid)
- Ensure accurate payer source assignment and billing readiness Coordinate with billing as needed.Patient & Family Support
- Educate patients, families and guarantors on coverage options, financial responsibility, and eligibility requirements Provide guidance on spend-down requirements, asset documentation, patient paid amounts and compliance
- Serve as a point of contact for financial inquiries and concerns Help residents and family understand how to pay for care
- Make complex financial systems understandable Maintain accurate and up-to-date resident financial files.Compliance & Documentation
- Maintain accurate, complete, and audit-ready financial records Ensure compliance with Federal and Massachusetts Medicaid regulations
- Support internal and external audits related to billing and eligibility Identify and escalate potential eligibility issues for MassHealth (excess assets, missing documentation, etc.)
Accounts Receivable
- Follow up on unpaid claims, resolve discrepancies, and ensure timely payments.Monitor and track accounts receivable, ensuring all payments are received timely
- Work with residents, families, and external agencies to resolve any billing issues or payment delays.
Systems & ReportingMaintain tracking systems (spreadsheets or software) for MassHealth renewal timelines and outcomes
- Support audits and internal reviews related to eligibilities and reimbursementGenerate reports on upcoming MassHealth renewals, MassHealth Pending and submission statuses, etc.Collaboration
- Communicate with state agencies, managed care organizations, and third-party payers Communicate MassHealth renewal requirements, deadlines, and status updates clearly and professionally
- Participate in interdisciplinary care and discharge planning as needed Provide financial insight that impacts discharge planning or long-term placement.
- Coordination with interdisciplinary teams (admissions, social workers, clinical, billing, etc.)
Core Competencies:
Analytical thinking and problem-solving