Financial Counselor, Patient Access

$3,000 SIGN ON BONUS FOR EXTERNAL APPLICANTS Opportunities at Northern Light Health, in strategic partnership with Optum. Whether you are looking for a role in a clinical setting or supporting those who provide care, we have opportunities for you to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. As a statewide health care system in Maine, we work to personalize and streamline health care for our communities. If the place for you is at a large medical center, a rural community practice or home care, you will find it here. Join our compassionate culture, enjoy meaningful benefits and discover the meaning behind: Caring. Connecting. Growing together.  The Inpatient Financial Counselor (Patient Access) primary function is to ensure constant and reliable cash flow, maximize revenue collections, minimize accounts receivable losses (bad debt) and promote excellent public relations. The Financial Counselor is responsible for ensuring all accounts passing through the unit are screened for linkage opportunities and appropriate actions are completed.Our office is located at Maine Coast Hospital, 50 Union St., Ellsworth, Maine.We offer 1-3 months of on-the-job training at Eastern Maine Medical Center is 489 State Street, Bangor. The hours of the training will be aligned with your schedule.Primary Responsibilities:Screens appropriate patients for possible healthcare coverage or financial assistance opportunities to determine eligibility, coverage levels, and billing requirementsCounsels' patients as to financial responsibility while assessing suitability for in-house programs of Free Care, Discounted Care and Payment Plans. Ensure all accounts are screened for linkage opportunities and appropriate actions are completedPerforms a daily check of all qualifying inpatients and assesses/offers financial assistance prior to dischargeFunctions as the liaison with various departments for determining financial options and financial counseling for scheduled procedures and price-shoppingRecords and prepares statistics for outreach of financial assistance programs offeredMaximize revenue collectionsMinimizes accounts receivable losses (bad debt) by use of workflows, technology and tools providedMaintains a safe environment complying with NLH policies and procedures; reports directly addresses environmental hazards and violations of patient safety policy and/or protocol when involved or observedMay perform other duties upon requestIdentifies outstanding balances from patient's previous visits and attempts to collect any amount dueFunctions as a Superuser for primary computer systemsProactively identifies process improvement opportunitiesWorks on Special Projects as neededPerforms the duties of a Financial Counselor (Patient Access)Maintains up - to - date knowledge of specific admission, registration, and pre - registration requirements for all areasYou'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.Required Qualifications:High School Diploma/GED (or higher)2+ years of customer service experience in a hospital, office setting, customer service setting, or phone support settingIntermediate level of proficiency in Windows, Excel, and Microsoft Office, including the ability to type at the speed of 35+ WPM (words per minute)Ability to work any shift between the hours of 7:30AM - 4:00PM EST, Monday - FridayAbility to train for 1-3 months upon starting at 489 State St, Bangor, ME 04401Influenza vaccination for the current flu season (typically August-May) or commitment to receive the influenza vaccination when available for the upcoming flu seasonMust be 18 years of age OR olderPreferred Qualifications:1+ years of electronic health record experience1+ years of experience in a Hospital Patient Registration OR Patient Account ServicesSoft Skills:Verbal and written aptitude for adequate communication with the public, physicians, physician office staff, Registration staff, and other healthcare professionalsMust demonstrate the ability to work well with others and to work independently without direct supervisionMust exhibit a caring attitude toward patients, co - workers, and other customersAbility to handle multiple priorities successfullyPosition requires close attention to detailMust present in a professional mannerStrong interpersonal, communication and customer service skillsAbility to use multiple systems and multi-task   **PLEASE NOTE** The sign-on bonus is only available to external candidates.  Candidates who are currently working for UnitedHealth Group, UnitedHealthcare or a related entity in a full time, part time or per diem basis ("Internal Candidates") are not eligible to receive a sign on bonus.  Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The hourly pay for this role will range from $17.74 to $31.63 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.    At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location, and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups, and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.   UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.   UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.  #RPO #RED

Created: 2025-09-30