Financial Clearance Representative Associate

Opportunities at Optum, in strategic partnership with Allina Health. As an Optum employee, you will provide support to the Allina Health account. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Responsible for completing the financial clearance process and creating the first impression of Optum services to patients, their families, and other external customers. You will articulate information in a manner that patients, guarantors, and family members understand and will know what to expect regarding their financial responsibilities. Work in a team environment with medical staff, nursing, ancillary departments, insurance payers, and other external sources to assist families in obtaining healthcare and financial services.

You will enjoy the flexibility to telecommute from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform financial clearance processes by interviewing patients and collecting and recording all necessary information for pre-registration of patients
• Educate patients of pertinent policies as necessary i.e., Patient Rights, HIPAA information, consents for treatment, visiting hours, etc.
• Verify insurance eligibility and completes automated insurance eligibility verification, when applicable and appropriately documents information in Epic
• Confirm that a patient's health insurance(s) is active and covers the patient's procedure
• Confirm what benefits of a patient's upcoming visit/stay are covered by the patient's insurance, including exact coverage, effective date of the policy, coverage limitations / requirements, and patient liabilities for the type of service(s) provided
• Provide proactive price estimates and work with patients so they understand their financial responsibilities
• Inform families with inadequate insurance coverage of financial assistance through government and financial assistance programs and refer the patient to financial counseling
• Review and analyze patient visit information to determine whether authorization is needed and understands payor specific criteria to appropriately secure authorization and clear the account prior to service where possible
• May provide mentoring to less experienced team members on all aspects of the revenue cycle, payer issues, policy issues, or anything that impacts their role
• Meet and maintain department productivity and quality expectations

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear directions 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
• 6+ months of experience with insurance and benefit verification, pre‑experience with registration and/or prior authorization activities in healthcare business office/insurance operations
• Intermediate level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Products
• Must be 18 years of age OR older

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's degree or Vocational degree in Business Administration, Health Care Administration, Public Health, or Related Field of Study
• Experience working with clinical staff
• Previous experience working in outpatient and/or inpatient healthcare settings
• Experience working in clinical documentation
• Previous experience working with a patient's clinical medical record

Soft Skills

• Excellent customer service skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in fast paced environments

*All Telecommuters will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.

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 401(k) contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). The hourly pay for this role will range from $16.15 to $28.80 per hour based on full‑time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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.