Hourly Medicare Counselor

Boulder County requires its employees to reside in the state of Colorado as of the first day of work. 

Hiring Salary Range: $24.04 hourly

Tentative Hiring Timeline:

• Phone Screening: February 12th
• First Round Interviews:  February 19th
• Second Round Interviews: February 24th

1. Conduct regular educational seminars throughout the county, presenting both independently and with community partners; be informed and able to answer questions from the public about current and future Medicare policy
2. Develop both technical training materials for professionals (community service providers) and consumer-friendly handouts for beneficiaries;
3. Adapt education efforts to meet the needs of diverse groups and individuals, incorporating culturally relevant information into staff training and community presentations
4. Advise consumers on appropriate coordination of benefits, including being knowledgeable about primary vs. secondary payor issues, and how Medicare coordinates benefits with employer plans, retiree plans, COBRA, military and Veterans benefits, Medicaid, Railroad Retirement Board, the Federal Black Lung Program, worker’s compensation claims, liability and no-fault claims
5. Educate consumers on the multiple avenues for minimizing prescription drug costs, including Medicare Part D prescription coverage, Patient Assistance Programs, veterans and military retiree benefits, public and private insurance plans such as retirement plans, Medicaid and others
6. Provide education to the public on Medicare fraud
7. Conduct meetings with older adults, caregivers and people with disabilities to educate and assist with Medicare related issues.

1. Advocate for the rights and needs of Medicare beneficiaries and their families in Boulder County
2. Instruct beneficiaries on how to request expedited appeals for claims and/or inappropriate discharges from hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies
3.  Exercise autonomous judgment in advising Medicare beneficiaries about their rights; this includes knowledge of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), complaint and grievance procedures, insurance guaranteed issue laws, underwriting and pre-existing condition exclusions, privacy and confidentiality issues, discrimination issues and issues around Advance Beneficiary Notices (ABN)
4. Articulate how Medicare policy impacts clients’ rights and benefits.

1. Have an understanding of Medicare supplement policies and the standards required under such programs; be capable of informing beneficiaries on whether to purchase such policies and on what criteria to use in evaluating different policies; assist beneficiaries in filing health insurance claims to Medicare supplement policies
2. Have an understanding of Medicaid and how it interacts with Medicare.
3. Conduct legal and health research to appeal Medicare denials; understand technical Medicare coverage, including Local Medical Review Policy issues, carrier manuals and federal coverage regulations
4. Interpret Medicare policy, regulations and practices, especially as they change
5. Identify conflicts between policy, regulations and/or practices in claims processing activities
6. Collect statistical data on services provided and file monthly, quarterly and yearly reports, as well as periodic other reports

PLEASE NOTE: When completing your application describe all relevant education and experience, as applications are assessed based on the required qualifications listed. Resumes and other attachments are not accepted in lieu of completed applications and will not be reviewed in the initial screening process. Any personally identifiable information (PII) such as name and address will be redacted from applications that meet the minimum screening requirements and are forwarded to the hiring manager. If the hiring manager selects you to advance in the hiring process, your attachments will then be shared with the hiring team. 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

Boulder County is looking for well qualified candidates to fill our positions. Any combination of relevant education and experience is encouraged. In this position, we are looking for a minimum of a high school diploma and 6 years of professional related experience working in a related human service, advocacy, medical, legal or mediation field or a bachelor's degree in gerontology, social sciences, business, nursing, or related field, with two years of professional experience working in related human service, advocacy, legal or mediation field.

BACKGROUND CHECK & FINGERPRINTING: 

• A job offer is contingent on passing a background investigation with fingerprinting

• Bilingual in Spanish and English
• Self-directed and ability to work independently and in teams.
• Good problem-solving ability. Detail oriented.
• Ability to build coalitions with community groups to plan and implement programs and services.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required. 
• Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work well with elders, people with disabilities, their families, agencies, and other employees.
• Ability to interact effectively with culturally diverse elders and their families.
• Proficiency with MS Office programs and internet research required.
• Valid CO driver’s license and acceptable motor vehicle required.
• Moves and transports equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

Boulder County is a workplace dedicated to supporting individuals and families of all types and to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment for all employees. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants and employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Salary : $24