Access to Care Coordinator - New Britain, CT - Bilingual Required

Job Description:

The Access to Care Coordinator (ATCC) helps patients get and keep the coverage and support they need to access care at CHCI. The role follows a hybrid model of on-site, community-based, and remote work.

Insurance eligibility screening and enrollment are at the core of the role. ATCCs are certified as Certified Application Counselors with Access Health CT, Connecticut's health insurance marketplace. Because a large share of CHCI patients are covered by Medicaid (HUSKY), ATCCs must be well versed in new applications and renewals, restoring lost coverage, and guiding patients through eligibility and coverage changes. ATCCs also help patients apply for the Sliding Fee Discount Program and SNAP.

ATCCs become experts in their assigned communities. They identify and vet local resources and act as a bridge that connects patients to the services they need. They work with existing patients to address social determinants of health (SDOH) and other barriers to care, and they coordinate those resources with the care team. ATCCs also help patients with high balances explore coverage and sliding fee options.

The ATCC partners with the Operations team and on-site leadership to develop strategies for recruiting new patients. ATCCs attend outreach events throughout the community, educate residents on health care access, and share information about CHCI's services. Interdepartmental collaboration is a significant part of the role, including project work, monitoring and reporting, and leading and participating in meetings.

Essential Responsibilities:

Outreach and new-patient recruitment

- Conduct outreach at community locations and events, educating residents on health care access and coverage options and sharing information about CHCI's services.
- Partner with Regional Directors and Office Managers to develop and carry out strategies for recruiting new patients.
- Participate in community events, health fairs, and school-based activities, including some evening and weekend hours.

New-patient intake and orientation

- Welcome new patients and help them establish a primary medical and dental home at CHCI.
- Register patients, schedule initial appointments, and orient them to the practice, including enrolling them in the patient portal.

Insurance eligibility and enrollment

- Screen patients for eligibility for HUSKY (Medicaid/CHIP), Access Health CT qualified health plans, Medicare-related programs, SNAP, and other public assistance programs.
- Help patients complete and submit insurance and SNAP applications, gather required documentation, and understand coverage terms in plain language.
- Track every application to final determination and follow up with patients on outcomes and next steps.
- Assist patients with HUSKY renewals, redeterminations, and change reporting to prevent gaps in coverage.
- Help resolve coverage issues such as lapses, incorrect plan or PCP assignment, and pending documentation, advocating with DSS and Access Health CT as needed.
- Refer Medicare-eligible patients to CHOICES counseling and screen for Medicare Savings Programs.

Sliding Fee Discount Program

- Screen uninsured and underinsured patients for the Sliding Fee Discount Program, collecting and reviewing proof of income and household size.
- Process applications and annual recertifications according to CHCI policy and HRSA requirements.
- Educate patients on program requirements and how the discount is applied alongside insurance.
- Collaborate with Billing on sliding fee and coverage-related account questions, and refer other billing matters to the Billing Department.

Social needs and community resources

- Administer CHCI's standardized social determinants of health (SDOH) screening, document results, and flag needs for the care team.
- Connect patients with community resources, including transportation, food assistance, housing, and other social services.
- Follow up to confirm referrals were completed and needs were addressed.
- Help patients overcome language, literacy, and practical barriers that prevent them from receiving care.

Care team collaboration

- Attend Integrated Care Meetings (ICM) at assigned site(s) and complete follow-up items.
- Coordinate with registration, billing, providers, and care management to support patient access.
- Escalate clinical or behavioral health concerns to the appropriate care team member.

Documentation, reporting, and compliance

- Maintain accurate, timely patient records and document all interactions in the EHR and eligibility systems.
- Meet productivity and quality goals, and complete daily, weekly, and monthly reports, including data for grant-funded initiatives.
- Protect patient confidentiality and handle personal and financial documentation in compliance with HIPAA and CHCI privacy policies.
- Participate in ongoing training to stay current on state and federal requirements, including HUSKY, Access Health CT, and HRSA sliding fee rules.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education and experience

- Associate's degree required; commensurate work experience may be substituted for education.
- Minimum one year of experience in human services required.
- Experience in an FQHC, community health center, or safety-net setting preferred.

Certification

- Obtain and maintain Access Health CT Certified Application Counselor (CAC) certification within [90 days] of hire.

Knowledge

- Understanding of policies and regulations for public assistance programs, including Medicaid (HUSKY A, B, C, D), Medicare, Access Health CT, and other state programs.
- Familiarity with sliding fee discount programs and income documentation requirements.
- Knowledge of community resources and social services in CHCI's service areas.

Skills and abilities

- Written and oral bilingual fluency in a language spoken by our patient population (for example, English/Spanish or English/Polish) required.
- Excellent communication and interviewing skills, with the empathy and patience needed for sensitive patient conversations and frequent external liaison work.
- Excellent customer service and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work with diverse populations.
- Effective math skills and strong attention to detail.
- Computer proficiency, including [EHR/practice management system], data entry, word processing, Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace, dashboards, PDF management, online platforms, and virtual meetings (Zoom, Google Meet).

Schedule and travel

- Full-time, including some evening and weekend hours as needed.
- Regular travel to other CHCI sites and community events outside the home location.
- Current driver's license and a clean driving record at time of hire and throughout employment.

Physical requirements and work environment

- Combination of sustained sitting at a keyboard, walking, and stair climbing.
- Minimal lifting and carrying.
- Work is both office-based and community-based.

Organizational Summary:

The Moses/Weitzman Health System is a global leader addressing challenges faced by organizations caring for the poor and diverse populations, and is home to programs focusing on education, research, and process improvement support for safety net providers. The system delivers primary care to more than 150,000 patients in Connecticut, and extends access to specialty care for more than 2.5 million individuals across the U.S. It is a national accrediting body for organizations training advanced practice providers, and offers accredited education and training for Medical Assistants in multiple states. As an incubator for new ideas in areas including social justice, the environment, and social determinants of health, the MWHS is addressing challenges faced by providers caring for underserved communities, creating innovative and impactful initiatives led by nationally and internationally recognized experts. As it forges pathways into the future of primary care, the MWHS honors Lillian Reba Moses (1924-2012), a granddaughter of slaves, and Gerard (Gerry) Weitzman (1938-1999), whose ancestors escaped pogroms in Eastern Europe. Their vision and commitment to justice and equity in healthcare is the foundation upon which the Moses/Weitzman Health System was built.

Location:
Community Health Center of New Britain
City:
New Britain
State:
Connecticut

Time Type:
Full time

Compensation and Benefits:
$23/hr - $25/hr

At Moses/Weitzman Health System, we are committed to supporting the health, well-being, professional growth, and financial security of our employees. Eligible employees may have access to a comprehensive total rewards package that can include competitive compensation, health and wellness benefits, retirement savings opportunities, paid time off, professional development and tuition assistance programs, employee assistance resources, flexible work arrangements where applicable, and other company-sponsored benefits. Specific benefit offerings and eligibility requirements may vary based on position, work location, scheduled hours, and applicable plan terms. Learn more about our benefits and career opportunities on our Careers website.