SMC Insurance and Financial Access Navigator

The Insurance & Financial Access Navigator plays a critical role in ensuring the community served by Sawtooth Mountain Clinic has access to affordable healthcare. This position combines responsibilities as a patient advocate, MNsure-certified Navigator, sliding fee scale program coordinator, and liaison for community outreach and interagency collaboration. The Navigator helps patients enroll in insurance, access financial assistance, and connect with community resources to reduce barriers to care.

Key Responsibilities:
Patient Advocacy & Support
• Assist patients in understanding billing, coverage, and financial assistance options.
• Advocate for patients experiencing barriers to care or financial hardship.
• Provide culturally competent, patient-centered education and support.
MNsure Navigator Duties
• Provide one-on-one assistance to patients applying for health coverage through MNsure.
• Educate patients on eligibility, plan options, subsidies, and renewal requirements.
• Support patients in troubleshooting application issues and maintaining coverage.
• Stay current on MNsure policies, updates, and training requirements.
Sliding Fee Scale Program Coordination
• Administer SMC’s sliding fee discount program in compliance with federal and organizational guidelines.
• Screen patients for eligibility, collect required documentation, and determine discount levels.
• Educate patients on program availability and renewal requirements.
• Track utilization and report program outcomes to leadership.
Giving Tree Program Coordination
• Facilitate SMC's Giving Tree Program through internal collaboration and public-facing education.
Community Outreach
• Conduct outreach to uninsured and underinsured populations to promote available insurance and financial assistance programs.
• Represent the health center at community events, health fairs, and partner meetings.
• Develop culturally appropriate educational materials and presentations.
• Build trust with diverse communities to increase access and engagement.
Interagency Collaboration & Coordination
• Partner with local social service agencies, nonprofits, and government programs to connect patients with additional resources (housing, food, transportation, etc.).
• Coordinate referrals and maintain strong working relationships with external partners.
• Participate in coalitions and collaborative initiatives to improve community health access.
• Serve as a liaison between patients, providers, and external agencies to ensure continuity of care.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, healthcare administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• MNsure Navigator certification (or ability to obtain).
• Knowledge of Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplace insurance, and financial assistance programs preferred.
• Experience coordinating sliding fee scale or similar financial access programs preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, and advocacy skills.
• Cultural competency and ability to work with diverse patient populations.

Physical Requirements:
• Mobility to work in typical office setting and use standard office equipment
• Stamina to sit or stand for extended periods of time, up to 8 hours per day
• Strength to lift and carry up to 20 pounds
• Corrected vision and hearing within normal range to observe and communicate with patients and professional staff, in person and over the telephone, and to read printed materials and a computer screen

Salary: Starting at $21/hour

Benefits: Health, Dental, Life, and Disability Insurance, Health Savings Account with employer contribution, 23 days of PTO/year, Floating Holidays, Paid Holidays, Employer-matched 401k after 6 months, Annual Fitness Benefit, plus more as defined in Sawtooth Mountain Clinic’s Employee Handbook.