Patient Advocate Specialist Hybrid Geisinger Medical Center

Job Description

The Patient Advocate Specialist plays a critical role in identifying, educating, and enrolling eligible hospital patients into the Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program. This is a full-time, hybrid (3 to 5 days per week on-site) role supporting Geisinger Medical Center
, where you’ll work directly with patients and hospital partners. You’ll clearly explain program details, gather required documentation, and serve as a compassionate, professional advocate throughout each step of the enrollment process.

This role demands mission-driven advocacy, proactive problem-solving, empathetic communication, and resilience—all while balancing compassion with an urgency to ensure patients receive timely support. By facilitating employer-sponsored health insurance coverage, the Patient Helper Program helps medically complex Medicaid beneficiaries access comprehensive care.

We’re looking for driven individuals with a “can-do” spirit, unwavering perseverance, and the capacity to support diverse patient populations navigating complex healthcare systems.

• Educate patients and families in a clear, compassionate, and culturally sensitive manner about the HIPP program.
• Assess family dynamics and adapt communication style to effectively meet their needs.
• Obtain necessary authorizations and documentation from patients/families.
• Foster trust with patients while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Demonstrate cultural competence and empathy when engaging with vulnerable populations.

• Accurately collect all essential data for HIPP applications (e.g., employer information, insurance details).
• Employ proactive problem-solving to overcome barriers and ensure timely, accurate submissions.
• Collaborate seamlessly with the Patient Financial Assistance (PFA) team to finalize enrollments.
• Consistently deliver against performance metrics such as enrollments completed, case resolution time, and documentation accuracy.

• Clarify how employer-provided health insurance works in coordination with Medicaid.
• Verify and update ongoing patient eligibility for HIPP to maintain continuity.
• Assist with resolving insurance-related issues upon request from patients or clients.

• Utilize PFA’s CRM/case management system to manage referrals and patient records.
• Upload, scan, and securely transmit required documentation.
• Record patient interactions meticulously in compliance with privacy and legal standards.
• Efficiently operate Apple tools such as iPads and iPhones for enrollment-related tasks.

• Represent PFA as the onsite contact at the hospital.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with hospital staff, state agency personnel, and community partners.
• Always uphold the organization’s values with ethical integrity and professionalism.

• High school diploma or GED and completion of formal training in customer service, patient services, healthcare administration, social services, or case management.
• Foundational knowledge of healthcare terminology and insurance processes gained via coursework or certification.
• Ability to pass hospital credentialing, including vaccinations and drug/alcohol screening.

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, or related field.
• Training in motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, or medical billing/coding.
• Continuing education in Medicaid/Medicare eligibility, health equity, or patient advocacy.
• Three‑Five years’ experience in patient‑facing roles within a healthcare setting.
• Full Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is strongly preferred.

• Proficiency with CRM or case management systems.
• Knowledge of Medicaid/Medicare eligibility and benefits coordination.
• Ability to interpret medical billing and insurance documents.
• Strong compliance‑based documentation practices.

• Active listening and empathetic communication.
• De‑escalation tactics…