GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, provides assistance to patients and their families who may require access to healthcare but may have financial and/or social barriers. Meets with and evaluates people to identify social determinants of health (SDoH). Helps with enrollment in health and social service programs such as the HealthyCare Card (HCC), Affordable Care Act coverage (ACA) or Pennsylvania Medical Assistance (HealthChoices). Identifies medication access barriers. Meets with and interviews patients or responsible person/agency related to healthcare access needs. Provides referrals to local social service providers regarding available community resources which address social determinants of health (SDOH). Works with other staff in WellSpan and the local community to identify and support those at risk.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. In person or by phone, interviews patients or responsible individual(s) to determine present and future health insurance coverage.
2. Uses WellSpan’s SDoH screening tool to identify where social insecurities exist and are impacting health and healthcare access.
3. Follows pathways to assess a person’s social and health needs in order to make the optimal warm hand offs.
4. Completes applications on healthcare.gov, for MA and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program).
5. Completes enrollment in the HealthyCare Card program to help with ongoing, out -of-pocket costs.
6. Enrolls people in social support programs including, but not limited to: SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs), MATP (Medical Assistance Transportation Program), and country housing assistance programs.
7. Collaborates with WS case managers, social workers and health coaches to help manage care for those at high risk.
8. Documents in Epic to record interactions with patients.
9. Initiates referrals to health and social support resources based upon the most urgent needs of the patient and/or family. These may include free clinics, personal care homes or federally qualified health centers (FQHCs).
10. Receives referrals from health and social service partners for people who have high risk medical and social situations. Evaluates enrollment and medical home needs to begin appropriate connections.
11. Focuses on documentation in Epic regarding SDOH to make well-coordinated referrals to community social service providers.
12. Meets individuals at appointments to assist with transitions from inpatient to ambulatory care, when needed.
13. Receives referrals for medication assistance from WellSpan Health entities in York, Adams, Ephrata and Lebanon. Evaluates the referrals to determine patient need and what kind of assistance is optimal.
14. Coordinates enrollment in programs to help pay for health and medication insurance premiums. These include LIS (low income subsidy), PACE/PACENET, and/or Medicare premium assistance.
15. Coordinates access to WellSpan’s Prescription for Caring (PFC) for help with copays and high out of pocket costs.
16. Serves as information resource to patients and system staff regarding medication access, charity care procedures, and payment assistance options.
17. Functions as an integral member of a collaborative and interdisciplinary team, using assessment, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluation skills.
18. Maintains professional and effective communication with hospitals, ambulatory sites, community agencies, etc.
19. Serves as a patient advocate, assisting with the navigation and appropriate utilization of health services and community resources.
20. Identifies and utilizes culturally appropriate outreach strategies to help patients connect to the health and healthcare services desired.
21. Actively participates with community coalitions as an advocate for specific populations and as a liaison for WellSpan Health.
22. Attends outreach events to promote services to the community
23. Collaborates with free clinics to help with insurance enrollment needs of clients or guests.

Required Skills

High School or G.E.D. required

Required Experience

2-3 years of healthcare or related experience.     Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; basic computer skills Must have valid PA driver’s license with a good record Spanish speaking experience preferred

High School or G.E.D. required