Role Description
The Senior Medical Underwriter is a highly experienced, results-driven professional responsible for evaluating, pricing, and managing a book of business. The Senior Medical Underwriter serves as a subject matter expert and mentor within the Underwriting team, modeling professionalism, productivity, clinical expertise, and leadership in every aspect of their work.
What you’ll do
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Underwriting & Risk Evaluation
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Manage a book of business, achieving profitable risk selection that supports Optimyl’s overall business targets and assigned volume goals.
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Confirm group eligibility and employee eligibility at the time of new business quotes and mid-year additions.
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Analyze individual member risk and aggregate risk at the total group level, applying sound clinical risk management judgment and established underwriting principles.
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Calculate rates and evaluate financial arrangements including networks, plan designs, and carve-outs; interpret pricing policy and adapt to unique or complex situations.
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Apply corporate risk management policies appropriately and recommend pricing adaptations within established guidelines to accommodate client-specific circumstances.
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Utilize Optimyl’s business rules related to participation, product availability, and eligibility, ensuring consistent and accurate application across all accounts.
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Leverage strong knowledge of medical diagnoses, case management background, medications, FDA-approved treatment plans and duration associated with conditions, as well as claims associated that pose risk to plan, to assess risk accurately and make informed underwriting decisions.
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Interpret clinical data, including claims data, lab results, and prescription history—and apply underwriting guidelines consistently and independently based on that analysis.
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Accurately differentiate acute and resolved conditions from chronic conditions requiring ongoing treatment and ongoing claim risk to plan.
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Identify questionable claim patterns of renewal clients; evaluate competitor claims experience for prospective clients and develop recommendations to account for these situations.
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Productivity & Quality
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Complete medical review for quotes and review of Underwriter’s work in accordance with established production, accuracy, and timeliness standards.
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Utilize various systems, tools, and resources to obtain necessary data and accurately complete and track all assigned work within established underwriting guidelines.
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Adapt effectively to changing priorities as quotes arrive from different production sources and as new requirements emerge, maintaining due diligence.
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Work independently to manage workload, utilize established SOPs and SharePoint resources, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines without requiring close supervision.
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Solve problems independently using established resources and apply a solution-oriented approach to workflow challenges, escalating only when appropriate.
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Communication & Coordination
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Serve as a subject matter expert to Sales on diagnoses, disease processes, and FDA-approved treatment plans, referencing reputable resources.
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Maintain a positive, professional demeanor in all interactions, fostering a collaborative and respectful team environment.
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Maintain an innovative growth mindset, growing with the company, as well as a willingness to pivot to meet business goals and demands.
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Demonstrate a clear understanding of company goals and partner with management and Sales to actively promote and support those objectives through sound underwriting decisions.
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Leadership & Mentorship
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Demonstrate leadership through example; modeling high standards of work quality, professionalism, accountability, and a positive attitude.
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Mentor and guide Underwriters, providing technical assistance, constructive feedback, and support for professional growth.
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As assigned, assume primary responsibility for the maintenance and improvement of departmental tools, processes, and documentation.
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Support internal initiatives including underwriting policy development, training programs, corporate compliance efforts, and product development as needed.
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Proactively provide recommendations and input on new and existing training materials and Policies & Procedures, contributing expertise to strengthen the overall quality and consistency of the Underwriting function.
Qualifications
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Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of Medical Underwriting experience; experience with self-funded, level-funded, and stop-loss preferred.
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Strong knowledge of medical diagnoses, prescription medications, FDA-approved treatment regimens, coordination of benefits, and claims associated with FDA-approved treatment durations for conditions and Rx.
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Proven ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-quality work product with minimal direction.
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Demonstrated solution-oriented approach to problem-solving, with the ability to apply established resources and underwriting principles to complex situations.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate recommendations and rationale to internal stakeholders with an emphasis on tact.
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High level of productivity and accountability, with a consistent record of meeting or exceeding production and timeliness standards.
Requirements
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Prior experience mentoring or training health insurance underwriting staff.
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Minimum of five (5) years of clinical experience as a health care case manager, clinical credentials, and/or licensure such as: Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Medical Assistant, or equivalent clinical practice experience.
Benefits
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Competitive compensation
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Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
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Employer-paid life insurance and disability coverage
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401(k) retirement plan with employer match
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Generous paid time off and company holidays
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Support for growth through hands-on learning, exposure to new challenges, and opportunities to expand responsibilities as the company evolves.