Retiree Benefits Manager (WMS2/ERB)

JOB
Retiree Benefits Manager (WMS2/ERB)71057933The deadline for application submissions has been extended to 4/03/24This position is the division’s subject matter expert on Retiree Benefits, Medicare, and their interaction with the work of the Public Employees Benefits Board and School Employees Benefits Board. This individual is a liaison between retiree organizations and HCA; developing positive working relationships with these organizations to ensure the agency is aware of the needs and concerns of the retiree community when communicating benefit information. The ideal candidate will bring strong familiarity with Medicare and retiree populations to a position that works with executive-level staff in a self-directed and autonomous manner to provide retirees with healthcare benefit support. All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes. About the division: This position fits into the agency strategies for implementing the Governor’s health care initiatives and the Employees and Retirees Benefits (ERB) Division’s strategic priorities to promote healthier outcomes and lifestyles for Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program enrollees. This position is particularly focused on retirees, including both those enrolled and not enrolled in Medicare. This work supports the Governor’s statewide policy objectives of “Healthy People” linking directly to the measurements tied to Healthy Babies, Youth, and Adults; Access/Pay for Quality; and providing high-quality employee benefits to attract and retain the state’s workforce. About the position: The Retiree Benefits Manager leads and co-leads value-based purchasing activity for HCA on behalf of public and school employees’ benefits. These activities impact approximately 725,000 PEBB and SEBB Program members, including 117,000 retirees. This position is the senior manager responsible for vendor management for fully insured medical benefits. This position is a resource to lower-level staff, new contract managers, senior management, and staff in other divisions, agencies, and political subdivisions that acquire their employee benefits through the PEBB and SEBB Programs. The incumbent performs account management for multiple contracts. This position is a subject matter expert (SME) and specialist in ERB retiree medical, dental, and vision coverage, with advanced expertise in Medicare as it relates to this population. The incumbent researches and implements new products, develops policies and procedures for the contractors, implements systems, analyzes, and solves problems, both in vendor operations and those that cross multiple vendors and other HCA divisions and within the ERB Division. This includes cross-portfolio and division(s) coordination of plans to ensure the unique needs of retirees are considered and met to the extent possible. This position is eligible to telework yet is required to report on-site for monthly meetings or to meet other business need. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions – both on-site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA may choose, but is not required, to support out-of-state telework on a case-by-case basis.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Some of what you will do: Serves as the subject matter expert for the ERB Division on Retiree Benefits, including Medicare plans and benefits.Maintains current, expert-level knowledge of ERB Retiree Benefits and Medicare offerings, applicable laws and regulations, and related current state and national issues and trends.Takes a leadership role in developing and coordinating the division’s vision and strategies for all retiree offerings, including Medicare offerings.Coordinates benefits and strategy across the entire ERB portfolio.Serves as a resource and advocate for retirees during Open Enrollment and throughout the year as issues arise.Maintains oversight of HCA’s communications with the retiree population.Provides increased visibility for issues associated with retiree plans and benefits, including Medicare offerings, both within and outside HCA.Provides subject matter expertise to the agency on federal rules pertaining to Medicare as they relate to the PEBB and SEBB Programs and their members, and particularly for retirees.Collaborates on SEBB and PEBB Programs’ benefit offerings including researching, drafting, and providing comparative analysis of the policy and product options, specifically related to retirees and Medicare.Prepares and/or assists in the preparation of policy and product documents for internal discussion, presentation to the SEB and/or PEB Board, and communication with stakeholders. Makes presentations on policy and product options to HCA management, SEB and/or PEB Board, and stakeholders.Communicates and coordinates with key stakeholders, including advocacy groups, consumer groups, health plans, legislators or legislative staff, other states, and national resources, on activities related to Retiree Benefits and Medicare.Serves as ERB subject matter expert in evaluating the impact of legislative proposals on Retiree Benefits and Medicare and recommends a course of action.Identifies policy needs, issues, and objectives. Proposes solutions, options, and courses of action to achieve policy objectives.Regularly monitors contractor performance and addresses discrepancies with contract expectations.Troubleshoots issues, captures, analyzes, and collaborates with contractors to resolve complex and unique issues.Leads negotiation with assigned vendors on contract amendments and extensions. Plans procurements for new contracts as needed; participates in selection of bidders, and negotiations of new contract terms.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
About HCA: The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to whole-person care, integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents. HCA purchases health care for more than 2.5 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, and the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program. As the largest health care purchaser in the state, we lead the effort to transform health care, helping ensure Washington residents have access to better health and better care at a lower cost. What we have to offer: Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & ValuesA healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government BenefitsA safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby. Tuition reimbursementAnd free parking! Notes: Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment. HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA’s mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Lisa Fleming at (360) 725-1723 or lisa.fleming@hca.wa.gov. The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to workin the United States are encouraged to apply. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a list of new job postings at HCA.