Senior Medical and Dental Underwriter

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What We Need

The Sr. Underwriter is responsible for the profitability of an assigned book of business, including prospective and renewing business in the 51-99 and 100+ market segment. In addition, the Sr. Underwriter will provide support for financial management reports, participate in the development of new products and rating methodologies and other assigned projects to improve underwriting operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the accurate and timely calculation of rates for 51-99 and 100+ prospective opportunities, and 100+ size renewing accounts in Commercial and Municipal market segment.
• Understanding and ability to work with multiple funding arrangements, including insured, self-insured, and level funded.
• Required critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
• Enforce adherence to Underwriting Policies and Procedures and be responsible for approval of exceptions.
• Develop creative pricing strategies which achieve profitability and market share targets, working within approved level of authority.
• Participate in the development of new rating practices.
• Prepare complete actuarial and underwriting analyses for account proposals and renewals.  This includes whole account strategy and contribution strategy recommendations.
• Analyze and explain comparative advantages and disadvantages of various commercial programs submitted in competitive bidding situations.
• Monitor and report on the profitability and persistency of the assigned book of business.
• Negotiate prices with customers and their consultants/brokers, where appropriate, to retain and/or grow enrollment and meet profitability goals.
• Participate in the presentation of financial proposals and renewals to internal Sales stakeholders.
• Assist with the development of financial presentations to internal and external customers.
• Ad-hoc project work as assigned by leadership.
• Develop SME proficiency in topic of choice within Underwriting Division.

Capabilities:

• Demonstrate strong initiative with a focus on improving organizational performance.
• Analytic thought process with ability to work independently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Desire for continuous professional development; exemplify a growth mindset.
• Evaluate data to assess risk and determine appropriate action.  
• Demonstrate ability to take calculated risks and be responsible for outcomes.
• Have a proven track record of success on difficult and challenging assignments.
• Show understanding of and employ functional and technical skills when performing all assignments.
• Required flexibility in the interpretation and application of underwriting guidelines.
• Required nimbleness relative to implementing and adjusting to the changes associated with the healthcare market.
• Able to apply changes to previously learned processes or adopt new ones.
• Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with team members, cross-functionally with financial underwriting peers and external divisional stakeholders (including Account and Sales Executives).
• Required time management skills to ensure deadlines are met with competing priorities.
• Model flexibility by pivoting priorities when critical activities arise.
• Ability to adjust communication style according to key stakeholders.
• Ensure follow up and resolution on escalated issues.
• Understand business priorities and respond with urgency when needed.
• Recommend appropriate decisions with justification and business rationale.
• Understand and articulate competitive market awareness.

Technical Skills:

• Utilize effective mathematical models to develop complex account proposals and renewals, accurately project future costs, and propose alternative plans / financial arrangements.
• Should have a complete knowledge of account specific rating formulas, cost and utilization trend analyses, contribution strategies and methods for minimizing adverse selection.
• Proficiency in Excel and Word, and ability to learn new software and underwriting specific tools.

Experience and Education:   

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university is required. Degree in Finance or Economics is preferred.
• HIAA or Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years group health underwriting experience is required.
• Must possess superior oral and written communication skills to explain difficult technical concepts to clients, consultants, operations, and sales staff.
• Flexible customer service