Healthcare Nondiscrimination Program Manager

Company Description

Why Wellmark: We are a mutual insurance company owned by our policy holders across Iowa and South Dakota, and we’ve built our reputation on over 80 years’ worth of trust. We are not motivated by profits. We are motivated by the well-being of our friends, family, and neighbors–our members. If you’re passionate about joining an organization working hard to put its members first, to provide best-in-class service, and one that is committed to sustainability and innovation, consider applying today! 

Learn more about our unique benefit offerings here. 

Want to know more? You can learn about life at Wellmark here.

Job Description

Wellmark is looking for a passionate individual to manage our nondiscrimination program. This individual will act as Wellmark’s designated Civil Rights Coordinator responsible for serving as a subject matter expert and coordinating compliance with provisions of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) Section 1557, Section 504, other federal and state nondiscrimination laws which prohibit discrimination in health program operations. This also includes receiving and responding to nondiscrimination grievances, recordkeeping, maintaining Notice of Nondiscrimination and Notice of Accessibility, coordinating compliance with Wellmark’s language access procedures, effective communication procedures, reasonable modification procedures, and coordinating required employee trainings. In addition, they will coordinate compliance support of mental health parity requirements by serving as a subject matter expert of state and federal regulatory requirements, providing compliance support in designing and maintaining compliant policies and procedures, and coordinating compliance oversight procedures, while actively build relationships throughout the organization. They will also represent Wellmark on internal and external audits of nondiscrimination and mental health parity requirements, and actively participate in BCBSA workgroups.

The ideal candidate for this role is a detail-oriented and passionate compliance professional with expertise in federal and state nondiscrimination laws, including ACA Section 1557 and Section 504. They have a strong background in regulatory compliance, grievance resolution, and policy development related to nondiscrimination and mental health parity. With excellent communication and relationship-building skills, they are confident in representing Wellmark in audits, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, and actively participating in industry workgroups to stay ahead of evolving regulations.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or direct and applicable work experience.
• 4+ years’ experience in a regulatory, risk, or compliance role, including 4+ years’ experience reading, interpreting, understanding and communicating regulations. Ability to comprehend complex federal regulations and articulate to internal stakeholders. OR
• Juris Doctor (JD) and 2+ years’ experience in a regulatory, risk, or compliance role, including 2+ years’ experience reading, interpreting, understanding and communicating regulations.
• Ability to comprehend complex federal regulations and articulate to internal stakeholders.
• Experience developing and maintaining effective relationships and building trust with others in order to encourage and support communication and teamwork.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with, and articulate complex information to a variety of stakeholders, both internally and externally.
• Demonstrated analytical skills to recognize inconsistencies, research and come to a conclusion, and the ability to identify and approach complex problems from different angles.
• Self-starter with strong attention to detail, critical thinking skills, and ability to multi-task.
• Naturally curious, inquisitive, and willing to ask questions to achieve goals focused on the desired outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate and thrive in ambiguous situations, effectively adapting to changing priorities and making informed decisions with limited information. Ability and willingness to approach complex problems from different angles and to produce creative, innovative solutions all while ensuring compliance with laws.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Less than 5% travel, as needed.

Preferred:

• Strong understanding of Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act and other federal nondiscrimination laws is preferred.
• Juris Doctor (JD).
• Regulatory, Compliance, Risk, Audit experience in healthcare indus