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Financial Clearance Associate - Authorization
The Financial Clearance Associate supports the mission of MD Anderson Cancer Center by delivering accurate, timely, and compassionate financial clearance services that contribute to a positive patient experience. Within the [Department information not provided], the Financial Clearance Associate plays a key role in ensuring patients understand coverage, authorization, and financial responsibility before services are rendered, working closely with Patient Access and clinical teams.
MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. In this environment, the Financial Clearance Associate is an essential partner in maintaining compliance, operational efficiency, and patient-centered service. The Financial Clearance Associate works under the guidance of the Financial Clearance Supervisor and escalates complex issues as needed to support seamless care delivery.
The ideal candidate for the Financial Clearance Associate role demonstrates the ability to manage detailed financial clearance workflows, communicate clearly with patients and payors, and work collaboratively with internal teams while maintaining professionalism and accuracy.
Minimum $21.88 – Midpoint $27.40 – Maximum $32.93 per hour
The typical work schedule is Days.
Work location: Remote but must be able to come onsite as needed
Why Us?
This role offers the opportunity to directly support patients during critical moments in their care journey while contributing to MD Anderson’s mission of excellence in cancer care. The Financial Clearance Associate role supports professional growth through ongoing training, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and exposure to complex healthcare financial processes, while also promoting balance through structured schedules and comprehensive benefits.
• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Responsibilities
Eligibility & Insurance Verification
• Verify patient eligibility and effective dates using institutional and payor systems within required timeframes.
• Notify Patient Access and patients promptly when eligibility cannot be verified.
• Collaborate with Patient Access to ensure insurance information is accurate and compliant with departmental policies.
• Confirm and document benefit details including product type, network status, copayments, deductibles, coinsurance, pre-existing conditions, and coverage limits in the electronic health record.
Pre-Authorizations & Coverage Review
• Monitor assigned work lists to identify authorization requirements.
• Obtain required pre-authorizations from payors or vendors in a timely manner.
• Accurately record authorization reference numbers and contact details.
• Review and document clinical trial coverage responsibilities between sponsors and patient insurance.
Financial Counseling & Patient Support
• Review cost estimates and calculate patient financial liability.
• Discuss payment requirements with patients in a clear and respectful manner.
• Collect amounts due and explain payment plans and financial assistance options.
• Create a positive patient experience through courteous and professional interactions.
Documentation, Compliance & Communication
• Complete and submit required documents, including PFA and COBRA, for supervisor approval.
• Document all communications with patients, payors, vendors, and internal teams accurately and completely.
• Respond to emails, phone calls, and messages within one business day.
• Escalate financial clearance or counseling concerns to the Supervisor or Coordinator as appropriate.
Professional Practice & Continuous Improvement
• Maintain positive working relationships with patients, physicians, payors, and business partners.
• Participate in training and mentoring opportunities to enhance job performance.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental operations.
EDUCATION
- Required: High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Preferred: Associate's Degree Business or healthcare.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: 3 years Experience in healthcare, insurance, customer service, hospitality, business or related field. or
- Required: 1 year Required experience with preferred degree.
- Preferred: 5 years Business experience in healthcare, insurance, or a multi-specialty physician practice. Experience with insurance verification, authorization, experience using insurance portals. High level customer service, must be friendly and able to communicate effectively.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Preferred: CHAA - Certified Healthcare Access Associate Upon Hire
- Preferred: CHAM - Certified Healthcare Access Manager National Association of Healthcare Access Management. Upon Hire
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
