Underwriter Associate

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield - Remote, OR

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote, OR

About the position

The Underwriter Associate at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield plays a crucial role in evaluating health risks and establishing competitive rating levels to ensure the acquisition and retention of business while effectively mitigating risk. This position is essential for maintaining the integrity of underwriting practices and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations regarding group insurance. The Underwriter Associate will be responsible for preparing rates using the rating and actuarial systems for both new business and renewal activities, consistently applying all underwriting guidelines, practices, and procedures. In this role, the Underwriter Associate will field inquiries from sales staff, agents, and brokers regarding new and renewal business, as well as other related business issues. Maintaining appropriate records for monitoring the effectiveness of underwriting practices and procedures is vital, as is ensuring strict compliance with regulations concerning rating, risk assessment, medical underwriting, and portability. The position may also involve performing other duties as assigned, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the underwriting department. The Underwriter Associate must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with a preference for candidates holding a bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as Business, Math, Finance, Accounting, Statistics, Economics, Health Administration, Informatics, or Health Information. In lieu of a degree, candidates with five years of non-clerical healthcare industry experience will be considered. Additionally, obtaining an Arkansas state Health/Life insurance license within six months of hire is required. Training through industry courses and seminars is preferred, along with knowledge of medical risks, conditions, treatments, pharmacology, and medical terminology.

Responsibilities

• Fields inquiries from sales staff, agents, and brokers for new and renewal business and other related business issues.
• Maintains appropriate records for monitoring the effectiveness of underwriting practices and procedures for review and audit by regulatory authorities.
• Maintains strict compliance with Federal and State regulations for group insurance with respect to rating, risk assessment, medical underwriting and portability.
• Prepares rates using the rating and actuarial systems, for new business and renewal activity and consistently applies all underwriting guidelines, practices and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree in Business, Math, Finance, Accounting, Statistics, Economics, Health Administration, Informatics, Health Information or related field preferred.
• In lieu of degree, five (5) years' non-clerical healthcare industry experience will be considered.
• Arkansas state Health/Life insurance license required within 6 months of date of hire.
• Training through industry courses and seminars such as HIAA, FLMI, CHC, CEBS preferred.
• Knowledge of medical risks, conditions, treatments, pharmacology, and medical terminology preferred.
• Essential skills include mathematical analytical skills, problem/situation analysis, decision-making, attention to detail, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Office.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with industry certifications such as Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Certified Health Consultant (CHC), Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI), Health Insurance Associate (HIA) preferred.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement
• Free onsite gym (Club Blue)
• Onsite cafeteria (Green Leaf Grill)
• Incentives for wellness education and exercise
• Family-oriented work environment
• Community involvement opportunities
• Employee support during times of need.