Health Policy Analyst

At the Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA), we serve as a steward of Massachusetts health information through its multifaceted datasets, unique analytic resources, and objective reporting to promote a more transparent health care system that effectively serves all residents of the Commonwealth.

CHIA is seeking a Health Policy Analyst to provide hands-on contributions in the development and implementation of data-driven pricing policy. Pricing policy determines the payment rates made to health care providers by state agencies, including the Commonwealth’s Medicaid program (MassHealth). Pricing policy is based on different methodologies, including analysis of financial data submitted to CHIA by health care providers.

The Health Policy Analyst will support individual projects within CHIA’s Pricing Policy Group to support the lifecycle of pricing policy development. This work includes designing/updating data collection tools, reviewing and validating data submissions, leading kick-off meetings, conducting analysis, developing rate models, drafting memos, delivering results to senior leadership at other state agencies, and supporting promulgation of rate regulations by drafting/editing regulations and attending public hearings.  In addition, the Health Policy Analyst will perform financial and statistical analysis of costs, service utilization, and other data sources; drive improvements in and enhancements to current internal work processes; keep projects on track and facilitate coordination between CHIA, MassHealth, and other Executive Office of Health and Human Services agencies; and regularly engage with stakeholders in the Commonwealth’s health care industry.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Health Services Pricing, the Analyst will:

• Participate in the development of reliable and meaningful health care data and financial analyses in a dynamic and evolving environment;
• Support the development of pricing policy options through data analytics, narrative reports, and engagement with external stakeholders;
• Analyze and manage financial, statistical, demographic, and clinical data primarily utilizing Excel, as well as statistical software programs such as R;
• Develop procedures for evaluating health care service costs, including the impact of program and pricing options;
• Draft regulations and provide input on the regulatory process to codify the payment rates and/or methods;
• Summarize and communicate findings and recommendations to senior-level staff at CHIA and other state agencies in both written and oral formats;
• Ensure sustainability of data and policy analysis processes through documentation and collaboration with other team members;
• Serve as a subject matter resource to support a variety of financial and analytic projects across the unit and agency;
• Communicate with health care providers while developing, deploying, and collecting CHIA cost reports;
• Participate in stakeholder meetings and training sessions with health care providers (physician organizations, Home Health Agencies, etc.) and other state agencies (the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Department of Public Health, Department of Transitional Assistance, etc.);
• Support the unit’s commitment to improving analytic approaches by identifying best practices;
• Participate in cross-unit workgroups to enhance data management and analysis approaches;
• Implement quality assurance protocols to ensure accurate data and results;
• Draft reports detailing methods and findings for public audiences; and
• Work independently as well as with team members in tracking completion of project components and meeting deadlines.

Qualifications:

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicant must have at least (A) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time professional experience in business administration, finance, accounting, health care planning or administration, public health policy or administration, human services policy analyses or administration, economics, or a similar field; or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in health care administration, hospital administration, public health or health services administration, finance, accounting, business administration, business management, public policy, public administration, economics, or similar degree may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required experience.*

II. A graduate degree with a major in health care administration, hospital administration, public health or health services administration, finance, accounting, business administration, business management, public policy, public administration, economics, or a similar degree may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required experience.*

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: None.

Preferred Qualifications:

It is important that the Health Policy Analyst have a general knowledge of health care financing concepts and a broad understanding of the health care provider sector and other key stakeholders. In addition, the Health Policy Analyst should be able to demonstrate: 

• Working knowledge of the Massachusetts health care system;

• Proficiency using various software applications, including but not limited to, Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint, R, or other statistical analysis applications;

• Familiarity with approaches for synthesizing and analyzing data;
• Ability to read and interpret financial statements, P&L’s and cost reports;
• Ability to conduct literature reviews on a variety of topics in health care and health policy;
• Ability to manage workload to simultaneously advance several projects with overlapping deadlines;
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; and
• Excellent attention to detail

Total Compensation:

At CHIA, we value the diverse needs and circumstances of our employees. We believe in fostering a flexible and collaborative work environment that promotes work-life balance. 

We have implemented a hybrid model that combines the benefits of in-person and remote work opportunities. You’ll work in person with your teammates on two designated days per week at our office at 501 Boylston Street, Boston, with the flexibility to work remotely on the other days. We provide accessible and inclusive work arrangements that support our employees’ well-being and productivity.  

This position will remain open until filled. We value the talent and expertise you bring to the table, so we offer a competitive full-time salary range commensurate with experience. 

As an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are offered a great career opportunity influencing a wide-spectrum of services to the diverse populations we serve - but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits which you should consider towards your overall compensation, including:

• 75% state paid medical insurance premium
• Reasonable Dental and Vision Plans
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs
• Low cost basic and optional life insurance
• Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
• 12 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick, Vacation and Personal Time
• Tuition Benefit for employee and spouse at state colleges and universities
• Extended Illness program participation
• Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Are you ready to join a dynamic team at CHIA and make a real impact in public service and Massachusetts healthcare? Apply now! : http://www.chiamass.gov/join-our-team/

NAGE: Reimbursement Systems Analyst II

The full time salary range for this position is $62,268.18 - $89,143.08 annually. 

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.