Job Description Summary
Identifies and proactively develops policy recommendations that further the BCBS mission and drive solutions to better support the over 115 million Americans BCBS Plans cover. Identifies and analyzes proposed regulatory and legislative initiatives at the federal and state level which present significant implications to BCBS Plans’ members and clients. Identifies policy questions, advances meaningful policy solutions, and builds consensus with BCBS Plans and stakeholder allies on high-profile issues. Prepares formal comments regarding recommended policies and communicates key updates from BCBSA and federal/state policymakers to BCBS Plans. Leads BCBS Plan workgroups to advance corporate goals for assigned programs and/or issues. Works closely with BCBSA leadership to develop strategy around regulatory and legislative priorities for engagement with the White House, Administration, Congress and other key stakeholders in Washington.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Leads the development of effective, consensus-based policy recommendations to promote BCBSA and BCBS Plan objectives at both state and federal levels. Manages the review of legislation and regulations to identify and provide feedback to policymakers and staff on strategic and business considerations. Develops advocacy documents to support these activities, including key messaging, one-pagers, and briefing materials. Provides policy support for coalitions, third-party inquiries and internal business partners on select focus areas. Brings forward new ideas and strategic thinking to promote BCBSA priorities and objectives.
Leads projects within assigned regulatory and legislative focus areas, including the identification of key business issues, legislative or regulatory analysis. Develops comment letters and resources for policymakers and educational materials for BCBS Plans. Produces bill summaries, policy analysis and memos on key issues and BCBSA positions for use by Plans. Leads BCBSA and Plan meetings to inform staff of key issues and actions taken by P&A staff. Responsible for researching and developing responses to Plan inquiries.
Leads workgroup and related calls on focus areas. Identifies and communicates key regulatory and legislative activities to internal audiences, BCBS Plans and other external audiences. Collaborates with peers and others on BCBSA's business/operations team to support synchronized efforts to assess current landscape, identify opportunities for engagement for BCBSA leadership, and assist with implementing a forward-thinking, comprehensive, coordinated, strategy for assigned programs and/or issues.
Keeps up to date on legislative and regulatory positions and priorities, strategies, federal policymaking activities, external stakeholder positioning, and health care issues generally in order to maintain an understanding of key issues and strategies. May provide policy support to State Affairs team and work with state-based organizations (SBOs). Takes on various health policy projects as assigned.
Ensures senior management, senior leadership team and BCBS Plan representatives are informed as to pertinent legislative and regulatory developments.
Collaborates with BCBS Plan representatives, Policy and Advocacy staff and broader BCBSA staff. Engages with external stakeholders including federal policymakers and third-party representatives as appropriate.
Required Education, Certifications and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Public or Health Policy, Business, Public Administration or related field OR 8 or more years of equivalent work experience
Experience working on one or more of the following health policy areas:
Medicare and/or Medicaid issues which may include Stars, quality, prior authorization, dual eligibles
Health insurance contracts and payment structures in Medicare/Medicaid and/or commercial lines of business (LOBs)
Prescription drug issues (Rx reform, pharmacy benefit manager, opioid use disorder, cell & gene therapies),
Pharmacy benefits for commercial, Medicare and Medicaid LOBs
Improving affordability of health care, and value-based care programs including relevant regulation, legislation and/or law
Health IT which may include AI, cybersecurity, technical and market issues related to data operations, standards development, application programming interfaces, data privacy and security issues, and third-party application capabilities
Extensive experience developing and drafting policy and legal analysis with focus on above programs and/or issue areas.
Comprehensive understanding of health policy issues and the legislative process, as well as experience with policy writing
Prior experience working for Congress, the Administration or third-party stakeholders focused on above programs and/or issue areas.
Experience working with public officials or in government.
Advanced knowledge of health care systems and understanding of legislative and policymaking process.
Strong verbal and written communications skills; the ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing, with the ability to identify issues and develop appropriate advocacy recommendations
Strong planning and organizational skills
Demonstrated ability to manage time and competing priorities
Strong human relations skills; and the ability to work with others in obtaining feedback/input, accomplishing goals, and meeting deadlines, demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships and influence outcomes
Sophisticated/strategic thinking to determine how best to influence decision/policy makers
Preferred Education, Certifications and Experience
Master’s degree in Health Policy, Public Policy, Health Administration, Public Heath or relevant subject
People Management No
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