Manager, Large Group Underwriting

HealthPartners is hiring a Manager of Underwriting. This role directs the determination of rates, approval and renewal process for all group products. They establishes requirements for group composition, contribution, and eligibility provisions. The Manager of Large Group Underwriting works in the development of new group products and market strategies to attract and retain business that ensures the financial success of HealthPartners.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Responsible for the supervision of staff, including having the authority to hire, transfer, lay off, promote, discipline and discharge, train, reward and review performance of employees. Ensures compliance to organizational and departmental policies and procedures.

Establishes and maintains written HMO Standard, choice, self-funded medical and dental group underwriting rules, including "field underwriting" rules and procedures for initial consideration of new groups and renewal of inforce groups.

Manages the process whereby groups are initially considered as purchasers of our products.

Establishes and implements rules for assessing group composition, contribution levels, eligibility and other underwriting criteria for renewal of all group products to protect the company's financial interests and to ensure the profitability of these product lines.

Provides specific guidance to the Marketing, Sales and retention staff regarding the necessary rating and underwriting information which they must supply to determine rating and coverage strategies and methodologies for existing groups and potential new business.

Implements simultaneous offerings of multiple GHI products to maximize membership growth and minimize loss of profitability in existing groups. Directs the systems which control the release of (and contingencies for) group quotes.

Directs work objectives with other departments (I.S., Finance and others) to provide up-to-date information on the current and projected profitability of each product line.

Provides technical field support to the Sales and retention staff in the acquisition and retention of all group business. Presents to large external customers on Group Health's rating methodologies and underwriting philosophies. (Benefit Managers, consulting firms, brokerages, and other key business leaders).

Consults with Marketing and Sales Management Team in developing specific sales strategies for prospective and renewal group business.

Develops and proposes alternate funding and rating methodologies, strategies and tactics which are consistent with senior management objectives for the purpose of enhancing the marketability and profitability of GHI products.

Estimates the value and impact of proposed and legally required eligibility and administrative changes in all group coverage. Provides guidance and assistance in their implementation.

Actively participates in the creation, update and ongoing testing of business continuity and disaster recovery planning and preparation.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

A Bachelor's Degree in a related field.

Ten or more years previous experience in underwriting group health coverage with direct responsibility for financial results and strategic planning.

Excellent oral and written communications ability.

Relevant math skills and computer experience.

Minimum of two years experience managing appropriate work group.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

A Master's Degree or a professional benefits or insurance certification HMO or PPO experience.

DECISION MAKING:

This position requires decisions be made quickly and decisively, especially as it pertains to responding to questions from outside consultants, brokers and actuaries. Numerical interpretation as well as understanding the need of the customer are crucial for decisions which yield the desired effect for both GHI and the client.

Underwriting and pricing authority on groups of up to 1,000 contracts and annual premiums per group to approximately $3,000,000.