Experienced Benefits Specialist successful at managing a diverse range of benefits. Organized, driven and adaptable with excellent planning and problem-solving abilities. Offering over 17 years of experience and a willingness to take on any challenge in a collaborative team environment.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Employee Benefits Specialist
County Of Onondaga
09.2021 - Current
Determine eligibility for health, dental, vision and retiree plans; which include Medicare Advantage and employer's self insured health plan
Interpret and comply with various union agreements relative to benefit programs
Maintain retiree information in County's internal HRIS system
Process documents for health benefits
Review, evaluate and determine eligibility for disability waivers
Assist and educate employees about their long term disability benefits
Creation and implementation of in-house informational sessions for future retirees
Collaborate with vendor to educate new and upcoming Medicare eligible retirees, via virtual or in-person, about Medicare and their Medicare Advantage plan
Coordinate and conduct employee orientations to promote understanding of coverage and options.
Observe strict procedures to maintain data and plan participant confidentiality.
Build relationships with vendors to foster quality service delivery.
Explain benefits to plan participants in easy to understand terms in order to educate each on available options.
Check employees' benefits enrollment for accuracy and input all data into PeopleSoft.
Resolve issues and inquiries from plan participants regarding health and retiree benefits and deductions through telephone, email, and in-person interactions
Train new team members in policies and procedures and offering insight into the best ways to manage job tasks and duties
Senior Workers' Compensation Adjuster
NCA Comp, Inc
02.2018 - 09.2021
Reviewed new files to determine current status of injury claim and to develop plan of action
Reviewed questionable claims by conducting claimant and client interviews to correct omissions and errors
Conducted comprehensive interviews of witnesses and claimants to gather facts and information
Analyzed information gathered by investigation and report findings and recommendations
Maintained contact with claimants and attorneys to determine treatment status
Conducted day-to-day administrative tasks to maintain information files and process paperwork
Worked with private investigators and attorneys on preparation of evidence, witness statements and other documentation in preparation for trial
Delivered exceptional customer service and claim management to clients
Workers' Compensation Claims Assistant
Triad Group LLC.
01.2016 - 01.2018
Assistant to 3 senior adjusters
Point of contact for various providers regarding claim status and WCB decisions
Reviewed, calculated and paid claims according to the NYS fee schedule
Claim review and set up of new NYS disability claims
Maintained strong knowledge of basic medical terminology to better understand services and procedures.
Maintained confidentiality of claimant's records and health statuses.
Disability Plan Administrator
Self Employed Life, Accident And Health Agent
10.2005 - 01.2016
Long Term Disability plan serving 3,000+ employees
Served as first point of contact for all questions regarding Unum long and short term disability
Facilitated initial claim with employee
Maintained all records and reports for insurance purposes, audits and review
Monitored program performance and outcomes for successful delivery of services
Developed and implemented cost effective procedures to keep premiums down
Maintained employee database
Worked with insurance company to ensure compliance with union contracts
Determined eligibility for new hires in accordance with their union negotiated plan
Expedited benefit delivery by establishing working relationship with Unum
Reviewed and monitored eligibility for current employees
Collaborated with departments on return to work or light duty positions
Prepared all correspondence pertaining to new hires, change in benefit status, change in union and leave without pay billing
Received and processed payments for long and short term disability premiums
Reconciled and prepared billing for long and short term disability
Maintained all correspondence and follow up with respect to payments, SSDI, Workers Compensation and the NYS Retirement System
Initiated claim documents for insurance review
Worked with various departments, medical providers, workers compensation carrier and other outside agencies to ensure accuracy and timely filing
Held one on one as well as group informational sessions
Prepared materials, and was onsite, for all open enrollment sessions for Onondaga County and Onondaga Community College
Coordinated set up for Unum short term reps to be onsite for all open enrollment sessions
Managed continuous enrollment processes, as well as yearly enrollment periods
Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility
Education
Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
New Hampshire Technical College
Concord, NH
05.2004
Skills
Health & Disability Insurance Industry Knowledge
NYS Workers Compensation
Claims Management
Eligibility Determinations
Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook
Ability to learn quickly & adapt to new situations
Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information
Willingness & ability to work in a team oriented department with minimal supervision
Professional Licenses
NYS Independent Motor Vehicle, No Fault & Workers Compensation Health Services Adjuster