Health Care Research Analyst

Health Care Research Analyst

The basic purpose of this position is to conduct research in topics relevant to the Health Care Access Bureau's oversight of health insurance utilization, costs and rating, with special emphasis on the small group and individual market health plans; to analyze data and information needed for the oversight of affordable health plans, including coverage for young adults; and to develop information to disseminate to consumers about health insurance coverage and access to affordable health products.

The Health Care Research Analyst will also review filings made by Third Party Administrators, Risk-Bearing Provider Organizations and Group Purchasing Cooperatives. The Health Care Research Analyst will report to the Deputy Commissioner in charge of the Health Care Access Bureau, and will assist the Health Care Access Bureau actuary, research analyst, and financial expert, in coordinating a review of products available in Massachusetts, including reviews of products available in other states or jurisdictions.

The Health Care Research Analyst will also assist other Health Care Access Bureau staff in conducting studies of the availability of coverage, and will work with staff to determine the methods and procedures to be used in collecting data, will assist in coordinating the collection of data from health carriers and health providers; will review submitted data carefully to ensure that it is reported consistently among all reporters;

will assist in the identification of trends in submitted data and in the development of related recommendations for the Deputy Commissioner. The Health Care Research Analyst will also draft regular reports; collect and compare information from various reference sources and/or coordinate contracts with consulting actuaries and other consultants that may be incorporated in Health Care Access Bureau reports.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities include prior internship and/or work experience in the financial or statistical division of a health care provider or within a health insurer, Health Maintenance Organization or other health claims payer. Knowledge of health insurance terms, concepts, laws and regulations. Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in the collection of research data. Knowledge of statistical research methods and procedures, and the terminology and standard abbreviations used in statistics.

Knowledge of the methods and techniques of statistics, including means, medians, modes, standard deviations, binomial coefficients, multiple regression and multivariate analysis. Knowledge of the methods used in the preparation of charts, graphs, and tables. Competence in PowerPoint, Acrobat, and Word applications. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel preferred. Ability to understand, apply and explain the policies, procedures, specifications, standards, guidelines, laws, rules, and regulations governing the Health Care Access Bureau's activities.

Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations. Ability to gather information by examining records and documents. Ability to assemble items of information in accordance with established procedures. Ability to work accurately with names, numbers, codes and/or symbols. Ability to determine the proper format and procedure for assembling items of information. Ability to maintain accurate records.

Ability to write concisely to express thoughts clearly, and to develop ideas in logical sequence, and to communicate effectively. Ability to exercise sound judgment. Ability to supervise projects, including the planning of work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of subordinates and available resources; controlling work through periodic reviews.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have (A) at least two (2) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, administrative, professional or technical experience in work involving research, data analysis, compliance, records management or program administration, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.

Substitutions: I. A Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field may be substituted for the required experience.