Full-Time

Manager of Clinical Appeals and Grievances

Updated on 9/3/2026

Healthfirst

Healthfirst

1,001-5,000 employees

Non-profit insurer offering MLTC, Medicare Advantage.

Compensation Overview

$88.7k - $149.4k/yr

+ Incentive and recognition programs

No H1B Sponsorship

New Mexico, USA + 32 more

More locations: Washington, USA | Kansas, USA | Pennsylvania, USA | Delaware, USA | Vermont, USA | Wyoming, USA | Connecticut, USA | Montana, USA | Florida, USA | New Hampshire, USA | Nevada, USA | South Carolina, USA | South Dakota, USA | Arizona, USA | Mississippi, USA | Tennessee, USA | Virginia, USA | Minnesota, USA | Colorado, USA | Nebraska, USA | Utah, USA | West Virginia, USA | New York, NY, USA | Maryland, USA | Maine, USA | Massachusetts, USA | North Carolina, USA | Oklahoma, USA | New Jersey, USA | Indiana, USA | Illinois, USA | Alabama, USA

Remote

Bachelor's, Master's, MBA

Category
Medical, Clinical & Veterinary (1)

Get referred to Healthfirst

See people who can refer or advise you

Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent work experience is required.
  • Registered Nurse (RN) status is required.
  • Experience with utilization management or appeals and grievance processing and compliance is required.
  • Experience overseeing multiple priorities, tasks, and/or teams in a fast-paced environment is required.
  • A proven ability to exercise independent thinking, solve problems, understand process flows and related platforms, and recommend and implement solutions is required.
  • Experience preparing and delivering written and verbal information to multiple types of audiences is required.
  • The ability to build and foster effective relationships is required.
Responsibilities
  • Lead, operate, and advise the Clinical Appeals and Grievances team.
  • Manage a team of specialists, including goal and productivity management, coaching and counseling, and performance management.
  • Provide oversight of case research and advice as needed.
  • Apply internal health-plan policies and procedures to frame decisions.
  • Interpret regulations and provide daily guidance to specialists.
  • Ensure timely case resolution and make critical decisions.
  • Apply clinical criteria to expedited cases.
  • Standardize and optimize the routing of Appeals and Grievances.
  • Determine best practices and strategically deploy approaches to meet production, compliance, and quality targets.
  • Establish departmental goals and a monthly goal-review process with leadership, and implement action plans for identified gaps.
  • Guide case preparation for Medical Director Review, ensuring case summaries, contract information, internal and external responses, diagnoses, and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and descriptions are obtained and presented.
  • Oversee case preparation for Maximus Federal Services, Fair Hearing, and External Appeal through all levels of the appeal process.
  • Assist in leading the AOR/WOL Outreach team in coordination with the supervisor.
  • Work with providers and DSE to educate providers on submitting Appeals accurately and on time.
  • Maintain delegated vendor relationships and ensure vendor performance and compliance measures are met.
  • Manage working relationships across operational areas to identify and execute process improvements.
  • Diagnose operational challenges and skill gaps and provide leadership and management to the Appeals and Grievances team.
  • Identify trends and recommend improvement solutions.
  • Drive development of innovative tools, systems, and processes supporting Appeals and Grievances functions.
  • Maintain knowledge of industry trends, best practices, and protocols and collaborate across the enterprise to ensure consistency and enhancements.
Desired Qualifications
  • Clinical-practice experience focused on appeals and grievances, claims processing, utilization review, utilization management, or case management.
  • Understanding of Utilization Review Guidelines, including New York State Articles 44 and 49 of the Public Health Law, InterQual, Milliman, or Medicare local coverage guidelines.
  • Extensive healthcare appeals experience.
  • An MBA or master's degree from an accredited institution focused on training and development, education, business, or healthcare administration.
  • Operational healthcare management experience focused on clinical leadership.
  • Leadership experience in operational excellence or audit.
  • Experience developing strategy and processes for a department or function.
  • Experience managing vendors as an extension of a core team and creating accountable ownership of a vendor team.

Healthfirst is a New York-based nonprofit health insurer offering MLTC, Medicare Advantage, and the Essential Plan to serve different needs. MLTC coordinates ongoing in-home and community-based care through a network of providers; Medicare Advantage combines Medicare with extra benefits; Essential Plan provides affordable coverage for income-qualified residents. It differentiates itself through nonprofit status, a strong local focus in the New York metro area, and active community outreach and provider partnerships. Its goal is to improve access to affordable, comprehensive health coverage for New Yorkers, especially vulnerable groups, by leveraging its mission and local network.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

New York City, New York

Founded

1993

Get referred to Healthfirst

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Healthfirst's 4.5-Star Medicare status strengthens enrollment and retention through 2026.
  • The May 18, 2026 CHW program deepens safety-net partnerships and community trust.
  • Healthfirst ADVANCE case studies showcase measurable equity wins with Mount Sinai and City Harvest.

What critics are saying

  • Greene v. Healthfirst alleges ghost networks, risking fines and directory mandates in 2026.
  • Healthfirst's UnitedHealthcare contract expired June 30, 2026, threatening network access for members.
  • Provider complaints and staffing pressure persist; 64 BBB complaints and limited call-center staffing.

What makes Healthfirst unique

  • Healthfirst earned CMS 4.5-Star Medicare ratings in 2025 and 2026.
  • Healthfirst serves two million New Yorkers across Medicaid, Essential Plan, and Medicare Advantage.
  • Healthfirst launched pediatric community health worker pilots in Bronx and Upper Manhattan in 2026.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Company Match

Performance Bonus

Company News

Yonkers Times
Aug 29th, 2026
Healthfirst connects Yonkers Community with health information & access to social services on Family Fun Day.

Healthfirst connects Yonkers Community with health information & access to social services on Family Fun Day. August 29, 2026 New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (center right) at Healthfirst's annual Yonkers Family Fun Day on August 26th. She is joined by team members of Healthfirst and St. John's Church Getty Square. New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (center) participates in "Show Me the Sugar," an interactive game used to show the amounts of added sugar in common beverages. Healthfirst's health educators led the game, bringing awareness to Yonkers residents about healthy hydration and reducing sugar consumption to boost health. Also pictured are Dr. Susan Beane (far right), Healthfirst's Executive Medical Director, and Russell Carter (far left), Healthfirst's Manager of Community Engagement Programs. The community event brought together local nonprofits to support Yonkers residents while hosting family-friendly activities Healthfirst held its annual Yonkers Family Fun Day on August 26th, empowering members of the community with health information including "Rethink Your Drink" - an interactive workshop on identifying added sugar in beverages. This year's event was held at St. John's Church Getty Square, and Healthfirst was joined by community organizations including the Yonkers YWCA, Yonkers Library, the Yonkers Community Action Program, and Westchester Jewish Community Services who shared information about behavioral health, food assistance and youth development programs with families. Providers from Westchester Community Health Center also conducted health screenings on site, and local residents enjoyed a bounce castle, corn hole toss, and free haircuts. Notable attendees: * New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins * Beatrice Miller, Legislative Aide, Office of Yonkers Councilmember Deana R. Norman * Office of Yonkers Mayor Michael Spano * Dr. Susan Beane, Healthfirst Executive Medical Director "Yonkers Family Fun Day is a great example of what we can accomplish through strong community collaborations. We thank Healthfirst and our community organizations for connecting Yonkers families with valuable health resources and information, and the Mayor's Office of Constituent Services and Minority Affairs for being on site to help families access the services they need." - Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano "I was glad to join Healthfirst for their annual Yonkers Family Fun Day, and proud to see my staff sharing information and resources with families and connecting residents with services available to them. Thank you to Healthfirst and the many organizations that came together to ensure Yonkers families have access to resources that make a significant impact. When we make essential health and social services more accessible for our community, we help build a stronger and healthier Yonkers." - New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins "Yonkers Family Fun Day was a valuable opportunity to connect with our members, build relationships with our neighbors, and share important information such as how to choose drinks with less added sugar. We're appreciative of our local collaborators and community organizations in Yonkers for their commitment to developing programs and resources that serve youth and adults alike." - Dr. Paul Amajor, Director of Strategic Health Initiatives, Healthfirst "Yonkers Public Library is grateful to be part of this event to celebrate the many resources available to our community members. Every week, we welcome families for a variety of programs including crafting, story time, and art exhibits and are proud to be part of this Family Fun Day that supports the well-being of the entire family." * Yonkers Public Library Photos & Captions: Judeson Saintil (right), Healthfirst Community Relations Manager, distributes free backpacks to school-aged attendees at the Yonkers Family Fun Day on August 26th held at St. John's Church Getty Square. New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (center) participates in "Show Me the Sugar," an interactive game used to show the amounts of added sugar in common beverages. Healthfirst's health educators led the game, bringing awareness to Yonkers residents about healthy hydration and reducing sugar consumption to boost health. Also pictured are Dr. Susan Beane (far right), Healthfirst's Executive Medical Director, and Russell Carter (far left), Healthfirst's Manager of Community Engagement Programs. New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (center right) at Healthfirst's annual Yonkers Family Fun Day on August 26th. She is joined by team members of Healthfirst and St. John's Church Getty Square. Russell Carter (left), Healthfirst's Manager of Community Engagement Programs, leads Yonkers Family Fun Day attendees in "Show Me the Sugar," an interactive game used to show the amounts of added sugar in common beverages. Held at St. John's Church Getty Square on Wednesday, August 26th, Yonkers Family Fun Day included health education, access to resources, and back-to-school giveaways for local residents. - Advertisement -

Queens Courier
Oct 29th, 2025
Nonprofit recognizes Queens pharmacies for improving health of members with Medicare

Nonprofit recognizes Queens pharmacies for improving health of members with Medicare. Edgar Gutierrez, left, and his wife Mireya Gutierrez, owners and pharmacists of Victory Pharmacy in Queens, were recognized for their work improving community health for members on Medicare. Three pharmacies in Queens were recognized by Healthfirst, a nonprofit health insurer serving more than two million New Yorkers, for their work to improve the health of members covered under the nonprofit's Medicare plan. Winners of the nonprofit's inaugural Pharmacy Excellence Awards, which were presented to 12 community pharmacies across the city, were announced by Healthfirst Oct. 14. The Queens winners include All RX Pharmacy 1 and Arcadia Health Pharmacy, both located in Flushing, and Victory Pharmacy in Jackson Heights. Recipients of the awards, who were among hundreds of participating community pharmacies, were honored for achieving the city's highest rates of medication adherence and proactive pharmacy interventions to close gaps in care in 2024. The awards align with the mission of the Healthfirst program, which is aimed at equipping community and independent pharmacists with new tools and technology to help close care gaps, improve medication adherence and provide timely support for members on Medicare. According to the nonprofit, the winning pharmacies across Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Manhattan are trusted healthcare partners in their neighborhoods. Together, they have helped thousands of older adults better manage chronic conditions, avoid hospitalizations and stay on track with vital prescriptions. Get the full story. News, events, culture and more - delivered to you. "Community pharmacies know their patients by name and understand the challenges they face every day, and that they want more time to educate patients with medication management but also have the demands of running a small business," said Bhavesh Modi, vice president of pharmacy at Healthfirst. "Through this program, we're giving pharmacists the tools and resources they need to make an even greater impact on the health of their communities." Medication adherence is one of the most important factors in improving long-term health outcomes for Medicare members, according to the nonprofit. Pharmacies enrolled in the program have helped significantly boost adherence rates, ensuring more Medicare members are taking their medications as prescribed. "It can be daunting to manage several medications without support, especially for our seniors," said Bronx state Sen. Gustavo Rivera, who chairs the Senate Health Committee. "I extend my congratulations to the local pharmacies being honored and commend Healthfirst for recognizing the role that independent pharmacies play in helping New Yorkers lead healthier lives." Edgar and Mireya Gutierrez, who are owners and pharmacists of Victory Pharmacy and recipients of this year's award for their work, said their partnership with Healthfirst has helped the couple better serve their patients. "As pharmacists, we believe we are often the first point of contact for care in our neighborhoods," the couple said in a joint statement. "Working with Healthfirst gives us new ways to strengthen that connection - whether it's checking in on a member's medication or helping them understand their benefits. It's collaboration that makes a real difference." The announcement was made during American Pharmacists Month, observed annually in October, just ahead of Medicare open enrollment, which began Oct. 15 and ends on Dec. 7. The nonprofit said the awards underscore the critical role pharmacists play in educating older New Yorkers about their healthcare decisions. By honoring community pharmacies with the Pharmacy Excellence Awards, Healthfirst is reinforcing its commitment to empowering local providers to deliver personalized, high-quality care. Healthfirst was founded in 1993 by leading hospital systems in downstate New York. Its partnership model drives collaboration across the hospitals, health systems and community providers in its network, which is aimed at advancing care quality and improving health outcomes for its members. The nonprofit currently serves more than two million members in New York City, on Long Island, and in Westchester, Rockland, Sullivan and Orange counties. Healthfirst offers plans for members of all ages including Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, Long-Term Care and Qualified Health plans. For more information on Healthfirst, please visit Healthfirst.org.

New Castle News
Aug 21st, 2025
Healthfirst Ranked #1 in Quality Among New York State Medicaid Plans

Healthfirst, a leading not-for-profit health plan serving more than two million New Yorkers, has been recognized as the top-performing Medicaid Managed Care plan in New York State's Department of Health Medicaid Quality Incentive Program results for 2023, which were released in August 2025.

Business Wire
May 15th, 2024
Hyphen, Healthfirst Collaboration To Empower Pharmacists’ Role In Value-Based Care Receives 2024 Points Of Light Award From Klas Research

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hyphen, the technology company creating connected-care, has received a 2024 Points of Light Award from KLAS Research, the leading healthcare research and insights firm, for its efforts to improve payer-provider collaboration in support of improved outcomes in value-based care with Healthfirst, a non-profit health plan serving close to 2 million New Yorkers. KLAS recognized Hyphen’s Pharmacy Assistant application, which supports Healthfirst’s Pharmacy Incentive Program. The program is designed to empower community pharmacists within Healthfirst’s network to take action to improve medication adherence rates, increase members’ understanding of their health plan benefits, and get compensated for those actions. This program is especially impactful because 80% of Medicare Advantage members in New York visit their community pharmacy 5-10 times annually — more than they visit their primary care doctor. The Pharmacy Assistant application connects disparate data sources and delivers real-time, actionable information in pharmacists’ existing workflows so they can close care gaps

MENAFN
Jan 25th, 2024
Montefiore Designated As A Behavioral Center Of Excellence, Granted $7M To Address Gaps In NYC Mental And Behavioral Health Care

New York State Office of Mental Health Funding to Support Plans for New Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program and Outpatient Services Includin