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The Manager of Health Plan Contracting is responsible for leading all aspects of insurance contract negotiations for the health center. This position ensures the organization maintains favorable payer relationships, maximizes reimbursement in alignment with FQHC cost-based payment methodologies, and sustains full credentialing compliance across all funding sources. The role works closely with Finance, Operations, Clinical Leadership, and Compliance to protect the center's Section 330 grant obligations and sliding fee discount program integrity. The Manager serves as the organization's subject matter expert on California Medi-Cal FQHC policy, managed care contracting, and state-specific enrollment requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Primary Functions:

1.    The Manager of Health Plan Contracting leads negotiations with California Medi-Cal managed care plans (including Medi-Cal Managed Care, CalAIM participating plans, and county-organized health systems), Medicare Advantage plans, Covered California QHP issuers, commercial insurers, and other third-party payers to secure and renew contract terms that protect and optimize FQHC PPS encounter rates.

2.    Ensure all Medi-Cal managed care contracts include compliant FQHC wrap-around payment provisions per DHCS requirements and applicable All Plan Letters (APLs); escalate deficiencies and negotiate corrections proactively.

3.    Monitor and operationalize CalAIM initiatives affecting FQHCs, including Enhanced Care Management (ECM), Community Supports, and the transition to FQHC APM (Alternative Payment Methodology) as applicable.

4.    Track and respond to DHCS All Plan Letters, Medi-Cal policy changes, and CMS transmittals that affect FQHC contracting, billing, and reimbursement methodology.

5.    Maintain a comprehensive contract management system tracking all payer agreements, rate schedules, wrap payment terms, renewal timelines, and key performance obligations.

6.    Collaborate with the CFO and Revenue Cycle team to model contract impact on net revenue, cost settlement, and annual FQHC rate reconciliation with DHCS.

7.    Manage relationships with county health departments and Local Initiatives relevant to the service area.

8.    Serve as primary organizational contact for payer relations, managing disputes, payment methodology appeals, and contract interpretation issues.

Provider Health Plan Enrollment

1.    Collaborate with credentialing and health plans to support the credentialing and re-credentialing process for all licensed clinical staff, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dentists, dental hygienists, behavioral health providers, and other billable practitioners. Serve as the primary liaison for health plan communications, provider enrollment, roster updates, and required documentation to facilitate timely payer participation.

2.    Manage provider enrollment with Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service (via the DHCS Provider Enrollment Division), all contracted Medi-Cal managed care plans, Medicare (via Palmetto GBA/Noridian as applicable), and commercial payers — ensuring timely submissions to minimize billing gaps.

3.    Conduct and document monthly exclusion screening for all providers and applicable staff against OIG, SAM.gov, and the California DHCS Medi-Cal Suspended & Ineligible Provider List.

4.    Maintain accurate provider enrollment records, including documentation required by contracted health plans to support provider participation, roster management, and payer compliance.

5.    Coordinate with Human Resources and health plans to facilitate timely provider onboarding, enrollment, and effective participation dates, minimizing interruptions in patient access and reimbursement.

6.    Maintain provider enrollment data and related tracking systems to ensure the accuracy of provider information, timely submission of required updates, and readiness for health plan audits and reporting requirements.

Compliance & Reporting

1.    Ensure all contracting and credentialing activities comply with HRSA Health Center Program requirements, the Health Center Compliance Manual, Section 330 grant conditions, and applicable California state law.

2.    Support the annual Uniform Data System (UDS) reporting process, providing accurate payer mix, encounter, and patient data in coordination with the Compliance and Data teams.

3.    Maintain awareness of California Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) and DMHC requirements that may affect payer contracting obligations.

4.    Monitor DMHC enforcement actions, timely access standards, and network adequacy requirements relevant to managed care contracts.

5.    Respond to CMS, DHCS, DMHC, and payer audits related to provider credentialing, enrollment, or contract compliance.

6.    Maintain and update policies and procedures for credentialing and contracting functions annually or as regulatory changes require; present updates to leadership and the Governing Board as appropriate.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

1.    Bachelor’s degree in health administration, business, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

2.    Minimum 3–5 years of experience in managed care contracting and/or provider credentialing, with at least 2 years in a California community health center, FQHC, or Medi-Cal participating safety-net organization.

3.    Demonstrated knowledge of FQHC Prospective Payment System (PPS), Medi-Cal FQHC wrap-around payment methodology, and encounter-based billing requirements.

4.    Working knowledge of California Medi-Cal managed care plan landscape, DHCS All Plan Letters, and CalAIM program structure.

5.    Familiarity with HRSA Health Center Program compliance requirements and the Health Center Compliance Manual.

6.    Proficiency with credentialing platforms (e.g., Symplr, Modio, CredentialStream, or similar) and the DHCS Provider Enrollment web portal.

7.    Ability to interpret complex contract language, rate structures, and reimbursement calculations; strong analytical and financial modeling skills.

8.    Excellent written and verbal communication; demonstrated ability to negotiate professionally with health plan representatives and government agencies.

Preferred:

1.    Certified Provider Credentialing Specialist (CPCS) or Certified Professional in Medical Staff Management (CPMSM).

2.    Direct experience negotiating with California Medi-Cal Local Initiatives and County Organized Health Systems (COHS).

3.    Familiarity with CalAIM ECM and Community Supports contracting and billing.

4.    Experience with dental and behavioral health credentialing and Medi-Cal billing requirements (Denti-Cal, Medi-Cal BH).

5.    Experience supporting HRSA OSV preparation and responding to DHCS desk reviews or audits.