Patient Advocate (Part Time, Remote 1099)

Patient Advocate – Patient Navigation Support (Part-Time)

At Understood Care, our mission is to bridge the healthcare gap for Medicare patients who would like some help navigating the complex healthcare system.

We are seeking a Patient Advocate: a compassionate, proactive professional who can support our patients in accessing the care they need. Medicare patients often face overwhelming challenges when it comes to understanding how to use their insurance, book appointments, or communicate with healthcare providers. As a Patient Advocate, you’ll be a trusted guide—helping patients overcome these barriers with patience, clarity, and respect.

You will serve as the primary point of contact for patients after their initial intake visit with our Clinical Lead. You will work collaboratively with our Clinical Leads and other team members to understand each patient’s needs and coordinate practical, individualized support. This may include tasks like helping patients schedule appointments, understand their deductibles, or learn how to use digital health tools.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Prior experience in patient advocacy, case management, care coordination, or health coaching

• Familiarity with Medicare, Medicaid, or other public insurance programs

• Cares deeply about patient empowerment and reducing barriers to care

• Thrives in a fast-paced, startup environment

• Excellent problem-solving skills and a high tolerance for ambiguity

• Very well versed in technology and can learn new platforms quickly

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Speaks Spanish, Mandarin, or another language spoken by Medicare populations (preferred but not required)

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the ongoing point of contact for Medicare patients after their intake appointment

• Educate patients on how to access healthcare services (e.g., finding providers, using insurance, scheduling appointments)

• Troubleshoot issues related to online portals, referrals, or provider communication

• Collaborate with NP and MDs to support care planning based on Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)

• Document interactions and update care plans in our internal systems

• Provide warm, empathetic, and culturally responsive support to every patient

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in a patient-facing healthcare or social services role

• Strong working knowledge of the U.S. healthcare system, especially Medicare

• Comfortable using EHRs, CRMs, and patient messaging tools

• Experience supporting older adults or vulnerable populations

• RN, CMA or BCPA certification preferred but not required

Role:

This is a remote, part-time 1099 contractor role with the ability to evolve into a full-time position. We require a minimum commitment of 10 hours per week (with a goal of 20 hours per week) between 9am–5pm EST, with a preference for morning hours. These 20 hours must be spread across at least three separate weekdays per week (e.g., 7hr on Monday, 8hr on Tuesday, 5hr on Wednesday), and advocates are expected to maintain consistent weekly availability (weeks with zero availability are not permitted unless time off has been requested and approved in advance). We also prefer candidates who do not hold other jobs to ensure consistent availability.

Rate:

$25/hour. We will pay for all administrative time and meetings.

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