Senior Health Insurance Specialist: Shaping the Future of Medicare

Are you a seasoned policy leader looking to make a significant impact on the American healthcare system? The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is looking for a Health Insurance Specialist at the GS-15 level to join the Center for Medicare. This role is at the heart of national health policy, overseeing the strategic development and implementation of complex payment systems.

Job Responsibilities

As a senior operational leader, your work will be multifaceted:

Policy Development: Lead the creation and evaluation of regulations, guidelines, and manuals for Medicare payment systems.
Strategic Oversight: Coordinate cross-organizational projects to improve Fee-for-Service payment models.
Team Leadership: Supervise and evaluate a professional team, fostering an inclusive and productive environment.
Expert Liaison: Serve as the national expert on IPF and ESRD payment policies, advising senior leadership and engaging with groups like Congress and the GAO.

Comparison: Standard vs. Specialized Federal Roles

Feature	Standard Specialist	Senior Health Insurance Specialist (GS-15)
Strategic Responsibility	Task-based	Program/Policy-wide
Leadership	Individual Contributor	Supervisory/Managerial
Policy Impact	Operational level	National regulatory level

Requirements

To qualify, candidates must demonstrate:

One full year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level.
Extensive experience in planning and coordinating staff work activities.
Proven expertise in Medicare legislation.
A two-page maximum resume.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $169,279 to $197,200 per year, commensurate with federal GS-15 pay scales.

Benefits

CMS provides an industry-leading benefits package, including:

Robust health, dental, and vision plans.
Federal retirement savings options.
Flexible work schedules and telework options.
Generous paid leave programs.

Application Tips

Use the Resume Builder: It ensures you don't miss mandatory fields.
Be Quantitative: Describe your impact using metrics.
Review Frequently: Your application status can be tracked directly through your USAJOBS account.

This role is an exceptional opportunity for a dedicated health insurance professional to influence national Medicare policy. Apply by August 24, 2026, to join the CMS team.

Why This Health Insurance Specialist Job Matters

Shape the future of Medicare payment systems as a strategic leader at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Health Insurance Specialist Job Overview

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking a visionary Health Insurance Specialist to join the Center for Medicare. This high-level position offers the unique opportunity to lead strategic oversight for Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) payment systems. You will play a critical role in developing and implementing policy, ensuring that the healthcare marketplace remains efficient, equitable, and responsive to the needs of the American public.

Requirements for Health Insurance Specialist

One year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level (or equivalent).
Proven experience planning, directing, and coordinating the work of professional staff.
Demonstrated technical leadership in Medicare legislation and policies.
Experience overseeing cross-organizational projects related to Medicare/Medicaid payment regulations.
Resume must be two pages or less in length.
U.S. Citizenship.
Completion of online assessments as instructed.

Preferred Qualifications for Health Insurance Specialist

Expertise in Inpatient Psychiatric Facility (IPF) and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) payment policy.
Proven ability to negotiate complex deliverables with external stakeholders (e.g., Congress, GAO, OIG).
Strong communication skills for drafting high-level briefings and regulatory language.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Flexible work arrangements and alternative work schedules.

💡 How to Apply Health Insurance Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Health Insurance Specialist Job

Review the full vacancy announcement details carefully.
Create or update your resume using the USAJOBS builder, ensuring it is under two pages.
Click the Apply button to begin the application process.
Complete the required questionnaire and upload all necessary documentation, including SF-50 if applicable.
Submit your application package by the 11:59 PM ET deadline on August 24, 2026.
Check for follow-up emails regarding the required USA Hire Assessments.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you include all required details like hours worked and salary.
Be specific about your duties—avoid copying and pasting language from the job description.
Set aside at least three hours to complete the USA Hire assessments once invited.
Ensure your resume clearly lists citizenship status and Selective Service registration (if applicable).
Double-check your application for a complete package submission before the closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the appointment type for this position?

This is a temporary appointment not to exceed one year, with the possibility of becoming permanent without further competition.

Is telework available?

Yes, this position is telework eligible, though it requires a regular and recurring reporting presence in the Woodlawn, Maryland office.

Can I substitute education for experience?

Yes, college credits may be substituted for experience at specific grade levels, provided you submit your transcripts at the time of application.

What if I need a reasonable accommodation?

You can request accommodations for the assessment process during the application phase.

Is this a permanent role?

It is a temporary role (up to one year) that may transition to permanent without further competition.

Job from Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is a cornerstone of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). CMS works tirelessly to ensure that the healthcare system is efficient, high-quality, and accessible. Working for CMS means contributing to a mission that directly touches the lives of millions of Americans, from seniors relying on Medicare to families served by Medicaid.