Advance Your Career as a Health Insurance Specialist with CMS
Are you ready to influence the future of the American healthcare landscape? The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is hiring a high-level Health Insurance Specialist (GS-14) to join the Marketplace Plan Management Group. This role is perfect for seasoned policy professionals who thrive in dynamic, mission-driven environments.
Job Responsibilities
As a Health Insurance Specialist, you will operate at the intersection of law, clinical research, and policy strategy. Your daily duties will include:
- Leading strategic planning for Essential Health Benefits (EHB) policy.
- Acting as a primary CMS representative at high-level interagency and external stakeholder forums.
- Conducting rigorous actuarial, legal, and policy analysis to support regulatory drafting.
- Identifying and mitigating risks in the Health Insurance Marketplace ecosystem.
Comparison: Standard vs. Senior Healthcare Roles
| Feature | Standard Role | Senior (GS-14) Role |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Execution-focused | Strategy-driven |
| Stakeholder Level | Internal Team | High-level/National |
| Policy Involvement | Implementation | Development & Creation |
| Autonomy | Moderate | High |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet strict criteria by the closing date, September 17, 2026. You must possess one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level, specifically including policy development related to the Affordable Care Act, and experience presenting sensitive information to executive stakeholders. All applicants must submit a resume limited to two pages.
Salary and Benefits
The GS-14 position offers a competitive salary range of $143,913 to $187,093 per year. Beyond the salary, federal employees enjoy an extensive benefits package including health and life insurance, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), federal retirement eligibility, and generous annual/sick leave.
Application Tips
- Focus on Quality: Ensure your resume clearly documents specific accomplishments in policy analysis.
- Adhere to Formatting: Double-check your resume page count before submitting.
- Prepare for Assessments: Be ready to complete the online competency tests shortly after submitting your application.
Joining CMS as a Health Insurance Specialist is an opportunity to leave a lasting mark on public health. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to tackle complex policy challenges, visit the USAJobs portal today to start your application process.
Why This Health Insurance Specialist Job Matters
Shape the future of American healthcare as a senior policy expert with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Health Insurance Specialist Job Overview
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking a dedicated Health Insurance Specialist to join the Marketplace Plan Management Group. In this GS-14 position, you will play a critical role in developing federal policy, regulations, and operational guidance that impacts the healthcare landscape. You will work within the Division of Benefit and Marketplace Analysis and Policy (DBMAP) to ensure essential health benefits are effectively managed, providing thought leadership that influences national healthcare decision-making.
Requirements for Health Insurance Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable for males born after Dec 31, 1959)
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level
- Proven history of developing or analyzing policy related to the Affordable Care Act or Health Insurance Exchanges
- Experience drafting high-level regulations, guidance, or legislative papers
- Demonstrated success in representing organizations to external stakeholders on sensitive matters
- Ability to complete online competency-based assessments within 48 hours of notification
- Adherence to a strict 2-page resume limit
Preferred Qualifications for Health Insurance Specialist
- Advanced expertise in federal healthcare policy research and actuarial analysis
- Proven track record of proactive risk assessment in large-scale government programs
- Strong interpersonal skills for cross-agency collaboration and conflict resolution
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Generous retirement plans including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
- ✓Paid time off, including federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave
- ✓Flexible working arrangements and alternative work schedules
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
💡 How to Apply Health Insurance Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health Insurance Specialist Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, including all required employment details.
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online application questionnaire and upload required documentation (e.g., SF-50).
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline.
- Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the required online competency-based assessments.
💡 General Tips
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure all required fields are included.
- Be specific in your resume; avoid copying text from the announcement.
- Ensure every job entry includes the series, grade, dates, and hours worked per week.
- Complete your assessments as soon as they are assigned; do not wait until the 48-hour window expires.
- Review the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to familiarize yourself with the testing format.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the page limit for the resume?
Per current federal guidelines, all resumes for this position must be exactly two pages or less.
Is telework available for this position?
Yes, CMS offers flexible working arrangements, though there is a regular and recurring requirement to report to the office in either Bethesda or Woodlawn, MD.
What is the assessment requirement?
Candidates must complete an online, competency-based assessment after submitting their application. Invitations are sent via email, and you have 48 hours to complete it once notified.
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 oversees massive programs, including Medicare and the Health Insurance Marketplace, working to ensure quality and efficiency in healthcare. Employees at CMS are part of a highly visible organization where work directly impacts the lives of millions of Americans.