Assistant General Counsel, Eligibility

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) is seeking a highly motivated, collaborative, and experienced attorney to join the Office of the General Counsel as an Assistant General Counsel. This position provides legal counsel and strategic guidance supporting MassHealth eligibility programs and related subsidized health insurance initiatives. The successful candidate will advise agency leadership and program staff on complex legal, regulatory, and policy matters involving Medicaid eligibility, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Medicaid State Plan, Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver, Medicare coordination, and other federal and state healthcare programs.

Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, the Assistant General Counsel serves as a trusted legal advisor, partnering with program leadership to analyze legal risk, interpret federal and state laws and regulations, develop policy, support operational initiatives, and ensure compliance with evolving healthcare requirements. This position offers the opportunity to influence statewide healthcare policy while supporting one of the nation's largest Medicaid programs.

Duties and Responsibilities: (These duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive.)

·       Provide legal counsel and strategic advice to EOHHS leadership, MassHealth program staff, and agency stakeholders regarding Medicaid eligibility, subsidized health insurance programs, and related healthcare initiatives.

·       Interpret and apply federal and state statutes, regulations, guidance, and policy governing Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicare coordination, and other public health insurance programs.

·       Advise on legal issues involving MassHealth eligibility for traditional Medicaid populations, including individuals age 65 and older, individuals receiving long-term services and supports, and other specialized eligibility categories.

·       Analyze proposed federal and state legislation, regulations, and policy changes and provide legal recommendations regarding operational, programmatic, and fiscal impacts.

·       Provide legal support related to the Medicaid State Plan, Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver, eligibility policy, and implementation of new healthcare initiatives.

·       Identify legal risks, evaluate complex legal issues, and develop practical, legally defensible solutions that support agency operations and policy objectives.

·       Draft, review, and negotiate legal documents, including regulations, administrative guidance, legal opinions, contracts, procurement documents, interagency service agreements, requests for proposals (RFPs), memoranda, and other legal instruments.

·       Assist in the development, drafting, and review of legislation, regulations, administrative guidance, and policy documents supporting MassHealth and EOHHS initiatives.

·       Provide legal analysis and advice regarding third-party liability, estate recovery, Medicare coordination, public procurements, state finance, appropriations, and related healthcare financing matters.

·       Partner with agency leadership, program managers, policy staff, and operational teams to develop legally sound strategies supporting program implementation and operational excellence.

·       Coordinate with the Office of the Attorney General on litigation matters involving MassHealth eligibility, Medicaid policy, Affordable Care Act implementation, and other legal proceedings affecting EOHHS.

·       Conduct legal research and prepare written legal opinions, memoranda, briefing materials, correspondence, and recommendations for executive leadership.

·       Monitor changes in federal and state healthcare laws, regulations, and guidance to ensure continued agency compliance and proactive policy development.

·       Develop collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders while providing timely, practical, and solution-oriented legal advice.

·       Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

·       Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

·       Membership in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar.

·       At least three (3) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law or in a position requiring membership in the Bar.

·       Demonstrated experience conducting legal research, legal analysis, statutory interpretation, legal writing, and client counseling.

·       Experience drafting legal opinions, contracts, regulations, legislation, policies, or other complex legal documents.

·       Excellent written, verbal, analytical, and interpersonal communication skills.

·       Ability to analyze complex legal and policy issues and develop practical, legally sound recommendations.

·       Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with agency leadership, attorneys, program staff, and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

·       Experience practicing healthcare law, administrative law, public sector law, or government legal services.

·       Knowledge of Medicaid, MassHealth, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicare, and public health insurance programs.

·       Experience interpreting and applying federal and state statutes, regulations, and administrative guidance.

·       Familiarity with the Medicaid State Plan, Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver, eligibility policy, healthcare financing, and public benefits law.

·       Experience advising executive leadership on complex legal, regulatory, and policy matters.

·       Experience drafting legislation, regulations, procurement documents, contracts, interagency agreements, and legal guidance.

·       Knowledge of state finance law, appropriations, public procurement requirements, and administrative procedures.

·       Demonstrated ability to balance legal risk with operational and policy objectives in a fast-paced governmental environment.

·       Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple complex assignments simultaneously.

·       Commitment to public service and advancing equitable access to healthcare programs throughout the Commonwealth.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:  Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and (A) at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.