Data Analyst

Optum NY is hiring a Data Analyst to support affordability initiatives for risk-bearing entities across Optum Health’s East markets. In this role, you will analyze healthcare cost and utilization data to uncover cost drivers, surface savings opportunities, and turn findings into reporting and decision-ready insights.

This position supports strategic work across finance and clinical partners, with a focus on recurring performance measurement, deep-dive investigations, and business impact analysis for affordability programs.

What you’ll do

• Analyze healthcare cost and utilization data (including medical, pharmacy, provider, and enrollment) to identify key cost drivers and affordability opportunities
• Build and maintain recurring reports, dashboards, and performance metrics covering healthcare spending and utilization trends
• Partner with cross-functional teams such as finance, actuarial, clinical, network, and operations to support affordability initiatives and strategic decisions
• Run deep-dive analyses to investigate cost variation, high-cost populations, and emerging trends
• Support business cases and financial impact analyses for cost-saving initiatives, including care management programs, network changes, and benefit design
• Translate complex datasets into actionable insights and communicate results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Assist with analytical model development and validation to forecast cost trends and evaluate intervention effectiveness
• Perform data extraction, transformation, and validation to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and integrity
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce waste in healthcare delivery using data-driven insights
• Collaborate with data engineering or IT teams to enhance data quality, accessibility, and reporting capabilities
• Monitor affordability initiative performance and track savings against targets
• Support ad hoc analyses for leadership related to cost, utilization, and financial performance
• Apply data governance, documentation, and compliance best practices, including handling sensitive healthcare data (HIPAA)
• Continuously improve analytical processes, tools, and methodologies to increase efficiency and insight generation

Required qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in data analysis, preferably in healthcare, health insurance, or cost/claims analytics
• Experience building dashboards and visualizations using tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or similar
• Experience working with large, messy datasets, including data cleaning, validation, and transformation
• Experience in a regulated environment and familiarity with handling sensitive data (HIPAA compliance preferred)
• Strong data analysis tools and programming skills, including Python (pandas, NumPy) or R
• Understanding of healthcare concepts such as reimbursement models, value-based care, risk adjustment, and provider networks
• Familiarity with healthcare data structures including claims (medical, pharmacy), EHR data, or eligibility files
• Proficiency in SQL for querying large, complex datasets (such as claims, enrollment, and provider data)
• Proven ability to analyze healthcare cost drivers, utilization patterns, and/or pricing variation
• Proven ability to communicate complex analytical findings into clear, actionable insights for technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving skills with attention to data accuracy and detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Technologies

• Tableau
• Power BI
• Python (pandas, NumPy)
• R
• SQL

Preferred qualifications

• Experience using statistical or analytical programming languages such as Python or R for advanced analysis and modeling
• Experience in a highly matrixed, multi-region healthcare organization, influencing without direct authority
• Deep experience supporting Medicare Advantage, Medicare Risk Adjustment, or value-based care programs at a regional or enterprise level
• Strong familiarity with healthcare data sources, including claims, encounters, eligibility, provider, and clinical data
• Experience with financial modeling, forecasting, healthcare economics, or actuarial concepts
• Strong communication skills, including data storytelling and presentation abilities

Location and remote work

• New York, NY (remote)
• All remote employees must adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy
• Remote work flexibility is available from anywhere within the U.S.
• For hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, office attendance is required a minimum of four days per week

Compensation

• Salary range: USD 72,800 - 130,000 per year based on full-time employment
• Pay is determined based on factors including local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, and more

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Incentive and recognition programs
• Equity stock purchase
• 401k contribution
• Career benefits and incentives that vary by location and start date

Additional information

• Drug test required before beginning employment
• Application deadline: posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool is collected; the posting may come down early due to applicant volume