Gina,
You are correct a lot of the MA plan work is seasonal. When I was first hired I was told I would be laid off most likely around November and December then brought back in January. This never happened in fact we were given over time and allowed to work as many hours as we wanted at time and a half.
Saying that it really depends on who you are working for. There are 3 pulls a year for MA plans. However, there are so many other positions out there for Risk Adjustment work. Now that we have HHS-HCCs as well as CMS-HCCs to capture that amped up the need.
A few things to keep in mind, the CRC is a new credential and will need time to pick up traction in the health arena. Like all new credentials it is a matter of keeping the market informed. What is different is there is a need for risk adjustment coders therefore in my opinion the CRC is more well known then other new credentials vs say billing. You do not need the CRC to do risk adjustment work. The key is having it makes you the subject matter expert and top of the pack so to speak. It puts you in line for being the leader of a team. This credential not only covers HCCs but all the behind the scenes of risk adjustment that most "HCC coders" know nothing about. A CRC understands the "why" of what is being done.
In close, and not trying to biased as a lover of HCC work and Dx coding, this is an amazing credential and has more long term potential after the CPC then the others. This is a HOT market right now and physicians and facilities are looking for leaders to help them cope with the changes being made. GET IN NOW!
Best of luck on the CRC.