CACS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CACS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. When can consumers enroll in a health insurance plan outside of the open enrollment period? → When they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period
2. A consumer is offered employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) that costs 12% of household income. How does this affect their Marketplace subsidy eligibility? → They are still eligible for APTC because the offer is unaffordable
3. Which action should a CAC avoid when helping a consumer claim a SEP? → Submitting false qualifying event information to gain enrollment
4. Which of the following is NOT considered one of the 10 Essential Health Benefits that all Marketplace plans are required to cover? → Cosmetic surgery
5. Which of the following is a required element of a valid CAC consent/disclosure form? → The CAC's name, organization, and a description of services offered
6. Which cost-sharing feature do Catastrophic plans require enrollees to meet before coverage kicks in for most services? → A very high deductible equal to the annual out-of-pocket maximum
7. What happens if an applicant fails to verify their immigration status within the required 90-day period after receiving a data matching notice? → The applicant's enrollment and any APTC may be terminated until resolved
8. Which IRS form is used to reconcile the Premium Tax Credit at tax filing? → Form 8962
9. Under ACA rules, CACs are prohibited from accepting which type of compensation for enrollment assistance? → Gifts or payments from clients or insurers tied to enrollment outcomes
10. Which federal law made it illegal for health insurers to impose lifetime dollar limits on essential health benefits? → The Affordable Care Act (ACA)
11. An applicant disagrees with the Marketplace's eligibility determination. What formal process can they request? → An appeal through the Marketplace's appeals process
12. Which Marketplace plan network type generally requires members to choose a primary care physician and get referrals to see specialists? → HMO
13. When can a consumer apply for health coverage? → During the Open Enrollment Period or after a qualifying life event
14. A consumer estimates she will earn 95% FPL this year. She applies for Marketplace coverage. What should the CAC advise? → Apply for Medicaid since she is under 100% FPL
15. A family's Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is used to determine eligibility for which programs? → Marketplace plans and Medicaid
16. What household income level generally qualifies a consumer for Cost-Sharing Reductions? → Up to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level
17. Which of the following consumers is eligible to purchase a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) through the Marketplace? → A lawfully present immigrant with income at 200% FPL
18. During Open Enrollment, a consumer who received advance premium tax credits (APTC) last year wants to re-enroll. A CAC must remind them to: → Update their household income and family size information each year
19. Under the ACA, which cost-sharing reduction (CSR) is only available to consumers who enroll in which metal tier? → Silver
20. COBRA continuation coverage allows workers who lose job-based coverage to continue their employer plan for up to how long? → 18 months
21. A CAC's employer instructs them to prioritize enrolling clients in a specific health plan. How should the CAC respond? → Report the instruction to CMS as a potential compliance violation
22. A consumer is 67 years old, receiving Medicare, and has income at 150% FPL. Which program might help pay their Medicare cost-sharing? → A Medicare Savings Program (MSP)
23. Which of the following statements about Medicare Part B is correct? → It covers outpatient services, doctor visits, and preventive care
24. A consumer's immigration status is 'Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals' (DACA). What is their Marketplace eligibility? → Not eligible for Marketplace enrollment
25. Which of the following actions would constitute a conflict of interest for a CAC? → Receiving a commission from an insurer for enrolling clients in their plans
26. What is the primary purpose of the Premium Tax Credit (PTC) under the Affordable Care Act? → To help eligible individuals and families afford Marketplace health insurance premiums
27. A consumer is concerned about medical debt from before their Marketplace enrollment. A CAC should clarify that Marketplace coverage: → Only covers services received on or after the plan's effective date
28. A consumer who is a lawfully present immigrant with income at 100% FPL in a non-Medicaid expansion state is likely eligible for: → APTC for a Marketplace plan, since they fall in the coverage gap exception
29. What does Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) refer to? → Health insurance that meets ACA standards
30. A consumer loses job-based health coverage on March 15. How many days does she have to enroll in a Marketplace plan through a Special Enrollment Period? → 60 days from the loss of coverage