CACS Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the CACS exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 CACS Exam Format at a Glance
📚 CACS Topics to Study (21)
✍️ Sample CACS Questions & Answers
1. What should a CAC do if they are unsure about how to assist a consumer?
CACs are expected to provide accurate and reliable information. If a CAC is unsure, guessing or providing general advice can lead to misinformation and negative consequences for the consumer. Consulting official training materials or seeking guidance from a supervisor ensures that the consumer receives correct and compliant assistance, maintaining the integrity of the CAC program.
2. A consumer receives APTC but then gains access to affordable employer-sponsored insurance (ESI). What should happen?
Access to affordable employer-sponsored insurance generally disqualifies a consumer from APTC, and the change must be reported to avoid excess credit repayment.
3. An individual is generally eligible for Medicare before the age of 65 under which of the following circumstances?
Individuals under 65 can qualify for Medicare if they have a qualifying disability. Typically, this eligibility begins after they have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for 24 months. Other qualifying conditions include End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
4. When assisting consumers in a rural area, a CAC should be particularly mindful of which common barrier when helping them compare Qualified Health Plans?
Rural areas often face challenges with healthcare provider shortages and limited infrastructure. A key role for a CAC is to help consumers verify that a plan's network includes a sufficient number of accessible doctors, hospitals, and specialists to meet their needs, as travel distance can be a significant barrier to care.
5. Which of the following is a qualifying life event for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)?
A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) allows individuals to enroll in or change a health plan outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period due to certain qualifying life events. Losing job-based health coverage is a common and significant qualifying event, as it means an individual has lost their Minimum Essential Coverage and needs new insurance.
6. Which document is essential to provide to consumers when assisting with coverage options?
The Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) is a standardized document required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that provides a clear, concise summary of a health plan's benefits and coverage. It helps consumers compare different plans side-by-side by outlining costs, covered services, and limitations in an easy-to-understand format. Providing the SBC ensures transparency and empowers consumers to make informed decisions about their health insurance options.