CACs - Certified Application Counselor Eligibility and Enrollment Process Questions and Answers

Question 1

A consumer loses their job-based health coverage. How long do they generally have from the date of losing coverage to enroll in a new Marketplace plan through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)?

Accepted Answer

60 days

Answer

Most Special Enrollment Periods, including the one for loss of other health coverage, provide a 60-day window after the qualifying life event to enroll in a new plan.

Question 2

Which of the following is a primary eligibility requirement for an individual to purchase a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace?

Accepted Answer

Must not be eligible for Medicare

Answer

To be eligible to enroll in health coverage through the Marketplace, an individual cannot be currently enrolled in Medicare. Other requirements include living in the United States, being a U.S. citizen or lawfully present, and not being incarcerated.

Question 3

A family is applying for Marketplace coverage. Which of the following documents would generally NOT be required during the application process?

Accepted Answer

A high school diploma or GED certificate

Answer

The Marketplace application requires information to verify identity, citizenship/immigration status, and income. This includes Social Security numbers, pay stubs, and immigration documents. Educational attainment records like a high school diploma are not required.

Question 4

A Certified Application Counselor (CAC) is assisting a lawfully present immigrant who is a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR, or 'Green Card' holder) and obtained this status two years ago. The consumer's income is low enough for Medicaid. Why might they be ineligible for Medicaid at this time?

Accepted Answer

Many 'qualified non-citizens' are subject to a 5-year waiting period for Medicaid.

Answer

Many lawfully present immigrants, including Lawful Permanent Residents, must have a 'qualified' immigration status for five years before they can become eligible for Medicaid, a rule often called the 'five-year bar'. There are exceptions for certain statuses like refugees and asylees.

Question 5

Which of the following scenarios would most likely trigger a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for a consumer to enroll in a Marketplace plan outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period?

Accepted Answer

Moving to a new zip code where different health plans are available.

Answer

Moving to a new area with different plan options is considered a qualifying life event that triggers a Special Enrollment Period. Voluntarily dropping coverage, failing to pay premiums, or simply wanting a different plan do not qualify an individual for an SEP.

(CACs) Certified Application Counselor Practice Test

(CACs) Certified Application Counselor Practice Test

CACs - Certified Application Counselor Eligibility and Enrollment Process Questions and Answers