CACs - Certified Application Counselor Serving Diverse Populations Questions and Answers

Question 1

A CAC is assisting an individual who is experiencing homelessness and does not have a permanent mailing address. When completing the Marketplace application, what is the most effective advice the CAC can provide?

Accepted Answer

List a physical location where they can reliably receive mail, such as a shelter, community center, or post office box.

Answer

The Marketplace requires a reliable mailing address to send important notices about eligibility and enrollment. Individuals experiencing homelessness can use an address where they can consistently receive mail, such as a shelter, a trusted friend or relative, or a P.O. Box. Stating that a permanent address is required is incorrect and creates a barrier to enrollment.

Question 2

A transgender man is applying for Marketplace coverage. The name on his identity documents has not yet been legally changed and does not match the name he uses. To be both respectful and compliant, how should the CAC proceed?

Accepted Answer

Advise the applicant to enter their legal name where required for identity verification but use their chosen name and correct pronouns during all interactions.

Answer

For identity verification against government data sources (like Social Security), the application often requires the individual's legal name. However, a core principle of serving the LGBTQ+ community is to show respect for an individual's identity. The best practice is to use the legal name only where strictly necessary on the form and to use the consumer's chosen name and correct pronouns in all verbal and other written communication.

Question 3

Which of the following actions best demonstrates a CAC's commitment to cultural competency?

Accepted Answer

Using plain language, avoiding jargon, and asking open-ended questions to confirm the consumer's understanding.

Answer

Cultural competency involves communicating clearly and respectfully without making assumptions or stereotyping. Using plain language and actively checking for understanding is a universal best practice that respects individual comprehension and health literacy levels, regardless of cultural background. The other options rely on stereotypes (A, B) or may cross professional boundaries (D).

Question 4

A consumer who speaks only Vietnamese comes to an appointment with her 16-year-old son, who is fluent in English and offers to interpret. According to best practices for language access, what should the CAC do?

Accepted Answer

Politely decline the son's offer and connect with a professional telephonic interpretation service.

Answer

Language assistance services must be provided free of charge, be accurate, and protect the consumer's privacy. Using a minor family member as an interpreter is strongly discouraged because it can compromise confidentiality, introduce errors in complex terminology, and place the child in an inappropriate role. The required standard is to use a qualified, professional interpreter, which can be provided effectively via telephone.

Question 5

When assisting consumers in a rural area, a CAC should be particularly mindful of which common barrier when helping them compare Qualified Health Plans?

Accepted Answer

Limited availability of in-network providers and facilities, which may require significant travel for care.

Answer

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.

(CACs) Certified Application Counselor Practice Test

(CACs) Certified Application Counselor Practice Test

CACs - Certified Application Counselor Serving Diverse Populations Questions and Answers