Covered California Certified Enroller Practice Exam

What is required for covered CA to verify a consumer's tax information?

1. Only verbal consent

2. A signed paper consent

3. Written authorization from a tax advisor

4. Consumer's explicit authorization

The correct answer is: Consumer's explicit authorization

For Covered California to verify a consumer's tax information, it is necessary to obtain the consumer's explicit authorization. This is crucial because tax information is considered sensitive and confidential; thus, consent must be clearly provided by the individual whose information is being accessed. Explicit authorization ensures that the consumer is fully aware of what information will be shared and verified, maintaining transparency in the process. This authorization typically involves the consumer providing clear consent, either in written form or through an agreed-upon method, validating that they understand and agree to the use of their tax information for the necessary verification processes associated with health coverage and financial assistance. In contrast, merely obtaining verbal consent or a signed paper consent may not meet the requirements for explicit authorization in the context of sensitive tax information. A tax advisor's authorization is not sufficient unless it directly comes from the consumer. Therefore, the most comprehensive and compliant option for Covered California is requiring the explicit authorization from the consumer themselves.