Welcome Certified Application Counselors (CACs)

We appreciate the year-round support you give Connecticut residents to help them enroll in health and dental coverage.

Certified Application Counselors (CACs) provide information to consumers about the full range of coverage options and financial aid available, including health plans, HUSKY Health (Medicaid), the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Covered CT Program, Premium Tax Credits and Cost Sharing Reductions.

CACs provide unbiased help at no cost to consumers and must comply with both federal and state laws.

What does a CAC do?

CACs are trusted community resources who:

• Educate consumers about available health coverage options and affordability programs.
• Assist customers with completing applications and determining eligibility for financial help.
• Help consumers make informed health coverage decisions
• Provide cultural, multilingual and accessible assistance to consumers.
• Refer consumers to additional resources, such as a Certified Broker when necessary or appropriate.

Important: CACs must provide fair, impartial and accurate information. They cannot promote specific insurance companies or advise on plan selection.

What kind of organization can be a CAC?

There are several community organizations who are eligible to participate as a CAC including:

• Federal Qualified Health Centers
• Hospitals
• Insurers
• Public Health Departments & municipalities
• Healthcare Provider Organizations, including Community Mental Health Centers and Essential Community Providers.
• Nonprofits, including those serving immigrants, LGBTQIA+ communities, reentry populations, etc.
• Other community-based organizations including libraries, faith-based organizations, youth & senior support agencies, workforce development agencies and housing support agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to become a CAC?
There is no cost to eligible organizations or their staff members to participate in the CAC Program.

What kind of coverage do CACs focus on?
CACs receive comprehensive training on the full range of qualified health plans offered by Access Health CT and insurance affordability programs, such as Medicaid and CHIP. CACs are expected to assist all consumers requesting help regardless of their expected coverage type.

What is the time commitment for the CAC Training Program?
Individuals should expect to spend approximately 8.5 hours completing the Training Program and Training Examination.

Does Access Health CT maintain a record of all CAC assisted enrollments?
Access Health CT does maintain a record of all CAC assisted enrollments. However, CACs are strongly encouraged to keep track of their enrollments for the most accurate information, particularly if a CAC did not include their certification number on a consumer application. Please note that Access Health CT provides CAC assisted enrollment records to a CAC or CAC organization as a courtesy and not an obligation.

Can CAC organizations host outreach events or attend Access Health CT sponsored outreach events?
Yes! We encourage CAC organizations and their CACs to host their own outreach events or join us at one of our events. Access Health CT does not provide funding for CACs to host or attend events, and it is entirely up to the organization to host or attend an Access Health CT event.

What if a CAC organization does not have a bilingual staff?
Access Health CT encourages organizations to identify language needs early and have a plan to assist consumers who need language assistance. We encourage CACs to contact our call center at 1-855-805-4325 (TTY: 1-855-789-2428) for language assistance.

Can CAC organizations and CACs advertise their services?
Yes, provided the services are related to their work as a CAC. Any advertisements that utilize Access Health CT’s logo must be approved by Access Health CT prior to publication or distribution.

Is serving as a CAC the same as being a Navigator or Broker?
No. Although Navigators and brokers also assist consumers with applying for health insurance and determining financial help eligibility, they are different. Navigators are grant funded, focus on year-round outreach, education and helping hard-to-reach populations understand and apply for insurance. Brokers are licensed by the State of Connecticut, work independently from Access Health CT, receive commissions from insurance carriers and are the only ones who can advise consumers on health plan selection. In contrast, CACs do not receive funding from Access Health CT and primarily focus on providing in-person application support and enrollment assistance.

Can CACs receive commissions or other considerations from a health insurance company for enrollments?
No. CACs cannot accept commissions or other considerations from a health insurance company in exchange for enrollments.

Support for Certified Application Counselors (CAC)

For customer issues related to effective date, Special Enrollment Periods, username and password resets or to connect with a broker, call us at 1-855-805-4325.

For training and certification inquiries, please contact ahct.cacregistration@ct.gov

For all other inquiries or to receive our newsletter, please contact IRD.outreach@ct.gov

Learn About Our Commitment To Health Equity

Eliminating health disparities in Connecticut is core to our mission at Access Health CT. Learn more and join us in our pursuit to achieve true and sustainable health equity.

Invite Us to Your Event

• For questions about how your organization can partner with Access Health CT: Please call Luis Irizarry, Community Outreach Supervisor, at 860-757-5307 or luis.irizarry@ct.gov. You can also email AHCT.healthequity@ct.gov.