To complete an Enrollment Application on behalf of a consumer, what authority must the individual have?

• A. The individual must be a licensed attorney
• B. The individual must be legally authorized in the state to act on behalf of the consumer (Power of Attorney)
• C. The individual must be the consumer's guardian
• D. The individual must be a medical professional

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that someone can complete an enrollment on another person’s behalf only if they have valid legal authority recognized by state law. This is typically provided by a Power of Attorney, which grants a designated individual the legal permission to act for the consumer in enrollment matters. Because enrollment involves sensitive personal information, the plan and CMS need verifiable proof that the representative is authorized to act for the consumer, ensuring the consumer’s consent and the accuracy of the information submitted.

Being a licensed attorney isn’t required; the representative can be a non-attorney with proper authorization. A guardian can have authority, but that’s a separate legal arrangement and not the general requirement. A medical professional isn’t needed for this role.