What is an authorized representative?

An authorized representative is a person who has been granted the authority to make healthcare decisions on behalf of a consumer. This role is critical in situations where a consumer might be unable to make informed decisions about their health due to various reasons, such as being incapacitated or requiring assistance with understanding complex medical information.

This person may have power of attorney or specific written consent from the consumer, which allows them to act in the consumer's best interest and make choices regarding medical treatment, services, and benefits. The authorized representative must adhere to the consumer's wishes and healthcare preferences, ensuring that their rights and needs are prioritized.

In contrast, the other roles described do not align with the specific responsibilities and legal implications of being an authorized representative. A person providing customer service on behalf of a company does not have decision-making authority regarding healthcare. Similarly, a marketing representative focuses on promoting health plans rather than making healthcare choices, and a family member assisting a consumer may not have formal authorization to act on behalf of the consumer unless explicitly designated as an authorized representative.