What action is a primary duty of a Peer Support Specialist in assisting a consumer in the community?

• A. Advising a consumer on a dispute regarding Medi-Cal.
• B. Helping a consumer access a local mental health plan.
• C. Reviewing a consumer's finances to help them pay for insurance.
• D. Discussing with a provider specific coding to insure coverage.

Answer: (B)

Helping a consumer access a local mental health plan reflects the core role of a Peer Support Specialist: supporting recovery by removing barriers and guiding the person through the system to needed services. The local mental health plan is the gateway to care, benefits, appointments, and community resources, so assisting with enrollment, explaining options, and connecting to plan resources directly enables ongoing access to services. This work emphasizes empowerment, self-advocacy, and person-centered support rather than clinical advice or administrative tasks. Tasks like disputing Medi-Cal issues, reviewing finances for insurance payments, or discussing coding for coverage fall outside the peer role and are better handled by benefits specialists or billing staff. By focusing on access and navigation, you help the consumer stay connected to care and build independence in managing their health.