Ace the Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC) Challenge 2026 – Crunch the Code and Rock Your Role!

The correct answer focuses on the age criteria for inclusion in the adult model population of the HHS HCC model. The adult model is specifically designed to assess the health risk of individuals aged 21 years and older. This age detail is critical for ensuring that the model accurately reflects the health nuances and needs of adult populations, separating them from younger groups who might be treated under different criteria or models.

The other options do not correctly define the qualifying age range for the adult model population. While individuals 18 years and older may include a broader age group, it does not fit within the specifications of the HHS HCC adult model. Meanwhile, considerations like being a head of household or having a specific income level do not influence whether an individual is part of the adult model; instead, they focus on demographic and socio-economic factors unrelated to age classification in this context.