Why do I have to take the AHIP and carrier certs every year??

As part of our dedication to fostering excellence and integrity within the insurance industry, Network Insurance places a high priority on agents professional development and compliance training. One key aspect of this commitment is our assistance in preparing agents for vital carrier certifications and the America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) test. While we cannot take the test on behalf of agents or provide direct answers, we offer comprehensive guidance to help navigate the complexities of these certifications and ensure the highest probability of success.

AHIP, originally standing for America’s Health Insurance Plans, is a national trade organization advocating for a more affordable, equitable, and sustainable health care system. Known for their professional development courses, they provide a Medicare and Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) training that is widely accepted within the industry.

The AHIP certification is a necessity for agents who wish to sell Medicare Advantage plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). To become AHIP certified, agents must complete the Medicare and FWA training, demonstrating a thorough understanding of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rules and regulations. This certification ensures that agents are updated with the latest CMS guidelines, enabling them to sell Medicare Advantage and Part D plans competently.

The AHIP certification process opens today (6/21) and consists of two primary courses: Medicare and FWA. The Medicare training provides an overview of eligibility, benefits, and different types of Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans. It also ensures compliance with marketing guidelines and proper enrollment procedures. The FWA training focuses on the tools and efforts to detect fraud in the Medicare program, emphasizing the human and financial costs of FWA and proper reporting techniques. To achieve certification, agents must pass a timed, 50-question test with a score of 90% or higher.

It's crucial to note that AHIP certification is an annual requirement due to the year-to-year changes in plans and CMS regulations. Agents who passed the certification in the previous year have an advantage with a good foundational knowledge of Medicare sales. However, they still need to pass the test annually to stay current.

The cost of the AHIP certification test is $175, but we offer a discount of $50 to you. Agents have three attempts at passing the test. If they fail all three times, they can re-enroll and purchase another set of three attempts, but this might limit their ability to sell certain carriers products during that plan year.

Passing the AHIP test is the initial step towards completing most carrier certifications. Therefore, it's essential to pass the test well before AEP to be ready to sell any Medicare Advantage plans.

At Network Insurance, we believe in the importance of these carrier certifications and the AHIP test. They are not just regulatory requirements but also valuable tools that help our independent agents stay on top of industry standards and best practices. As we approach this year's AEP, we encourage all our agents to prioritize these tests and utilize our resources to prepare effectively. Remember, these certifications are your ticket to maximizing your potential sales during AEP.

By assisting our agents through the certification process, Network Insurance continues to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct in the insurance industry. We look forward to supporting you through your certification journey and beyond. Take the first step and call us today!!! 800.662.5080

Discounted AHIP Link