Understanding AHIP Certification
- What is AHIP?
- AHIP stands for America’s Health Insurance Plans.
- It is a national trade association representing health insurance providers.
- AHIP certification is essential for agents selling Medicare Advantage (MA) and Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs).
- Why is AHIP Certification Important?
- Ensures agents are compliant with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines.
- Protects seniors by ensuring agents are knowledgeable and ethical.
- Required by most Medicare carriers to sell their plans.
- Key Components of AHIP Training
- Medicare Basics: Eligibility, benefits, and different types of plans.
- Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA): Identifying and reporting FWA.
- Compliance: Marketing and enrollment guidelines.
Steps to Acquire AHIP Certification
- How to Get AHIP Certified
- Register: Visit the AHIP website to register.
- Complete Training: Enroll in the Medicare and FWA courses.
- Take the Test: Pass the 50-question open-book test with a 90% score.
- Sync Certification: Link your certification with Medicare carriers.
- Study Resources
- AHIP Courses: AHIP Online Courses offer self-study options.
- Practice Quizzes: Utilize practice quizzes and review materials.
- Webinars: Attend on-demand webinars for additional insights.
Important Facts for Agents
- Annual Certification
- AHIP certification must be renewed annually.
- Stay updated with the latest CMS guidelines and regulations.
- Cost and Discounts
- The standard cost is $175, but discounts are available through carrier portals.
- Some carriers offer the test for $125 if taken through their links.
- Continuing Education Credits
- AHIP courses can also count towards Continuing Education (CE) credits.
- CE credits are available in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
Additional Resources
- Where to Study
- Taking the Test
- The test is administered online with a 2-hour time limit.
- You have three attempts to pass.
- Focus on the practice quizzes and review materials provided by AHIP.
By following these steps and utilizing the resources provided, future and current Medicare agents can successfully acquire their AHIP certification and be well-prepared to serve their clients.