As the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period approaches, preparation is everything. One of the most important steps for agents each year is completing AHIP and carrier-specific certifications to ensure they’re eligible to sell Medicare Advantage and Part D products.
If you’re new to the industry—or simply need a refresher—here’s what you need to know about this year’s AHIP training, how to save on costs, and a key certification mistake to avoid.
When Is AHIP Released?
The AHIP Medicare + Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) training typically launches in the third week of June each year. As soon as the new version is released, the previous year’s AHIP becomes unavailable. That means if you haven’t completed AHIP before the update, you’ll need to take the new version—which will count toward the remainder of the current selling season.
This timing is critical, especially for agents planning to sell during both the current and upcoming plan years.
What Does AHIP Cost?
The standard cost of AHIP is $175, but most experienced agents don’t pay full price.
Each year, major carriers like Aetna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare (UHC), and Wellcare release their product certifications around the same time AHIP launches. These carriers often provide a $50 discount on AHIP when you certify through their official training portal. No promo code is needed—simply access AHIP using the carrier’s unique certification link.
At National Insurance Markets, we keep these links organized by carrier and update them as each certification becomes available. This makes it easy for our agents to find the most up-to-date training and ensure they’re getting the best value.
A Common Misconception: 2025 Certification ≠ 2024 Eligibility
One of the biggest mistakes new agents make is assuming that completing a 2025 carrier certification will automatically make them eligible to sell 2024 products.
In reality, most carriers require separate certifications for each plan year. That’s because Medicare Advantage and Part D plans often change annually—including premiums, formularies, and provider networks. To sell in both years, agents must complete both sets of certifications.
Failing to do so could leave you out of compliance—and out of commission.
Final Thoughts
Completing your AHIP and carrier certifications is a crucial part of preparing for a successful Medicare selling season. Knowing when to certify, how to save on training costs, and what each certification actually covers will help you stay compliant and competitive.
If you need help accessing discounted AHIP links, understanding carrier certification requirements, or planning your certification strategy, our team at National Insurance Markets is here to help.
Need support with AHIP or certifications?
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