2017 AHIP Course & Testing FAQ's

What Is "AHIP"?
It's the American Health Insurance Plans organization which administers the annual test you must pass in order to market and sell Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plans.  There is an online course and test you must take prior to selling most plans.

Can I Sell Supplements If I Don't Take The AHIP Course?
Yes, the AHIP is not required to sell Medicare supplement plans.  However, if you sell a supplement, your client will also need a Part D (PDP) plan, which you won't be able to sell them.  You would need to refer them back to me directly or directly to the carrier.

How Soon Can I Get Certified To Sell 2016 or 2017 Plans?
The 2017 AHIP course is now open.  The AHIP also includes the Fraud, Waste & Abuse (FWA) modules.  You will take the FWA module one time during the AHIP course, and you will not be required to take them for each individual carrier.

How Long Does The AHIP Course & Test Take?
About 2 hours to complete the modules (or less if you fly through them), and about 30 minutes to take the test. It's offered on-line only, so you study at your own pace in the comfort of your home.

What's The Latest I Can Get Certified To Sell 2017 Plans?
Probably June 2017, but you can't sell anything until you get certified, so don't wait!

Will The 2017 AHIP Course Cover Me Retroactively For 2016, Too?
Yes & No. You must take the 2016 course & exam if you want to sell 2016 plans.  You can sell 2016 Supplement Plans immediately, they don't require the AHIP.  Some insurance carriers will automatically count your 2017 AHIP to count towards selling 2016 plans.

When Can I Start Selling 2017 Plans?
For Advantage Plans and Drug Plans, you can officially start submitting applications on October 15th, 2016.  You can legally start "talking" about the plans to clients on October 1st, 2016, but you are prohibited from taking an application from your client until October 15th.

When Would A 2017 Plan I Sell In October 2016 Go Effective?
January 1st, 2017.

When Would I Be Paid If I Sell A 2017 Plan On October 15th?
Typically by the end of February, 2017 or sooner, depending on the insurance company you submitted the business with.  CMS is forcing all companies to pay in the year the plans go effective, so if you sell a plan in October for a January 1st start date, your commission will be delayed until at least January.

This delay in commissions is why it is CRITICAL you start writing immediately, so you have commissions coming in each month.  

Click This AHIP Ad To Learn More!

For More AHIP Information, Click Here>>
America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP.org)
If you want to sell Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) or Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) each year, you must take the AHIP course and pass the AHIP test (90%+).
This costs $175 each year if purchased through AHIP.
This cost is $125 each year if purchased through one of your insurance carriers!

VIEW SITE: https://www.ahipmedicaretraining.com (DO NOT BUY YOUR COURSE HERE - READ BELOW)

SOME THINGS TO NOTE:
  • You do not need the AHIP to sell medicare supplement plans.
  • If you've never registered for the AHIP, you'll need your National Producer Number. Get that here. https://pdb.nipr.com/html/PacNpnSearch.html
  • You can save each module (slides) as PDF's. Test is "open book".  The link to save them is typically on the left-hand side of the page.
  • During the modules, you do not need to take the practice tests, and your score is not affected by your practice test scores.  You may want to take the practice tests in order to understand why you missed the question - or simply to print them out to "reference" during the actual test.
  • The cost is normally $175, but if you purchase through one of your insurance carriers, they only charge $125 and may reimburse you for the course when you sell 5 of their policies in AEP.
  • You only need to take the AHIP modules and test 1 time per year, your results will "synch" with all the other carriers that require the AHIP.
  • You only have 3 attempts to pass the test with a 90% or better, or you will need to pay another $100.  Some companies will not accept your AHIP passing score if it takes you more than 3 attempts.
  • In some states, the AHIP qualifies for CE, but you need to pay a small amount in order for it to count prior to taking the test.  You will be prompted to do so prior to the test.
The AHIP exam "opens" on July 1st of each year - for the "next" year.   You need to take the AHIP each year, regardless of when you join our Agency, you should be aware of this "cycle".

YOU CAN GET STARTED RIGHT AWAY AS LONG AS YOU PASS THE AHIP - REGARDLESS OF WHEN YOU START!




ASK ME FOR MY "AHIP STUDY GUIDE"!