For those of you who are new to the Medicare market, selling Medicare requires you to take yearly carrier-specific certifications as well as AHIP. AHIP stands for America’s Health Insurance Plans and is a yearly training that is required and universally accepted by 99% of Medicare carriers. The training typically goes live in late June, June 22nd this year, and typically runs a $175 price tag. Although some material is recycled every year, there are always rule changes that alter the material that agents need to know. Here are some tips that I’ve learned as I’ve taken this training over the years.
Tip One
Never take AHIP day 1.
There are a few reasons behind this, but the main reason is you save money by doing the test through a carrier portal. There is typically a $50 discount when you do this. From a technology standpoint, there are always bugs and issues on the first day as they are flooded by agents. Also, carriers like Aetna will offer to pay for your AHIP through their front-runner program if you write a certain amount of business but must be taken through their certification’s portal.
Tip Two
Take your time.
AHIP is comprised of a multitude of modules. There are 5 in total. Each module has a test at the end that is 20 questions (up from 10 in previous years). The 6th module is the actual test that is 50 questions. The test must be passed with a 90% or above which only leaves you 5 questions that you can get incorrect. There is a time limit of 2 hours and they allow you to take it up to 3 times before you need to pay and take the curriculum over again. The test throws a bunch of different concepts at you like cost plans and PFFS plans that you may have never heard of before. Make sure you carefully read each question and answer accordingly.
Tip Three
Not all questions are from source materials.
There are questions on the test, which can range from 10-25% depending on the test you get, that you will not be able to find answers to. In this case, you can utilize Google search and rely on fellow agents to find the appropriate answers.
Tip Four
Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Training
Fraud, Waste, Abuse (FWA) is required to be completed after the AHIP test before you get your AHIP certification completed. This was incorporated about 2 years ago and has 3 modules that must be completed. There are no major tests on these, but each module has its own test that must be passed to move along.
Pinnacle Financial Services is here to guide you through any issues that you may have during the “certification season.” We have years of experience in the office that can prove invaluable when you need help in any aspect of your business. We offer the best technology at no cost, dedicated support staff for anything you may need, and a personalized sales team to make ensure you always have sales activity! AEP (Annual Election Period) is right around the corner and we want to be a partner in your success. What are you waiting for?
1 (800) 772-6881 x7731 | sales@pfsinsurance.com
Rob Valincius
Director of Agent Training
Contact a Pinnacle Representative if you have any questions.
1 (800) 772-6881
support@pfsinsurance.com
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