When Can You Take AHIP 2024 Training?

The America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) Medicare and Fraud, Waste and Abuse (FWA) training is required annually for insurance agents who want to sell Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans. For 2024 plan year enrollment, the new AHIP certification course opened on June 21, 2023.

If you need to complete AHIP training to sell Medicare plans during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7, 2023 for 2024 coverage, here is what you need to know about the timing and process.

Overview of AHIP Training Requirements

AHIP training consists of two main components:

• Medicare Training – Covers Medicare basics, eligibility, benefits, plan types, enrollment and more.

• Fraud, Waste and Abuse Training – Educates on how to identify, report and prevent healthcare fraud.

The training must be completed each year to sell the following year’s plans. CMS requires that agents are educated on any changes to the Medicare program annually.

In most cases, AHIP certification must be completed by September 30 to enroll beneficiaries for January 1 effective dates. Some carriers may have earlier deadlines, so check with the plans you represent.

When Does AHIP 2024 Training Open?

For the 2024 plan year, the new AHIP Medicare and FWA course opened on June 21, 2023.

The 2023 training will close on June 16, 2023 at 11:59pm ET. After this date, agents will only be able to access the updated 2024 course.

AHIP aims to release new training materials each year in June. This coincides with the start of marketing activities for the next year’s Annual Enrollment Period.

How Long Does It Take to Complete?

The AHIP 2024 training curriculum takes around 5-6 hours to finish. However, the course is self-paced and you can log in and out as needed.

The content is divided into multiple lessons that include:

• Interactive slides and videos
• Knowledge checks
• Review questions
• Final exam

You must pass the final exam with a score of at least 90% to get certified. If you fail on the first attempt, you can retake the exam at no additional cost.

What’s the Deadline for Completion?

While AHIP training is available year-round, most Medicare Advantage and Part D plans require completion by September 30, 2023 to sell plans effective January 1, 2024.

Some carriers may have earlier internal deadlines, so check with each company you plan to write business for during Annual Enrollment Period.

Agents must renew training every year to continue selling Medicare plans. There is no grace period – your AHIP certification must be valid for the current plan year to enroll beneficiaries.

How Much Does AHIP 2024 Training Cost?

The registration fee for AHIP’s 2024 training course is:

• $175 for AHIP members
• $175 for non-members

This covers access to the online course, exam, certificate of completion, and continuing education credits.

Some Medicare Advantage insurers subsidize or reimburse agents for AHIP costs. Check with the plans you represent for discounts or training incentives.

Can You Take It In Spanish?

Yes, AHIP 2024 training is available in both English and Spanish. The full curriculum, course materials, and exam have been translated.

To switch the language, simply click on the “Español” link at the top of your AHIP training dashboard. You can go back and forth between English and Spanish at any time.

How Do You Access and Take the Course?

Follow these steps to complete AHIP 2024 training:

1. Go to the AHIP website and select “Enroll Now” under the course details.

2. You will be redirected to the AHIP Education portal. If you already have an account, log in. Otherwise, create an account.

3. Search the course catalog for “2024 Medicare + Fraud, Waste and Abuse Training” and select Enroll.

4. Pay the $175 training fee by credit card.

5. You will receive an order confirmation email. Click the link to access your online dashboard.

6. From your dashboard, launch the course and step through each lesson.

7. Take the final exam, scoring at least 90% to pass and get certified.

8. Print your certificate of completion to provide proof of training.

How Do You Send Scores to Carriers?

Once you pass the exam, AHIP will automatically report your training status to all Medicare carriers in their system. This usually takes 24-48 hours.

You can also send your completion certificate directly to any carriers that require it. Some plans allow you to upload certificates through their agent portal.

Check with each company you’ll be writing 2024 Medicare business for on their specific AHIP documentation requirements.

What About Continuing Education Credits?

AHIP Medicare training is approved for continuing education credits in every state, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico.

The number of credits ranges from 5-8 hours based on your state licensing requirements. CE is included with your registration fee.

After passing the exam, go to your AHIP dashboard and click on “Continuing Education Status” to view and print your CE certificate.

Can You Take It After the Deadline?

Yes, you can still complete AHIP training after September 30, but may be limited in writing Medicare plans until 2025 AEP depending on carrier requirements.

Some insurers allow a grace period in October to finish training. Others are strict on the September 30 deadline. Check with the plans you wish to represent for specifics.

Late completion still meets state licensing CE requirements. However, make sure you do 2025 AHIP training by September 30 next year to avoid business interruption.

What Happens If You Don’t Renew on Time?

If you don’t complete AHIP 2024 training by your carriers’ deadlines, you likely won’t be allowed to market or sell Medicare plans for 2024 until you get certified.

This means you could miss out on commissions during Annual Enrollment Period and Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31, 2024.

Failure to renew training could also put your state insurance license in jeopardy if you fall behind on continuing education requirements.

Key Tips for Completing AHIP Training

Follow these best practices to avoid issues with AHIP certification:

• Enroll early – Don’t wait until September to start.

• Review carrier deadlines – Some require completion earlier than September 30.

• Stagger training – Don’t overload at end of period if enrolling larger teams.

• Opt for auto-renewal – Use option on dashboard to stay current annually.

• Record certificate # – Save for proof of completion each year.

• Upload scores promptly – Show carriers you finished ASAP.

• Add CE credits – To state licensing compliance.

• Take exam seriously – Carefully read questions to pass on first try.

Conclusion

AHIP training for 2024 opened on June 21, 2023 and is required annually by September 30 for most Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans. Take time to complete the 5-6 hour online course, focusing on updated Medicare policy and fraud, waste and abuse prevention. Make sure to record your certificate of completion and send to carriers promptly. Check with each company you plan to represent during Annual Enrollment Period for their specific AHIP certification deadlines and documentation requirements to avoid any issues selling plans.