2026 Medicare Carrier Certifications: What Agents Need to Know
It’s time to start your 2026 Medicare carrier certifications! As an independent Medicare agent, staying up-to-date with your certs is essential to ensure you’re ready to sell during AEP and beyond. From AHIP to carrier-specific training, this guide walks you through what you need to do to prepare.
Why Certification is so Important
Certification isn’t just a box to check; it’s your license to sell. Completing annual Medicare certifications shows you understand the latest CMS guidelines, marketing rules, enrollment procedures, fraud, waste, abuse (FWA) protocols and carrier specific plan information. Without these certifications, you won’t be considered “ready to sell” by Medicare Advantage and Part D plan carriers.
Start Early to Stay Ahead
Don’t wait until September to begin your certifications. Many carriers release their 2026 certification portals as early as June or July. AHIP typically launches in late June. Getting a head start allows you to complete training on your own schedule, avoid delays, and ensure you’re cleared to market plans by October 1.
Complete AHIP Medicare Training
The AHIP (America’s Health Insurance Plans) certification is required by most major Medicare Advantage and Part D carriers. Here’s what to expect:
- Two Key Components:
- Medicare Basics: Covers eligibility, benefits, and plan types (MA, PDP, MAPD).
- Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA): Identifies potential fraud and how to report it.
- Exam Details:
- 50 multiple choice questions
- 3 attempts to score 90% or better
- Failing all 3 attempts means you must repurchase the course; some carriers don’t let agents contract if they fail the first 3 attempts.
Tip: Many carriers offer AHIP discounts through their agent portals. Pinnacle also provides agents a discount. Contact Crowe and Associates for access to Pinnacle’s discount link.
Complete Carrier Certifications
Each Medicare Advantage and PDP carrier has its own certification process. These certifications usually include:
- Product training
- CMS compliance and marketing rules
- Carrier-specific tools and enrollment platforms
Keep Track of Requirements:
- Log into each carrier’s broker portal to check:
- Certification launch dates
- Required modules
- Additional tests or attestations
- Many carriers provide access to AHIP as part of their training
Tip: Keep a spreadsheet of your carrier logins, certification statuses, and deadlines to stay organized.
Use a Certification Checklist
To streamline your process, consider building or using a checklist that includes:
- AHIP registration and completion
- Carrier 1 certification (e.g., Aetna, Humana)
- Carrier 2 certification (e.g., UnitedHealthcare)
- Carrier 3 certification (e.g., Wellcare)
- Product training or market-specific training
- Certification confirmations saved as PDFs
Watch a YouTube video: What you need to know before a Medicare sale (phone or face-to-face).
Don’t Forget Additional Requirements
- Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance: Most carriers require active E&O coverage with minimum limits.
- Background Check Authorization: New agents may be subject to background verification.
- Contracting Updates: Keep your license, and E&O information current with each carrier.
Getting certified early and staying organized gives you a competitive edge going into the 2026 AEP. If you’re working with an FMO or upline, use their support team to guide you through training and contracting. The sooner you’re certified, the sooner you can start pre-AEP marketing and helping clients find the plans they need.
Ready to join the Crowe team; click here for online contracting
Need help or a discounted AHIP link: Reach out to your FMO or email: teal@croweandassociates.com. Pinnacle /Crowe agents can find a list of carrier certification links on Pinnacle’s website; pfsinsurance.com, from there look under the services tab and click on the certifications link.