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Each year, Medicare agents have to take several tests and certifications before they can offer products to their clients. This year, our AHIP 2025 test tips will help get you up and running for a successful 2025.

Most MA/MAPD and PDP carriers require agents to pass the AHIP although, UHC does not require it, they have their own certification. The 2025 exam is available starting June 24th, 2024.  The 2025 AHIP covers any business you write for the rest of 2024 as well as through 2025.

Watch our YouTube video ” AHIP Test Tips 2025″

The AHIP is a CMS compliant course that is updated each year. This ensures the training is accurate as well as relevant to current CMS regulations.  For this reason, the AHIP 2025 test tips is a great tool for agents to use and complete the AHIP successfully.

Please note: In order to pass the exam, you must receive a grade of 90% to pass the exam. Agents have 2 hours to complete the exam and have 3 attempts to pass.  The exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions.  Those who do not pass after the third attempt, must pay for and retake the course.

Important; if you do not pass in the first 3 attempts, some carriers will not allow you to market their products for the year.

New agents who want to join the team at Crowe; click here for online contracting

If you are a Crowe agent who wants to add a carrier to your existing contract; click here

The cost for AHIP:

AHIP course and exam has a cost of $175. Agents can get a $50 discount by taking it through one of the major carrier’s sites (UHC, Aetna, Humana, etc.).  Any agent who is part of the Pinnacle financial team can also receive are a $50 discount as well.  All you need to do is go to pfsinsurance.com sign in, click on certifications tab and then the AEP Toolkit; from there you scroll down and see a link for the:

Click here for the Pinnacle AHIP discount

Please note; the 2025 AHIP is very similar to the 2024 AHIP

There are some new concepts and rules you need to be aware of.  Click on the link below to watch our video and learn more:

Here is what the AHIP covers:

The first part consists of 5 modules

• Medicare basics; fee-for-service and eligibility as well as benefits
• The different types of Medicare Advantage & prescription drug plans (Part D)
• Who is eligible and what is covered
• Nondiscrimination training
• Requirements for marketing and enrollment of Medicare Advantage as well as Part D/PDP plans

It is important to download each module once you are in it.  This is suggested to help you complete the test later.  If you took the 2024 AHIP, you only need to click through the slides on modules 4 & 5. We recommend clicking on modules 1-3 so you can download the content.  It is also not a bad idea to complete the practice tests at the end of ALL modules; many of those questions will be on the test.

Each module has a 20 question practice test at the end.  Pay attention to the practice questions; most of the test questions come from there.

Once you finish all modules and the exam,  do not forget to take the second part of the AHIP.

The second part covers fraud, waste, and abuse

• Learn how to spot fraud, waste, and abuse (FWA)
• Find out what the Medicare industry is doing to detect fraud
• What are the legal tools that combat FWA
• Understand the human as well as the financial cost of fraud waste and abuse
• Review general compliance requirements for Medicare Parts C and D fraud, waste, and abuse.
• Find out who commits fraud, waste, and abuse
• What are loophole and obligations to reporting fraud, waste and abuse

Once you successfully complete everything,  remember to download your AHIP certificate.  In some cases, carriers allow you to transmit your score directly from the AHIP site, but some require you to upload it into their dashboards yourself.

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Resources for new Medicare agents

 Consider joining an experienced upline/FMO

Agents who contract with an experienced upline/FMO have a much easier time getting up and running.  A good FMO provides invaluable resources for new Medicare agents such as contracting, training, tools and guidance they need to be successful in the Medicare field.

Click here to watch a YouTube video on what Crowe has to offer.

Training

One of the most important tools a good FMO provides is training.  Agents not only need to learn the ins and outs of Medicare and how each plan works but they also need to understand the rules and guidelines put in place by CMS and the insurance carriers.  On top of that, they need to know where to get leads and how to make a sale once they have the leads.  As you can see there is a lot of things an agent needs to know before they have a successful Medicare sales business.

Crowe provides our agents multiple ways to get the knowledge they need to succeed including webinars, zoom meetings, in-person training events, one-on-one phone calls with our sales directors, back-office staff or Ed Crowe.  If this is something you would like, we can partner new agents with an experienced agent who can provide guidance.

Learn more about Medicare agent training opportunities.

Visit our events and information page and stay up to date on our upcoming webinars and zoom meetings.

E&O Insurance

Before you contract with the carriers or make a sale, you need to have E& O insurance in place.  E&O protects you in the event you make a mistake in the sale of an insurance product that costs your client a lot of money.  Click here to learn about our discounted E& O Coverage options.

Build an Online Presence

These days everyone is online, that is why it is important to create an online presence.  Once you do, clients can find you easily and see what you have to offer.  An online presence also helps build brand recognition which lends itself to credibility.  There are several ways to do online marketing including, building a website.  Because Crowe and Associates is part of Pinnacle Financial services, our agents have access to their design team who provide free website design help, logo creation, digital marketing or help creating mailers.

there are other ways to create a solid online presence including through a Facebook page, LinkedIn or YouTube just to name a few.

Click here to learn how to create a Facebook business page.

As we mentioned above, the best way to build an online presence is through a website.  Adding a blog to your website is a great way to present helpful tips and information.

Click here to learn how to create a blog.

Quoting and Enrollment

Once you have a good idea of all the rules, regulations and plan details, you will need a quoting and enrollment site you can use to enter each client’s information and show them comparisons of the top plans that fit their needs and budget.  Crowe and Associates provides our agents with free quoting and enrollment tools.

Make sure you fill the application out correctly

We provide the technology that makes quick and accurate comparisons easy. Our quote engines, Sunfire & Connecture provide agents with a built in CRM to store the client’s information including name, address, birthdate, Medicare ID, Medications. pharmacies and doctors.  The CRM makes running a quote quick and easy once you ensure the client’s information is up to date.  Our quote engines also provide agents a PURL (quoting and enrollment link) you can add to your website so clients can run their own quotes and even enroll if they want.

Watch a YouTube video – how to use Sunfire

See how to use Connecture to quote and enroll

Call Recording Rules

All agents need to be aware when CMS’ implements a rule.  You need to be aware of the CMS call recording rule. This rule requires agents to record all sales, marketing, and phone enrollment calls.

Learn the rules for collecting a scope of appointment

Find out about the Medicare sales event guidelines

Both Connecture and Sunfire have call recording capabilities that keep our agents compliant.

Take a look at the 2024 Medicare advantage commissions.

If you are already contracted with Crowe and want to add a carrier, click here

How to find leads

Watch a quick video on ways to generate Medicare leads

Now that you are contracted and ready to sell, you might need some leads so you can start selling.  You can use some of the online lead sources we mentioned in previous paragraphs, but there are many more ways to get Medicare leads.

Click here to learn how to get Medicare referrals

There are numerous companies that offer all different types of leads such as live transfers or mailers.  Whatever lead sources you choose make sure the leads are CMS compliant.

More information for Medicare agents

Visit our events and information page and stay up to date on our upcoming webinars and zoom meetings

Insurance sales training

Anyone who wants to enter the field of Medicare sales, will need to have insurance agent training before they meet with any potential clients. Crowe and Associates offers Medicare agents access to several types of training tools.  We provide free information on our website, YouTube channel as well as weekly informational webinars and zoom meetings geared for either beginners or experienced agents.

Think about joining an FMO

Getting started in insurance sales can be confusing, especially if you are trying to get it done on your own.  An good FMO provides guidance and support not only to new agents but to experienced agents as well.  Agents receive back office support as well as resources and tools that can make your business run effectively.  it is important to choose an FMO that provides the support you need.  Be sure to ask as many questions as you need to and contact as many as you need.  Agents need to feel comfortable with their upline and secure knowing they will be there to answer your questions when they arise.

See what we offer Medicare agents

Decide what products to offer

We will focus on Medicare products, because that is the largest part of what we offer.  If you are unsure which products you are going to offer clients, your FMO should assist you in choosing a reasonable number of Medicare and ancillary products to get started.  It is best not to overwhelm yourself and get discouraged.   A good FMO will run a quote in the area you plan to sell in and provide you with a few of the top carriers in each product type to et you started.  This is easy to do with a good quote engine and takes only a few minutes.

Join the team at Crowe – click here for online contracting

Contracting and Certifications

After you choose the products and carriers you are going to offer, you must complete contracting.  Your FMO should be able to help get this done.  Once you receive your contracting links, you can complete them along with your carrier certifications(carrier specific training you do to gain knowledge about the products you are offering).   When this is done, you will receive your RTS (ready to sell) and you can now offer that product.

websites and blogs focused on Medicare sales.  Here you will be able to access information regarding all aspects of Medicare sales.  Our recorded webinars will hit on just about every area of Medicare sales.   For those, very new to Medicare sales, be sure to access our Medicare sales quick guide to lean the basics about contracting, certifying and selling.

Because Medicare is a federal program, there are a lot of rules and regulations agents must adhere to. These rules protect the clients as well as the agents and ensure everyone conducts business in a compliant and fair way.  CMS mandates that agents take annual training courses to stay up to ate with all the regulations.  That is why agents need to take and pas the AHIP annually with a score of 90% or higher.

Watch a quick YouTube video for 2024 AHIP test tips

Sales training

New agents often need more guidance to get an idea of how to get started. Comprehensive training programs provide an understanding of things like; eligibility, enrollment and coverage options.  We provide newer agents weekly zoom training to help them feel confident and build their knowledge base.  We are also available for a one on one meeting or phone call.  In some cases agents may have an opportunity to pair up with a local agent and go on sales calls.

Product training

In the Medicare field, clients have soo many types of coverage offered by many carriers to consider. This means agents must be aware of new products and changes in plan products as well  what their client is looking for.  That is why agents complete specific product training, so they can ensure their client receives the coverage they need and can afford.  We provide the opportunity for agents to join one of our weekly zoom meetings or webinars to get updated information and ask questions if they are unsure about anything.

Anyone can find information on our website or YouTube channel.  We update our Events and information page so agents can easily find a webinar or event information on our website, just click on the link below.

Click here to view our updated Events and information post

Access the recorded webinars on various topics on our YouTube channel, just click on the link below:

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and view all our recorded training and informational videos

Learn to use our free quoting and enrollment tools

We provide our agents with a few ways to quote and enroll clients in a CMS complain way. Sunfire and Connecture are two of the tools we offer at no cost to our agents. Both of these tools provide  a CRM as well as the ability to record sales calls and remain compliant.

Take a look at a Sunfire enrollment demonstration

Networking and Business Development Training

Agents require more training once they have a handle on the ins and outs of Medicare and the carrier plans.  Some people require advice to help the design a business plan. They may need a strategy for networking opportunities, leads, and business development.  These tools will establish their place in the community and build a book of business.

Generate Medicare referrals

Medicare lead program

Our agents have an opportunity to participate in our Medicare lead program to.  We provide agents up $500 a month to offset lead and marketing costs.  There are no minimums to start and absolutely no reduction in compensation.

More info on our Free Medicare Lead Program

What does a Medicare agent earn

Each year CMS sets the maximum amount for Medicare commissions.  Click here to see the commission rates for 2024 

Watch a YouTube video to see the CMS proposed changes to agent compensation

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What is a DSNP

If you are an insurance agent or you have seen some of the Medicare commercials on tv, you have probably heard about dual eligible special needs plans or DSNPs.  This might make you wonder, what is a DSNP.

DSNPs are Medicare Advantage plans that provide specialized healthcare benefits to qualified individuals who have both Medicare and Medicaid benefits.

Why are DSNP plans a good choice

For many beneficiaries who qualify for dual-eligible healthcare benefits, it may be difficult to coordinate their health care benefits between Medicare and Medicaid. That is why the DSNP (special needs plans) area a good choice.  These plans provide members with an easy way to manage their healthcare coverage with the use of 1 plan as opposed to multiple plans and ID cards.

DSNP plans all include prescription drug coverage as well as some of the benefits in listed below.

Please note: each plan provides its own list of benefits.  To view a full list of benefits for a particular plan, check the Summary of benefits or evidence of coverage.

1. $0 plan premiums
2. Coordination of healthcare services
3. Dental benefits
4.  Hearing benefits
5.  Hearing benefits
6.  An allowance for OTC items
7.  Free transportation to and from doctor’s visits
8.  Fitness programs
9.  Telehealth services
10.  An allowance for healthy foods or other items

Who offers DSNP plans

DSNPs are offered to qualified beneficiaries through private insurance companies. The insurance companies that offer the plans are required to include all benefits that Original Medicare covers (Part A & Part B). Each individual state controls the extra benefits that providers can offer.  These plans are not available in all states.

You can quickly find out which plans are available in each state by running a quote on Connecture or Sunfire.

Click here to watch a quick YouTube video on using Connecture and Sunfire

There are different types of DSNP plans

Each type of DSNP is based on your level of eligibility for Medicaid.  Insurnace carriers offer a limited choice of DSNP plans based on the service area.  The level are as follows:

1. All-Dual
2. Full-Benefit
3. Medicare Zero Cost Sharing
4. Dula Eligible Subset
5. Dual Eligible Subset Medicare Zero Cost Sharing

Who is eligible for a DSNP plan

Beneficiaries may be eligible for a DSNP plan if they have dual coverage from both Medicare and Medicaid. In order to qualify for Medicare benefits you must:

1. Either be a US citizen or a legal resident for a minimum of 5 years.
2. Be 65 years old or have a qualifying disability if you are under 65 years old.
3. To qualify for free Medicare Part A, you need to have worked at a Social Security qualified job for at least 40 quarters (10 years).

In order to receive Medicaid benefits, you must:

1. Be a US citizen or meet other immigration requirements and reside in the state in which you qualify.
2. Have a valid Social Security number.
3. You must either be 65 or older or have a permanent disability as defined by the Social Security administration.
4. Have an income level that does not exceed your state’s income threshold.

Find out if you qualify for state Medicaid benefits

As a licensed insurance agent, you can help sort out all the plan choices as well as the additional benefits each plan offers so your clients feel confident in their plan choice.

Learn the difference between Medicare and Medicaid

Be a part of our team – click here for online contracting.

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Best Medicare FMO For New Agents

Having a good field marketing organization (FMO) can be a huge boost to an agent’s career. Crowe and Associates is one of the best Medicare FMO for new agents. They can offer access to lead money, free training programs, enrollment platforms, and support from the people who have already done the task of building an agency. Crowe and Associates can provide agents with access to Medicare in all 50 states in the country, as well as access to other lines of insurance businesses such as life, annuity, final expense, health, indemnity products, and long-term care.

One of the reasons that Crowe and Associates stands out from the crowd of other FMOs is that they started as literally one agent without a single Medicare client. They have built themselves from the ground up, and understand all the steps and missteps that new agents and agencies are likely to take as well as the support they will need to succeed. Their agent programs are designed on the real-life experience of their founder, and they are still independently run and now backed by Pinnacle Financial Services.

Services that Crowe and Associates offer agents and agencies who join them.

The Turn-Key Turning 65 Seminar Program

This is an educational seminar that Crowe and Associates provides that averages at more than 50 attendees per session. They also provide sample seminars, hands-on training, and guidance from start to finish. Crowe and Associates can also cover 50% of the first seminar for new agents and up to $500 of the cost for future seminars.

Monthly Medicare Lead and Marketing Reimbursement

Every agent who works with Crowe and Associates has access to up to $500 in monthly lead and marketing reimbursement, without decreasing their commissions. Agents send in their receipts and Crowe and Associates will send them up to $500 a month in support.

Access to Connect4Medicare Online Enrollment Software

Agents with Crowe and Associates can access Sunfire, Connecture, and MyMedicarebot for quotes, comparisons, and enrollments at no charge to them. This can lead to direct sales and enrollment without even a need for a face to face meeting, increasing agent’s commission easily.

Free Website, Graphics, and SEO for Agents

Crowe and Associates will also provide a free URL for agents.   This URL is CMS-compliant. Quote and enrollment platforms are built right in. Again, this is at no cost to the agent. There is also support and guidance available for SEO and advertising on sites like Youtube, Google Ads, Facebook, and more.

Support and Training

Full-time, in-person support is provided at both the CT and PA locations of Crowe and Associates. They provide training for day-to-day sales, online training programs from both locations, and their favorite activity is helping agents and agencies build their business and their revenue.

Medicare agents – Click here to see what Crowe and Associates has to offer 

Keep up with all of our current events by clicking here. 

Ready to contract?   Begin here.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel.   We provide weekly training and informational webinars.

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