2021 AHIP was released on June 22nd at the price of $175 through their official website. However, there are some opportunities through some of our carrier partners that will give you a reduced cost. They will also offer an incentive and a reimbursement on that product if you exceed a certain amount of production during AEP. After completing your 2021 certification, you will be licensed to sell 2020 for the remainder of the year and 2021 plans starting this AEP with a 1/1/21 effective date.
Good news! While the 2021 AHIP still has the 5 core modules like in years past, for those of you who are taking AHIP for at least the second year, you're only required to complete the 4th and 5th modules, but we strongly recommend reviewing all 5.
Something to focus on this year is a 20 question review quiz for each module, so you may decide to go back through all 5 for review. The quiz isn't graded, but you must take all 5. It will tell you what you get right and wrong, so take notes. These quizzes are great study tools, and you can even download the modules as PDFs to use as study material!
The final exam still looks the same with 50 questions, and 3 attempts to get a passing score of a 90%. We have found that a large percentage of the final exam questions come from the modules and review quizzes. We recommend paying close attention and taking notes on the modules and review quizzes. Keep in mind that all of the questions will not be straight forward definitions or identification, they will require you to apply your knowledge.
After passing the final exam, you still aren't quite done. You will have to complete three more training modules which are Nondiscrimination Training, Medicare Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Training, and General Compliance Training. These modules also have review quizzes followed by a graded exam. There are 10 questions and you must score a passing grade of 70%.
As a whole, we think that this year's AHIP is well designed and fair, but that doesn't mean you don't need to prepare and study. Be sure to focus on the following topics:
We would like to show you where you can find a lot of information that we offer on our website that is free to use and offered 24/7. Go to our Medicare Advantage Resource Center to find information on every MAPD carrier associated with Eldercare.
First and foremost, look for the AHIP launch button. This will bring you directly to the AHIP site where you can take the 2021 AHIP certification. Using this resource will bring you directly to AHIP, where it will cost $175 to take the annual certification.
AHIP's website is a single source for both Medicare and Fraud, Waste and Abuse (FWA) training. Their comprehensive online program covers the basics of Medicare eligibility and benefits, types of Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans, eligibility and coverage, nondiscrimination training, and marketing and enrollment under the Medicare Advantage and Part D program requirements.
UnitedHealthCare opened their certification on Jun 29th, Anthem's certification was released on June 30th, Humana released their certification on June 30th, and Aetna's certification was released on July 1st. WellCare / Allwell-Centene will release their certification on July 7th, and BlueCross BlueShield NC and BlueCross BlueShield SC will both release their certification on July 8th.
Going back to the MAPD Resource Center and clicking Sort by Carrier, you will find the Humana button to see how to do business with Humana, certification instructions, requests for ordering supplies, the agent portal, as well as accessing your certification for both the carrier and for AHIP. Every major carrier that we work with has a page that includes this information.
If you are a new-to-Eldercare agent or you do not currently have access to one of the carriers you see here, feel free to call 800-777-9322 and let us know that you are interested in learning more and one of our agent partner specialists will help you get contracted or answer any questions that you may have. This can all be found on our MAPD Resource Center located behind our agent portal.
As you’ve seen on our MAPD Resource Center, we have a lot of information for you to take advantage of. We thank you for your partnership with Eldercare and for giving us the opportunity to earn and grow your business this year.