AHIP 2027 certification is now open — and if you have not started yet, now is the time. The 2027 Medicare + Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) training launched on June 22, 2026, and every broker who wants to sell Medicare Advantage (MA) and Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) during the 2027 Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) must complete it before selling begins.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know: what AHIP is, how to pass it on your first attempt, where to get the $50 discount, which carriers accept NABIP as an alternative, key deadlines, and how to build your full 2027 certification schedule.
What Is AHIP Certification and Why Do Brokers Need It?
AHIP stands for America’s Health Insurance Plans. Their annual Medicare certification program is the most widely accepted Medicare compliance training in the industry. CMS requires that all agents and brokers who sell Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug Plans complete annual Medicare training and testing before they are permitted to enroll beneficiaries.
Without a valid AHIP — or an approved equivalent — for the current plan year, carriers will not grant you ready-to-sell status, and any enrollments you submit may be rejected or result in compliance violations.
What AHIP 2027 Training Covers:
- Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D — structures, eligibility, and enrollment rules
- Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan regulations
- CMS marketing and communication guidelines for 2027
- Scope of Appointment (SOA) rules and updates
- Educational vs. marketing event distinctions
- Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) prevention and detection
- Election periods including AEP, OEP, and Special Enrollment Periods
- Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) and dual-eligible rules
- Appeals, grievances, and pre-enrollment checklist requirements
Broker Takeaway: AHIP is open-book. You can reference the training modules while taking the exam. Take notes during each module — questions on the final exam closely mirror the module content.
AHIP 2027 Exam Details
Before you sit for the exam, know exactly what to expect:
| Detail | 2027 Requirement |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 50 questions |
| Time Limit | 2 hours |
| Passing Score | 90% (45 out of 50 correct) |
| Attempts Allowed | 3 (before repurchase required) |
| Standard Price | $175 |
| Discounted Price (via carrier/FMO link) | $125 (save $50) |
| CE Credits | Available in most states — select at registration |
| Format | Online, self-paced, open-book |
| Certification Opens | June 22, 2026 |
Important: Once you begin the final exam, do not navigate away from the browser window. Leaving the exam page may count as a failed attempt.
How to Complete AHIP 2027 — Step by Step
Step 1: Access AHIP Through a Discount Link
Register at ahip.org or through a carrier or FMO discount link. Using an approved link automatically applies the $50 discount — reducing your cost from $175 to $125. Confirm you see the carrier or FMO logo in the top right corner of the AHIP portal before completing your purchase.
Step 2: Complete the Training Modules
AHIP 2027 includes five modules. If you completed AHIP in a prior year, you can typically skip Modules 1 and 2. Modules 4 and 5 contain timed slides that cannot be skipped. Given ongoing Inflation Reduction Act changes to Medicare Part D, reviewing Module 3 is strongly recommended even for experienced agents.
Step 3: Use the Module Quizzes as Your Study Tool
The module quizzes are the best preparation for the final exam. Topics with extra emphasis in AHIP 2027 include Scope of Appointment updates, educational vs. marketing event rules, Medicare Savings Accounts, and FWA scenarios.
Step 4: Pass the Final Exam
Score 90% or higher. You have 2 hours and up to 3 attempts. If you fail after two attempts, contact your FMO before your third try — do not use your final attempt unprepared.
Step 5: Complete the FWA Module
After passing the main Medicare exam, complete the Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training. This is a separate required module. Your AHIP certification is not complete until both are finished.
Step 6: Transmit Your Certification to Carriers
After completing AHIP, log into each carrier portal and transmit your score. Some carriers automate this through the AHIP portal; others require manual transmission.
Broker Takeaway: Complete AHIP before July to stay ahead of carrier blackout periods that typically begin September 1 or October 1. Starting late costs you AEP selling days.
AHIP vs. NABIP: Which Should You Choose for 2027?
| Feature | AHIP | NABIP |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $175 ($125 with discount) | $100 |
| Carrier Acceptance | Virtually all MA/PDP carriers | 57+ carriers and growing |
| Opens | June 22, 2026 | June 22, 2026 |
| CMS Compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Broad, multi-carrier portfolios | Focused NABIP-accepting carrier sets |
If you sell with UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Cigna, Elevance, or BCBS, complete AHIP. Before choosing NABIP, verify acceptance with every carrier in your portfolio.
2027 Carrier Certification Dates
| Carrier | 2027 Opens | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | June 1 (Fast Track) / June 8 (Standard) | Already live |
| Aetna | June 23 | New Aetna Academy portal |
| Devoted Health | June 23 | Live |
| Florida Blue | June 22 | AHIP transfer required first |
| Elevance / Anthem | June 30 | Portal transition June 19–29 |
| Humana | July 8 | $125 AHIP discount via Vantage |
| Wellcare / Allwell | July 21 | Centene Workbench portal |
| Molina Healthcare | Tentative July 6–9 | D-SNP only; verify in portal |
| Independence Blue Cross | July 22 | — |
| Zing Health | June 23 | Live |
Always verify dates directly with each carrier’s producer portal or your FMO. For official CMS certification requirements, visit CMS.gov.
Broker Takeaway: At many carriers, AHIP 2027 also satisfies your 2026 ready-to-sell requirement. Always verify with each carrier directly.
Key 2027 Certification Deadlines
- June 22, 2026: AHIP and NABIP 2027 training open
- July–August 2026: Carrier certifications open in waves
- September 1–October 1, 2026: Most carrier blackout periods begin
- October 15, 2026: AEP opens — must be ready-to-sell at every carrier
- December 7, 2026: AEP closes
- December 20–31, 2026: Certification deadline to retain renewal commissions
How Affordable Care Agents Supports Your 2027 Certifications
- AHIP discount access — Get $50 off through our FMO link
- Carrier certification tracking — We monitor launch dates and notify brokers as certifications open
- Certification support — Our team helps with portal issues and exam preparation
- Multi-carrier contracting — Complete AHIP once, certify with multiple top carriers simultaneously
- CMS compliance guidance — Stay current on 2027 marketing rules and SOA updates
- AEP production training — Tools and strategy to maximize AEP results
Contact Affordable Care Agents today to get your AHIP 2027 discount link and start certifications →
Frequently Asked Questions — AHIP 2027
When does AHIP 2027 certification open?
AHIP 2027 opened on June 22, 2026. Agents can begin through the Affordable Care Agents discount link at www.ahipmedicaretraining.com/clients/oim or through any carrier or FMO discount link.
How much does AHIP 2027 cost?
Standard price is $175. With a carrier or FMO discount link, you pay $125 — saving $50. Access the approved link before purchasing to receive the discount.
What score do I need to pass?
90% or higher — 45 out of 50 questions. You have up to 3 attempts. Contact your FMO for support if you fail the first or second attempt.
Do I have to complete all five modules?
Prior-year completers can typically skip Modules 1 and 2. Modules 4 and 5 have timed slides that cannot be skipped. Module 3 covers Part D changes and is strongly recommended for all agents.
Does AHIP 2027 cover my 2026 selling status?
At many carriers, yes. Completing AHIP 2027 satisfies ready-to-sell for both 2026 and 2027. Always verify directly with each carrier.
Can I use NABIP instead of AHIP?
NABIP is CMS-approved and accepted by 57+ carriers at $100. If any carrier requires AHIP specifically, complete AHIP for full flexibility.
What happens if I miss AEP certification?
Without certification before October 15, you cannot enroll beneficiaries in MA or Part D plans during AEP. Missing December deadlines can result in loss of renewal commissions.
When do carrier certifications open?
UnitedHealthcare: June 1–8. Aetna/Devoted: June 23. Humana: July 8. Wellcare: July 21. Complete AHIP first, then certify with carriers as they open.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, financial, medical, insurance, or compliance advice. Insurance laws, Medicare and Medicaid regulations, Affordable Care Act Marketplace rules, carrier policies, commissions, plan availability, eligibility requirements, and state regulations may change and may vary by jurisdiction. Readers should verify current information through official sources such as CMS, Medicare.gov, Healthcare.gov, IRS.gov, state Departments of Insurance, and applicable insurance carriers before making insurance or business decisions. Affordable Care Agents is a national FMO, IMO, and insurance brokerage. Publication does not constitute an offer of insurance or a guarantee of coverage, contracting, compensation, eligibility, or regulatory compliance.
