AHIP vs. NABIP: What Medicare Agents Need for AEP Certification
For independent agents offering Medicare Advantage and Part D products, there’s no season more critical than the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). And the first step to making the most of AEP? Getting certified.
If you plan to sell Medicare Advantage (MA), MA-PD, or standalone Part D (PDP) plans, you must complete either AHIP or NABIP certification—a requirement by CMS and nearly all participating carriers. These certifications don’t just check a compliance box; they’re your license to sell during the most profitable 54 days of the year.
The question is: which certification should you choose, and what’s the difference? Let’s break it down.
What Are AHIP and NABIP Certifications?
Both AHIP and NABIP offer annual certification programs that meet CMS’ Medicare + Fraud, Waste & Abuse (MFWA) training requirements. Completing either one will make you eligible to certify with carriers that accept them for MA and PDP plans.
AHIP (America’s Health Insurance Plans) is the more established and widely recognized option.
NABIP (National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals, formerly NAHU) is a newer alternative developed with agents in mind.
AHIP Certification: What You Get
Cost: Starts at $175
CE Credits: Available in all 50 states + D.C. and Puerto Rico
Benefits:
- Trusted by most major carriers
- Includes quizzes after each module
- Easy score submission to multiple carriers
- Regularly updated to match CMS guidelines
- CE credits available (state-dependent)
- Recognized across the industry as the gold standard
Content Covers:
- Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D
- Enrollment periods and rules
- Marketing & compliance dos and don’ts
- Deep dive into fraud, waste, and abuse (FWA)
- Legal guidelines and ethics in Medicare sales
Insider Tip: Many carriers offer $50 discounts on AHIP if you complete it through their portal. Always check your carrier’s certification platform before purchasing.
Deadlines and Timing: Don’t Wait Too Long
Both AHIP and NABIP went live in June, and agents should complete certification well before October 15 to be AEP-ready. That means knocking out your training by August or early September at the latest, so you have time for carrier-specific certifications, marketing prep, and scheduling appointments.
What’s the Right Choice for You?
Choose AHIP if:
- You work with national carriers like Aetna, Humana, or UnitedHealthcare
- You want widespread carrier acceptance
- You’re new to Medicare and want more comprehensive training
Choose NABIP if:
- You’re an experienced agent and want a more streamlined course
- Your carriers accept NABIP (check their list)
- You value built-in CE credits and lower cost
Either path works; as long as you get certified early and confirm your carriers’ requirements.
Certification Is Just the Beginning
Completing your AHIP or NABIP training is step one. You’ll still need to complete carrier certifications for each plan sponsor you represent. These trainings often go live in late summer and include plan-specific content, benefits updates, and platform training.
Looking Ahead: IAD’s Agent Training Series
At Insurance Advisors Direct, we’re developing our own exclusive training tracks to support agents beyond compliance. Our upcoming agent programs will include:
- Certification walkthroughs
- Carrier-specific cheat sheets
- Client-ready marketing templates
- Compliance refreshers for sales scenarios
- On-demand webinars and coaching
These resources are designed to complement your AHIP or NABIP training, giving you practical tools to apply your knowledge in the field.
Certify Early, Sell Smart
The earlier you complete your certification, the more time you have to prepare for the busiest sales season of the year. Whether you choose AHIP or NABIP, the key is being informed, proactive, and carrier-ready.
When certification is out of the way, you can focus on what matters most: booking appointments, educating clients, and writing business.
Need help figuring out what your carriers require or want support getting certified?
Reach out to the IAD team here; we’re happy to guide you.
