As the 2027 Medicare sales season approaches, insurance agents must prepare early to meet certification requirements and remain compliant. Two major certifications central to that preparation include the AHIP (America’s Health Insurance Plans) and NAHIP (National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals). Understanding how each works, what’s changing, and how to choose the right option can help you get ahead before the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).
Certification Season Begins in June
Both AHIP and NABIP will release their 2027 Medicare certification training on June 22, 2026, allowing agents to start their annual certification process.
It is important to note that the 2026 AHIP Medicare training will close a few days earlier on June 18. Agents who plan to certify to sell 2026 plans through the rest of the year need to complete the certification before it closes.
Checking these certifications off your to-do list early helps you avoid delays when carrier certifications open later in the summer.
AHIP Certification: What’s New for 2027?
The AHIP certification is the most widely accepted Medicare training option among carriers. It includes coursework covering Medicare fundamentals, compliance standards, and Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) requirements.
There are a few new updates for 2027 to be aware of:
- New Season Timeline: Training opens June 22, with prior-year certification closing right before that on the 18.
- Sales Tax Considerations: Some agents may now be charged sales tax on AHIP training depending on their state regulations, which could slightly increase the total cost.
- Ongoing CMS Alignment: As always, the AHIP training has been updated to meet CMS compliance standards for the upcoming plan year.
Because of its broad carrier acceptance, AHIP is considered the “default” certification route for agents who want maximum flexibility across multiple insurance partners.
NABIP Certification: A Growing Alternative
NABIP offers another opportunity for completing required Medicare certification through its Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Compliance Requirements (MMACR) course.
Here’s what to know for 2027:
- Same Launch Date as AHIP: NABIP also becomes available on June 22, 2026.
- Affordable Pricing: The course is typically priced around $100.
- CE Credits Included: Agents can earn continuing education credits as part of the training at no additional cost.
- Carrier Acceptance: More than 50 carriers accept NABIP certification (not all do).
It’s important to note that, unlike AHIP, NABIP may not be universally accepted, making it essential to confirm whether your contracted carriers do before choosing this certification route. You can see a full list of carriers who will accept this certification in Plan Year 2027 here.
*Reminder: if you have purchased and not completed the 2026 NABIP Medicare certification, you must do so by June 30.*
AHIP vs. NABIP: Which Should You Choose?
Both certifications fulfill CMS training requirements, but the best choice depends on your individual needs and business strategy.
AHIP is a better fit if you:
- Work with a wide range of carriers
- Want a widely accepted, standardized education
- Prefer a universally recognized option
NABIP may make sense if you:
- Are focused on specific carriers that accept it
- Want to reduce upfront costs
- Value built-in education credits
Reminders Before Certificaitons Open
Regardless of which certifications you choose, keep the following things in mind:
- Verify carrier requirements early to avoid more work later
- Watch certification deadlines closely, especially for prior-year certifications
- You must upload proof of certification completion promptly to each carrier system
- You want to complete the certification as soon as possible to stay on track for AEP readiness
Get Ahead of AEP
Medicare certification season is more than just a requirement; it’s your opportunity to set yourself up for a successful enrollment period. Starting early, choosing the right certification path, and staying organized can make all the difference when AEP begins.
By understanding the differences between AHIP and NABIP and preparing now, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running for the 2027 enrollment season.
As the 2027 Carrier and Certification links become available, we will provide and update you with more information.
You can view 2026 information here.
