1) Get Contracted Early
2) Complete Medicare and FWA Training
3) (Re)certify with All Carriers
4) Order Necessary Supplies
5) Finish Product Training
Contract Early: June – early July
As AEP approaches, the turnaround time for processing contracts increases. In the early summer, contracts can usually be processed within three days. However, during the peak season, processing times extend to about five to seven days.
At Essential Care, we offer 24/7 assistance to our agents. Managing your carrier appointments is easy and easily accessible online. Here’s how to request a new contract:
- Send an email to contracts@essentialcare.info with your name, NPN, name of carrier(s) and state(s) where you want that appointment.
- We will get back to you within minutes. New carrier onboarding link is will be sent to you within 24 to 48 hours.
Complete AHIP, Medicare, and FWA Training: Starting Mid-June
If you want to sell Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, you must complete specific certification trainings annually. Most carriers do not require Medicare Supplement agents to undergo these certifications. The Medicare and Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) training covers essential topics such as Medicare fundamentals, CMS guidelines, plan options, marketing strategies, enrollment requirements, and FWA prevention.
Approved Medicare and FWA training is typically offered by third parties, such as AHIP and NABIP. Before selecting a training provider, verify which ones are accepted by your carriers. Consider factors like cost, passing score requirements, and any continuing education credits offered.
(Re)certify with All Carriers: July
Agents must complete market-specific training for each carrier they intend to sell individual Medicare plans for in the upcoming plan year. Many carriers also allow agents to continue selling current year products until the end of the year once the upcoming plan year’s certification is obtained.
To complete your certification, visit each carrier’s agent portal. To streamline the process, we provide guidance and send out emails throughout the summer to inform you when new certifications become available.
Order Supplies: Within 24-48 hours after completing certifications
CMS prohibits carriers from distributing sales materials before October 1. However, it’s important to place your orders early to ensure you’re ready to start enrolling clients on October 15. Log in to your Pinnacle profile , navigate to the Leads and Marketing tab, scroll down to Walmart and Retail, and click on ‘Order Supplies’ in the white menu on the right for instructions on how to order materials.
Finish Product Training Session: August to October
Entering AEP with a clear understanding of the plans you’ll offer—and the products your clients are likely to request—enables you to be better prepared for plan reviews. Completing product training also helps you develop your sales strategy and determine which carriers will play a central role in your offerings.
Product certification methods differ by carrier. Many offer online modules for each product through their agent portals, while others may require face-to-face training, either individually, in groups, or through webinars. Pinnacle’s Summits and your local Medicare Broker Manager carrier product trainings are an excellent opportunity to complete these necessary in-person trainings. We recommend logging in to the carrier’s agent portal or contacting the carrier directly for complete requirements.
Keep in mind, Essential Care is here to support your success! If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Essential Care Insurance Agency also provides Free Programs and Sales Tools for our Agents
Please click on each link to learn more.