Is AHIP the same as FFM?

Asked by: Dr. Manley Mosciski  |  Last update: October 8, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (16 votes)

While FFM certification applies to ACA/under-65 health products, AHIP certification applies to Medicare products. FFM training is managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) through their Marketplace Learning Management System (MLMS).

What does it mean to be FFM certified?

This is an annual certification that ensures that agents are knowledgeable about ACA regulations and can effectively guide clients through the marketplace enrollment process. Why is FFM Certification Important? Compliance: Ensures you meet federal guidelines for selling ACA plans.

What does FFM mean in Medicaid?

The Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM), operated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in accordance with federal standards, is an online marketplace where individuals are able to purchase health insurance.

What is AHIP certification?

AHIP (stands for America's Health Insurance Plans) certification is accepted by all and required by most carriers if insurance agents want to legally sell Medicare Advantage (MA) or Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) for the current certification year.

How do I know if I'm FFM certified?

The information within the Agent and Broker Marketplace Registration Tracker should be used to check the completion status of an agent or broker in meeting registration requirements for the Federally-facilitated Marketplace (FFM) or a State-based Marketplace on the Federal Platform (SBM-FP) for the Individual ...

Japan's Genius Idea to Builds New World's Largest Warships since the End of WWII

43 related questions found

Is FFM the same as AHIP?

What's the Difference Between FFM & AHIP Certification? Like AHIP, FFM certification is a federal requirement, however, there is no cost associated with the FFM certification! While FFM certification applies to ACA/under-65 health products, AHIP certification applies to Medicare products.

How long does it take to become FFM certified?

The full version of the FFM certification will take a few hours to complete. There are 10 training modules and four exams.

Is AHIP hard to pass?

Many returning Medicare agents say AHIP is easy — once you get the hang of it. Nobody's perfect, especially when learning something new! If you get more questions incorrect than you thought you would, or if you fail your first time taking the final AHIP exam, don't fret. Just study up on those areas a little more.

How long does it take to get AHIP certified?

How many hours does it take to complete AHIP training? The AHIP test itself is timed (you have 2 hours to complete the final exam), but the training modules you'll be given prior to your test are not timed. They can take up to several hours to complete depending on how familiar you are with the material.

Do I need AHIP to sell Medicare?

To sell Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) and Prescription Drug (PDP) plans, agents need to complete their America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) certification.

What states use the FFM?

Federally-run marketplace (these states rely entirely on HealthCare.gov and are FFM states)
  • Alabama.
  • Alaska.
  • Arizona.
  • Florida.
  • Hawaii.
  • Indiana.
  • Kansas*
  • Louisiana.

What is a FFM application?

Federally-facilitated Marketplace (FFM): In a Federally-facilitated Marketplace, HHS performs all Marketplace functions. Consumers in FFM states apply for and enroll in coverage through Healthcare.gov.

What does FFM mean in hospital?

Abbreviations: FM, fat mass; FFM, fat-free mass; SAT, subcutaneous...

How long does FFM last?

The FFM consists of 10 events designed to simulate critical, physically demanding tasks faced by firefighters during an emergency. Each event has a separate time limit, and the test overall lasts approximately 20 minutes.

What is FFM in Medicaid?

Federally Facilitated Marketplace. The Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) MAC Learning Collaborative provides a forum for states that are interfacing with the FFM for eligibility and enrollment functions.

How many times can I take the FFM exam?

Candidates will have the ability to take the FFM as many times as needed to pass. Each attempt at the FFM will require the same payment as the initial testing process.

How much does AHIP cost?

Make AHIP Your Partner in Success. Become an Individual Member. The annual Individual Membership fee is $295. Benefits and dues rates will be effective for 12 months from the date your membership is approved.

What license is needed to sell Medicare?

Get AHIP training

Insurance carriers require this training for Medicare insurance agents to ensure that they understand and stay updated with the latest CMS regulations and guidelines. Those who acquire AHIP certification must pay a fee of $175, and they can take the course online.

What is AHIP in Medicare?

AHIP (formerly America's Health Insurance Plans) is an American political advocacy and trade association of health insurance companies that offer coverage through the employer-provided, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid managed care, and individual markets. AHIP. Formation. 2003. Type.

Is the AHIP exam open book?

While the course content and final exam questions are subject to change each year, if you're up to date on the latest CMS regulations and truly understand them, we generally think you should be able to pass. Remember AHIP is an open-book test, but it covers a lot of material.

What is the hardest insurance exam to pass?

Each insurance licensing exam presents its own challenge. Between Life and Health, students say that the Health insurance exam is the more difficult. Health insurance policies are simply more complicated than life insurance policies. The Property insurance exam is easier than the Casualty insurance exam.

How much does FFM certification cost?

While AHIP is required for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, FFM certification applies to ACA health plans. Unlike AHIP, the FFM is free and managed directly by CMS.

How long does it take to get certified with Issa?

Certified Personal Trainer Live Learning Experience: 3 months to complete. Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Course: 6 months to complete. Specialization Courses: 8 months to complete.

What is the user fee for the FFM?

The Marketplaces rely on user fees to remain financially viable and sustainably meet necessary obligations. For the 2026 benefit year, CMS is finalizing an FFM user fee rate of 2.5% of monthly premiums, and a State-based Marketplace on the Federal platform (SBM-FP) user fee rate to 2.0%of monthly premiums.