AEP Readiness

Carrier-Specific Certification Launches & Deadlines

(Note: Check with each carrier to be certain of the dates listed below.)

Carrier Certification
Launch            
Notes on Cutoffs

What This Means for Agents

1. Complete AHIP early (as early as June 23, 2025) so you can access carrier portals and tools immediately. If you delay, the 2025 course becomes inaccessible on June 19.

2. Get carrier certification as soon as its portal opens, to secure access to marketing materials, quoting platforms, and hierarchies.

3. Many carriers may enforce “ready-to-sell” milestones, beyond just course completion—like hierarchy updates or enrollment forms.

4. Expect blackout periods or “freeze dates” in October (especially post-October 1), when credential changes are locked down before AEP.

5. For carriers with late July platforms, finishing the certification by early or mid-October is critical to avoid delays or commission disruptions.

Checklist for Agents Preparing for 2026 AEP

•  Start AHIP certification on or soon after June 23, 2025

•  Target each carrier’s launch date:

  • UHC: June 8

  • Aetna: June 25

  • Humana: July 8

  • Others: between June 20 and mid‑July

•  Aim to complete all carrier product and FWA training by early October

•  Monitor for hierarchy freeze dates beginning October 1

•  Confirm with your FMO or internal agency platform for any carrier-specific cutoff dates (especially for plan types like SNPs or pharmacy networks)

•  Keep evidence of completed certification (PDFs, login screenshots) for compliance and contracting requests.