Comments on: Geisinger Health Plan announces release of Free CMS-Sponsored Medicare Advantage Compliance Certification for 2010 (Replaces AHIP Certification)

By: Brenda Jo

Brenda Jo — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:49:02 +0000

Thanks Craig, I’ll try that. I looked through the users guide that came with my Highmark instructions but couldn’t see anywhere that addressed it except that where they picked the plan organization, it seemed as though they had selected two. I’ll try this today and let you know if I hear anything else on this. Thanks again…

By: Craig

Craig — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:01:09 +0000

Brenda: I had the same problem, but I think I might have found a way around it (not 100% sure). Instead of going directly to the training site to log in, go to the REGISTRATION site. There is a link to the right of the CMS logo which says, if you've previously registered with us, click here. After you click the link, log into that using your existing ID and Password. Instead of going directly to the training center, you will go back to the registration page (with your info prefilled). Now, hold down the key and click on Geisinger, then Highmark (this should allow you to highlight both) and click submit. Frankly, I have no idea if this actually triggers the updated information to CMS to forward to Highmark and Geisinger, but it's seems like it should do that. I don't have a copy of a user guide, I just found this accidentally while I was poking around the website.

By: Brenda Jo

Brenda Jo — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:22:45 +0000

I completed the CMS certification as per the instructions noting that Geisinger Health Systems was the Plan Organization and then after passing, I received an email today that Highmark is also using this testing, as you are stating above. I do not see a way to add another organization after the fact. Do you know if we can just fax a copy of the Certificate of Completion to other carriers when we find they accept it and/or do you know of a way to edit the profile in the CMS module to include other plan organizations?

By: Craig

Craig — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:58:21 +0000

The exact quote from CMS is: “We understand that agents and brokers that sell for a particular MAO or PDP sponsor – including those plans selected for participation in the pilot – often sell Medicare products for other MAOs or PDP sponsors. For that reason, it is our expectation that the agent and broker testing and certification provided through our pilot program will be recognized by MAOs and PDP sponsors not participating in the pilot.”

You can view the CMS document here (the quote I pulled is on page 2): http://blog.ritterim.com/2009/06/26/cms-announces-pilot-of-broker-medicare-advantage-and-pdp-certification-portal-to-be-released-in-july-of-2009/

By: Dennis

Dennis — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:17:24 +0000

Does this mean that if we complete the Geisinger certifications we wont have to pay the $100 for AHIP and all other MA org’s will have to recognize it?

By: Craig

Craig — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:48:49 +0000

Jesse:

Only other one I’m aware of is Highmark. I’ll check with CMS and see if there is a list I can provide you.

Craig

By: Jesse

Jesse — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:37:16 +0000

What other companies are offering the CMS compliant certification FREE. Please let me know.
Thanks