1. Review and Optimize Your Carrier Mix

Now’s the time to review your carrier contracts and plan availability for 2026. Focus on:

• Application and enrollment process
• Plan benefits and market competitiveness
• Tools, tech, and training resources offered

Prioritize carriers that align with your clients’ evolving needs, especially as plan designs and service areas continue to shift. A strong mix of large and regional carriers gives you flexibility when plans change last-minute.

AGA Agents: Use our Medicare quote engine to review plans and find competitive options in your area.

2.  Confirm You’re Fully Ready to Sell

“Ready to sell” means you have completed all of the requirements needed to sell Medicare products. These requirements include passing the AHIP certification and completing all individual carrier contracts and certifications.

✔ Complete Carrier Certification

It is important to get certifications completed ahead of time to ensure you are ready to sell with the carriers and plans you wish to offer.

AGA Agents: Find carrier specific certification instructions in our agent portal or contact a member of our broker service team to ensure you are on the right path and ready to sell for AEP.

✔ Pass AHIP Exam

The AHIP certification is a two-part course that is required for all agents who wish to sell Medicare. The certification is put in place to ensure agents are Medicare compliant. The cost of the 2025 AHIP certification is $175 however, you can get a discount by being an AGA agent!

Use AGA’s unique link to:

• Automatically receive a discount
• Skip the step of sending AHIP certification to AGA

You must complete your AHIP certification to sell during AEP.

3. Use AGA Resources to Maximize Your Time

AEP is the time of year when it really pays off to partner with an FMO. A great FMO should have resources and support to set you up for a successful AEP.

AGA partners have access to a wide range of agent services such as:

• Dedicated Regional Sales Manager
• Marketing Department
• Event Reporting & Coordination
• Agent Portal & CRM with Online Enrollment
• Coordinated Certification Training & Support
• Commission Team
• Compliance & Allegation Support
• Submission Department
• Contracting Team
• Marketing Co-op program
• Marketing Dollars program
• Agent Referral program

4. Look at Last Year’s Numbers

Your previous AEP data is a goldmine. Use it to answer:

• What lead sources delivered?
• Where did your apps come from?
• What slowed you down?

Set clear goals for AEP 2026 based on past trends, wins, and bottlenecks. If you manage a team, use this review to guide coaching and adjustments.

5. Develop a Marketing Plan

You can’t start marketing for AEP until October 1, but you can absolutely plan and prep.

• Defining your target market. Be specific. Instead of just “Medicare beneficiaries”, think of married couples or those turning 65 or with chronic health conditions.
• Knowing your audience. What are their interests? What do they read, watch? What are their primary concerns? Who do they follow on social media?
• Researching your competitors. What are they doing that you aren’t? How is your niche different from theirs? How can you outshine them?
• Getting your marketing channels compliant. Get your ads, websites, handouts, presentations (any marketing material) approved in advance so there aren’t any delays when it’s mission critical time.
• Calendar and plan your marketing events.
• Check in with current clients to review their current year plan benefits. Note, you can only discuss their current year, but in doing so, you will learn about what their needs are and have a warm call to make come October 1.
• Educating your audience on when AEP is and what happens during that time. Provide general educational information on what the annual notice of change  (ANOC) is and when to look for it.

6. Level Up Your Online Presence

Your digital footprint matters, especially during AEP when prospects are actively researching agents they can trust. If your online presence is outdated or nonexistent, you’re missing out on valuable leads and first impressions.

Here’s how to get ready now:

• Fill your social profiles with value-driven content. Start posting educational, compliant content on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Focus on topics like Medicare timelines, what to expect during AEP (when it is compliant to do so), and how you help clients make confident decisions.

• Update your Google Business Profile. This is often the first thing clients see when they search for you. Make sure your contact info, hours, and description are accurate, and ask happy clients for reviews.

• Refresh your website. Check for outdated content, broken links, or missing disclaimers. Your site should be clear, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate. Include lead forms and a simple way for prospects to book time with you.

Online trust-building doesn’t happen overnight, start now so you’re ready when AEP begins.

7. Stay Compliant and Confident

Compliance is more than avoiding penalties, it’s about building trust and protecting your business.

• Stay current with CMS guidelines and carrier-specific rules
• Use approved materials
• Avoid pre-AEP marketing slip-ups
• Train your team on what’s allowed

Final Thoughts

The licensed insurance agents who prepare for AEP early are the ones who win. If you wait until October to start your planning, you’re already behind.

Use this checklist, tap into your support team, and make AEP 2026 your most productive season yet.