How Do You Become a Medicare Agent in Houston?
As a Medicare broker who has helped hundreds of Houston residents enroll in Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, I understand the complex journey of becoming a licensed and successful Medicare insurance agent. Whether you're seeking a flexible career or want to help older adults navigate healthcare, becoming a Houston Medicare agent offers a rewarding and in-demand opportunity.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the complete process to become a Medicare insurance agent in Houston, provide insights on licensing, training, certification, and how to find clients. I’ll also share how to stand out in the growing Houston Medicare market.
Step 1: Get Your Texas Health Insurance License
Before you can sell Medicare plans in Houston—or anywhere in Texas—you must be licensed to sell health insurance.
Here's how:
- Complete a Pre-Licensing Course:
- Texas doesn't mandate a specific number of training hours, but you’ll need to study health insurance principles and pass the state exam. Online training providers like ExamFX, Kaplan Financial Education, or PreLicenseTraining.com offer comprehensive courses.
- Schedule and Pass the Licensing Exam:
- Register for the Texas Life & Health Insurance Exam through Pearson VUE (www.pearsonvue.com/tx/insurance).
- Submit Fingerprints and Background Check:
- Fingerprinting is required and can be scheduled through IdentoGO.
- Apply for Your License:
- Submit your application via the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) website or through the NIPR portal.
Once approved, you’ll officially be a licensed health insurance agent in Texas.
Step 2: Complete AHIP Medicare Certification
To sell Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plans, you must complete AHIP certification every year.
What is AHIP?
AHIP (America’s Health Insurance Plans) is a standard training that educates agents on Medicare basics, fraud prevention, and compliance. Most Medicare Advantage carriers require AHIP certification before they’ll let you represent their plans.
How to get certified:
- Visit www.ahipmedicaretraining.com
- Register and complete the two-part training
- Pass with a minimum score of 90%
- Cost: $175 (discounts may apply if you take it through a carrier portal)
Step 3: Contract with Medicare Insurance Carriers
Now that you're licensed and AHIP-certified, you can begin contracting with Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) carriers.
Top carriers in Houston include:
- UnitedHealthcare
- Humana
- Aetna
- Wellcare
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Cigna
You can contract directly or work through a Field Marketing Organization (FMO) such as:
- Integrity Marketing Group (integritymarketing.com)
- NCC (nccagent.com)
- Medicare Advantage Partners (medicareadvantagepartners.com)
An FMO offers support services like compliance tools, sales training, quoting software, and co-op marketing funds.
Step 4: Complete Carrier Certifications
Each Medicare insurance carrier requires you to complete product-specific training and certification annually. This ensures you understand their plan offerings, networks, formularies, and compliance rules.
For example, Humana and Aetna both require passing online training modules and code-of-conduct acknowledgments.
Failing to complete this step means you can’t market or enroll clients in those carriers’ plans.
Step 5: Understand Medicare Rules & Marketing Compliance
Medicare agents are heavily regulated. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sets strict guidelines on how you can market, enroll, and communicate with clients.
Some key rules include:
- You cannot cold-call or door-knock Medicare beneficiaries
- You must use CMS-approved marketing materials
- You must obtain Scope of Appointment (SOA) forms before discussing plan options
These are covered in your AHIP and carrier training, but you can also consult CMS’s Medicare Marketing Guidelines directly.
Step 6: Start Selling and Building Your Client Base
Once you’re certified and contracted, you can begin selling Houston Medicare insurance plans during:
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7
- Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 – March 31
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Available for qualifying life events
As a Houston Medicare broker, you’ll work with individuals turning 65, retiring, or leaving employer coverage. You’ll help them compare and enroll in Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medicare Supplement plans.
Step 7: Connect With Local Support and Community Networks
To build credibility and grow your business, connect with a local Medicare leader who’s been through it—like me.
I’m Nick Bryant, a licensed Medicare broker in Houston and founder of Houston Medicare Help. My team has helped thousands of local beneficiaries enroll in Medicare insurance plans from top carriers. I also mentor new agents who want to thrive in this industry.
If you have questions about contracting, sales strategies, or compliance as a Houston Medicare agent, I’m happy to help.
Call: 281-870-3599
Website: HoustonMedicareHelp.com
Based in Houston, TX
Alternative Paths If You're Struggling
If you’re finding it hard to get started as a solo agent, consider:
- Joining an Agency: Agencies often provide leads, training, and back-office support.
- Becoming a Captive Agent: Work full-time for a single carrier like UnitedHealthcare or Humana.
- Partnering with Local Brokers: Team up with experienced Medicare brokers in Houston (like myself) to shadow and learn the ropes.
Conclusion
To become a Medicare agent in Houston, you must obtain a Texas health insurance license, complete Medicare certifications like AHIP, contract with top carriers, and follow CMS rules before helping clients enroll in Medicare insurance plans.
If you want to succeed as a Houston Medicare agent, I can support you personally. I'm Nick Bryant with Houston Medicare Help, and I’ve spent over a decade helping new agents and clients alike. Whether you're just starting or looking to expand your business, you can call me at 281-870-3599 or visit HoustonMedicareHelp.com to get your questions answered.