2026 REAL PRACTICE QUESTIONS, VERIFIED
ANSWERS & DETAILED RATIONALES | MEDICARE
ADVANTAGE & PART D STUDY GUIDE PDF
• This practice guide contains 200 verified AHIP Medicare Certification exam-style
questions with detailed EXPERT RATIONALE to help you master Medicare
Advantage and Part D concepts efficiently.
• Study by attempting each question independently before checking the highlighted
correct answer and EXPERT RATIONALE below it — consistent daily review of these
questions will maximize your exam readiness.
AHIP MEDICARE CERTIFICATION EXAM PREP 2026
200 Real Practice Questions | Verified Answers & Detailed EXPERT RATIONALE
Medicare Advantage & Part D Study Guide
1. What is the primary purpose of the AHIP Medicare certification exam?
A. To certify nurses to administer Medicare injections
B. To license physicians to accept Medicare patients
C. To ensure agents and brokers are knowledgeable about Medicare rules before
selling plans
D. To test hospital administrators on billing compliance
E. To qualify pharmacists for Part D dispensing authority
C. To ensure agents and brokers are knowledgeable about Medicare rules
before selling plans
EXPERT RATIONALE: CMS requires agents and brokers who market and sell Medicare
Advantage and Part D plans to complete AHIP or equivalent training to ensure they
understand Medicare regulations, beneficiary protections, and plan details before
assisting enrollees.
,2. Medicare was established under which piece of legislation?
A. The Affordable Care Act of 2010
B. The Social Security Amendments of 1965
C. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997
D. The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003
E. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
B. The Social Security Amendments of 1965
EXPERT RATIONALE: Medicare was created through the Social Security Amendments of
1965, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. It established hospital insurance
(Part A) and supplementary medical insurance (Part B) for Americans aged 65 and older.
3. Which of the following individuals is automatically eligible for Medicare
Part A without paying a premium?
A. A 63-year-old with end-stage renal disease
B. A 65-year-old who has worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters
C. A 60-year-old spouse of a deceased Medicare beneficiary
D. A 65-year-old who never worked but has savings over $100,000
E. A 70-year-old who immigrated to the U.S. five years ago
B. A 65-year-old who has worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40
quarters
EXPERT RATIONALE: Individuals who have worked and paid Medicare payroll taxes for
at least 40 quarters (10 years) are eligible for premium-free Part A at age 65. Others may
purchase Part A by paying a monthly premium.
4. Medicare Part B covers which of the following services?
A. Inpatient hospital stays
,B. Skilled nursing facility care
C. Outpatient physician visits and preventive services
D. Hospice care
E. Long-term custodial care
C. Outpatient physician visits and preventive services
EXPERT RATIONALE: Medicare Part B covers medically necessary outpatient services
including doctor visits, preventive services, lab tests, durable medical equipment, and
outpatient mental health care. Part A covers inpatient services.
5. What is the standard Medicare Part B premium for 2026 based on income
adjustments called?
A. Cost-sharing adjustment
B. Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA)
C. Low-Income Subsidy (LIS)
D. Premium Support Payment
E. Means-Tested Supplement
B. Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA)
EXPERT RATIONALE: IRMAA is the additional amount that higher-income Medicare
beneficiaries pay on top of the standard Part B and Part D premiums. It is based on
modified adjusted gross income from two years prior.
6. Medicare Part C is also known as:
A. Medicare Supplement Insurance
B. Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
C. Medicare Advantage
, D. Medicare Cost Plan
E. Medicare Select
C. Medicare Advantage
EXPERT RATIONALE: Medicare Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, allows
beneficiaries to receive their Medicare benefits through private health plans approved by
CMS. These plans must cover all Part A and Part B benefits.
7. Which Medicare part specifically covers prescription drugs?
A. Part A
B. Part B
C. Part C
D. Part D
E. Part F
D. Part D
EXPERT RATIONALE: Medicare Part D is the voluntary outpatient prescription drug
benefit, introduced by the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 and effective January 1,
2006. It is offered through private plans approved by CMS.
8. What is the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)?
A. The 12 months following a beneficiary's 65th birthday
B. A 7-month period beginning 3 months before the month of turning 65
C. January 1 through March 31 each year
D. October 15 through December 7 each year
E. A 6-month period starting on the first day of the birthday month
B. A 7-month period beginning 3 months before the month of turning 65