Medicare, Anthem Medicare Advantage, Agent Appointments

New Appointment Requirements for Anthem Medicare Advantage in California and Washington

Anthem is updating appointment requirements for agents who wish to market and sell Anthem Medicare Advantage plans in California and Washington, with a clear focus on supporting Medicare beneficiaries and preparing agencies for a successful 2027 plan year. Understanding the new appointment process now will help agencies stay compliant, avoid unnecessary fees, and be ready to guide seniors to the right coverage when it matters most.

What’s Changing for Anthem Medicare Advantage Appointments?

To sell Anthem Medicare Advantage plans in California and Washington, agents must hold an active appointment with Anthem in each state where they do business. These updated requirements align with state and federal rules that ensure beneficiaries can access timely, high-quality care. By tightening appointment processes today, Anthem is helping agencies build stable, compliant distribution for the 2027 Annual Enrollment Period and beyond.

How to Submit New Appointment Requests

All new appointment requests for Anthem Medicare Advantage in California and Washington should be submitted through our TBI Contracting team. The process generally includes confirming state insurance licenses, validating ready-to-sell status for Medicare Advantage, and submitting a formal appointment request for each state and product line where the agent will market Anthem plans.

To avoid delays, ensure all licensing information is current, National Producer Numbers (NPNs) are accurate, and any required training or certifications are completed before submitting the request. Anthem will then review and confirm the appointment, allowing the agent to begin assisting Medicare beneficiaries with Anthem plan options once fully approved.

Roles of Agency Principals and Downline Agents

Agency principals are responsible for initiating and overseeing appointment requests for their organizations. This includes:

• Verifying that the agency is contracted with Anthem for Medicare Advantage in California and Washington, as applicable.

• Submitting or approving new appointment requests for each downline agent who will sell Anthem Medicare Advantage plans.

• Ensuring internal processes support compliance with Anthem’s timely access and service standards in both states.

Downline agents should work closely with their agency principal to:

• Confirm that their licenses and certifications are active in each state where they plan to sell.

• Submit any required documentation promptly so the agency can complete the appointment request.

• Wait for Anthem’s confirmation of appointment before marketing or enrolling Medicare beneficiaries into Anthem Medicare Advantage plans.

Appointment Fee Waiver and the Agency Principal Appointment Guide

Anthem is offering a valuable incentive: appointment fees may be waived for qualifying new appointment requests submitted on or before November 1, 2026. This creates a limited-time opportunity for agencies to expand their Medicare Advantage footprint in California and Washington without added appointment costs, while positioning themselves for the 2027 selling season.

To navigate these requirements correctly, agency principals should rely on the Agency Principal Appointment Guide. This guide outlines step-by-step instructions, required documentation, timelines, and best practices for managing both agency-level and downline agent appointments. Using the guide consistently reduces errors, speeds approvals, and helps ensure every agent is properly authorized before assisting Medicare beneficiaries.

Supporting Medicare Beneficiaries and Getting Ready for 2027

At the heart of these appointment changes is a simple goal: help Medicare beneficiaries find the right coverage. By completing appointments early, agents can focus on educating clients about plan benefits, provider networks, and timely access to care in California and Washington, instead of scrambling with last-minute contracting issues during Annual Enrollment.

Preparing now—submitting appointment requests, leveraging the Agency Principal Appointment Guide, and taking advantage of fee waivers before November 1, 2026—sets your organization up for success in 2027. A fully appointed, well-trained team is better equipped to match each Medicare beneficiary with an Anthem Medicare Advantage plan that fits their health needs, budget, and expectations for access to care.

Where to Get Help and Ask Questions

If you have questions about the new appointment requirements, fee waivers, or how to use the Agency Principal Appointment Guide, contact [email protected]. You can also reach Anthem Medicare Advantage broker services by calling the number listed on your broker portal or by visiting anthem.com/medicare/advantage and accessing the agent resources section. Getting clarity now will help your agency move confidently into the 2027 Medicare selling season.

For agencies partnered with The Brokerage Inc., you may also request the new California and Washington Anthem appointments by emailing [email protected] and stating that you would like us to add the new Anthem appointment in those states. Our Contracting team will then coordinate to generate the appropriate contracting link.