Usually, the insurance companies they represent pay brokers, with no additional charges or costs for you to enroll in Medicare through a. Usually, the insurance companies you represent pay brokers, with no additional charges or costs for you to sign up for Medicare through a broker. Remember that Medicare isn't the same for everyone, so when you work with an agent, you may have to choose a Medicare plan because the agent's company sells that plan, not necessarily because it's the best option for your needs. Working with a trained agent can help you save time and money and, ultimately, find the right plan.
A good Medicare agent will transparently explain your options with advantages and disadvantages, identify your options for prescription drug plans, and help you enroll in Medicare A and B. The government calls 1-800-MEDICARE or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to learn about all your options. If you asked for additional help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage, someone from the plan can contact you if information is missing from your request. Likewise, agents can't come to your home to promote or sell any Medicare-related product without you inviting them to do so.
This breadth allows brokers to choose the best insurance plans for each individual rather than being limited to a specific company's plans. CMS's final Part D and Medicare Advantage rule for 2025 included radical changes in the way agents who sell Medicare are compensated. If you're ready to sign up for Medicare, understanding the plan's coverage and pricing, and even what Medicare is going to cost you, can seem complicated. Every year, they are trained and tested to teach them their knowledge about Medicare and health and prescription drug plans, as well as about Medicare marketing standards. A Medicare agent also offers free counseling, explains your options and helps you through the Medicare enrollment process.
Medicare brokers, also known as independent Medicare insurance agents, are paid by the insurance companies they represent. A well-trained broker understands you and can provide multiple services to help you, not just to sell you a plan. Similarly, it's illegal for agents to offer a free item or other incentive, such as inviting you to a seminar on the Medicare plan at a restaurant, to encourage you to apply for coverage. The HHS lawsuits will determine if the changes in compensation for CMS agents and brokers for Medicare sales listed below can take effect in the future.
