Independent medicare supplement insurance brokers near me

Independent medicare supplement insurance brokers near me

Are you looking for a new Medicare Supplement plan?

Finding the correct one for your exact needs can be like finding a needle in a haystack!

It can also be incredibly frustrating as you sift through all the many, complicated options out there.

Click here to find a Medicare Supplement Insurance Broker Near You

However, it does not have to be this way because a good Medicare Supplement insurance broker can help you immensely.

Working with a Medicare Supplement insurance broker has many advantages, one of the most important being that they will give you their unbiased opinion on the best plan option for you and your individual budget.

Such brokers are appointed by various insurance companies and are bound by a code of strict professionalism.

Despite what you may believe, you will always pay the same rate for your insurance, whether you use an agent or not.

Save Time Navigating The Medicare System

In addition, your Medicare Supplement insurance broker has your best interests at heart and is an expert at ironing out any problems you may have with your Medicare policy.

Examples of extra things your Medicare Supplement insurance broker can assist you with include billing errors, Medicare appeals and helping with pharmacy exceptions in cases where you are unable to receive your medication.

Get All Of Your Medicare Questions Answered

Since it is their area of expertise, your Medicare Supplement insurance broker can give you excellent advice on exactly how Medicare functions

If you have ever read through Medicare’s handbook, you will no doubt have walked away more confused than when you started.

Your Medicare agent can explain everything to you in layman’s terms so that you can make an informed decision on your supplemental insurance.

You also may not know that your Medicare Supplement insurance broker has exclusive information (such as rate trends) on the various insurance carriers.

It is always a good idea to consult with a Medicare Supplement insurance broker who is experienced in providing medicare supplement plans.

A good Medicare Supplement insurance broker will always be kept up to date on the ins and outs of the Medicare market and will find that continuous professional improvement and knowledge is essential to remaining a good agent.

Additionally, they should be an independent organization that works with various insurance companies in order to provide the very best insurance options for you.

Here’s What To Do Now

eSupplemental has helped many people 65 and over get medicare supplement plans.

They have extensive experience in the differences between each of the plans.

They will help give you the facts so that you can make an informed decision, and will give you a completely unbiased opinion on which plan is best for you.

Click here to quickly and easily work with a medicare supplement expert.

Reader Interactions

Navigating Original Medicare, Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, or Medicare Advantage plans can be overwhelming. When you’re first learning about Medicare options, the internet is a great place to start. You may want to ask family members and friends who have Medicare if they like their Medicare plans. Additionally, there are community resources to help you understand your options. If you find that you would like personal guidance to choose what’s best for your needs, an insurance agent may be helpful.

What Is an Agent? 

An agent is a licensed professional who helps you select and enroll in a health plan. 

There are two types of agents.

Independent

An independent agent can partner with and sell policies for different insurance companies. The agent can choose the specific policies they want to sell from a multitude of providers.

Captive

This type of agent can only sell policies from one insurance company.

What Is a Broker?

A Medicare insurance broker is just like an independent agent. Brokers sell plans from different insurance companies.

How Does an Agent or Broker Help You With Medicare Choices?

A Medicare agent or broker can help you narrow down your options and pick the best one. To do this, they’ll learn about your health goals and budget. They’ll present you with options to meet your goals within your budget. They can help you enroll in the plan you choose. 

You can also contact an agent or broker to help you change plans if the one you’re enrolled in changes coverage or doesn’t meet your needs. 

Using a Medicare broker or agent is free — you don’t pay for their service directly.

How Does an Agent or Broker Get Paid?

Agents or brokers are either employed by healthcare companies or have a contract with the companies to sell their plans. They’re typically paid by commission. When an agent or broker enrolls you in a health plan, they get a fee for that first year. For every year you stay in the plan, they get half the initial payment.1 

However, the commissions agents and brokers receive for different plans vary by company and arrangement. For instance, the commission can be a flat fee or a percentage of the premium. Regardless, you don’t pay for the agent’s or broker’s service directly.

How Do You Find an Agent or Broker Near You?

You can find a Medicare insurance agent or broker near you by using the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services healthcare.gov’s Find Local Help search tool.2 You can also find licensed agents and brokers through your state insurance department. Many websites of state insurance departments allow you to check the license status of someone who claims to be a licensed insurance agent or broker. 

Why Work with an Agent or Broker? 

Although there is no requirement to work with an agent or broker, you may choose to do so for the following reasons.

Medicare can be complex. There are numerous plans, plan combinations, benefits, rules, and exceptions — all of which can be confusing. Buying health insurance is a huge investment, so you want to find a plan that meets your needs. An ethical and knowledgeable agent or broker can help you get the best value for your money. Agents or brokers who sell health insurance products related to Medicare have to pass a test on their knowledge of Medicare every year.3

Searching Multiple Companies

To find the best health plan for your individual needs, you might have to check with multiple insurance companies. One of the benefits of working with an independent Medicare broker or agent is that they represent many health insurance companies. They can present you with plan options from different carriers, increasing your chances of finding the right fit.

Medical Underwriting

If you want to buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance policy (also called Medigap) after your open enrollment period, insurance companies may use medical underwriting and set the premium based on your current health condition. They may also refuse to sell you the policy based on any health issues you have. A Medicare agent or broker can help you figure out if you’ll meet the underwriting requirements for the plan you want.

What Type of Agent or Broker Should You Choose? 

Independent

Working with an independent Medicare insurance agent means you get to choose policy options from different companies. Independent agents and brokers are more likely to give unbiased plan recommendations and advice. But they may not have in-depth knowledge of these plans.

Captive

Agents who represent a particular health insurer can only sell you plans from that insurer. These captive agents are typically experts on all the options their company offers. But you won’t learn about plans from other Medicare insurance companies.

What Should You Consider When Choosing an Agent or Broker?

Licensure

Before choosing a Medicare agent or broker, make sure they’re licensed by checking with your state insurance department. Their business card should include their license number. The websites of many state insurance departments allow you to check an agent’s or broker’s license status. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requires them to be licensed in the state they operate in.4

Experience

You should pick a broker or agent with solid experience selling Medicare plans in your state. Ask your family members and friends for referrals. When interviewing an agent or broker, ask about the types of plans they handle and the kind of customer they usually work with. 

Customer service

Pick an agent or broker with excellent customer service by asking for references from previous clients. Ensure that you make time to call the references.

Can You Switch Insurance Agencies After You Sign Up for Medicare?

Absolutely. You are never bound to an agency or agent.

If you enrolled in Medicare Advantage, you can change your plans and agencies during two enrollment periods:

  • Annual Open Enrollment (or Annual Election Period): October 15 to December 7
  • Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.: January 1 to March 31

If you enrolled in Medicare Supplement or Medigap, you can change your plans anytime but you may be subject to underwriting.

Next Steps

It’s up to you whether you want to work with a Medicare agent or broker. Using a knowledgeable and ethical agent or broker can make your search for a health plan significantly easier and faster. Since their services are free, you have nothing to lose by trying an agent or broker near you. 

Who is the best Medicare Supplement provider?

Best Medicare Supplement Insurance Companies of 2023.
Best Overall: AARP / UnitedHealthcare..
Most Medigap Plan Types: Blue Cross Blue Shield..
Best Medigap High-Deductible Plan G Provider: Mutual of Omaha..
Lowest Cost High-Deductible Plan G: Humana..
Best for Financial Strength: State Farm..

What is the difference between a Medicare broker and Medicare agent?

Medicare agents and brokers work differently, but both can help you cut through the confusion to find the best Medicare coverage at the best cost for your needs. Agents work for insurance companies selling Medicare plans, while brokers connect you with the company or agent that best fits your needs.

Are Medicare brokers legit?

Legitimate firms and licensed brokers are not scammers. They sell real Medicare policies, but be aware that they may only offer a limited number of plans from certain carriers, they may charge fees and they receive commissions for the sales they make.

What is the best way to choose a Medicare Supplement plan?

Here are some tips for choosing the best Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plan for your needs..
Understand your coverage needs and budget..
Sign up during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period..
Explore any potential discounts..
Know when you may have guaranteed-issue rights..