Are there disadvantages to working with a Medicare broker/agent?

Question

Mark Bilgere · Accepted Answer

Your Medicare IRMAA is reevaluated each year on a 2 year look back. However, if you experience a drop in income due to a life changing even, you can request a reduction in your IRMAA anytime. Like most things Social Security you do this by filing a form. In this case, a form SSA-44. This form will explain the life changing events that qualify and give instructions on how to submit it.

Answered by Mark Bilgere on August 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AR, IN & LA, MN, NE & OK

Answered by Mark Bilgere Medicare Insurance Agent

Joseph Mullen · Answer

Many individuals believe that meeting with a medicare broker will lead to high-pressure sales tactics. Which is due to a small number of agents that have used agressive approaches. At J.Mullen & Associates, our agents take the opposite approach by providing education and guidance allowing you to take your time to make a decision with out being rushed.

Answered by Joseph Mullen on August 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in NY, CT, FL & 5 other states

Answered by Joseph Mullen Medicare Insurance Agent

Tracy Davis · Answer

There are some disadvantages. Since covid there have been several brokers that come into the Medicare space that are not doing what is in the best interest of the senior population. These individuals are flipping insurance plans just to make commissions, which is giving a negative representation to all the other honerable agents in the field. There are also captive agents that are employed by a specific insurance company and are paid a salary to represent that one particular company, which is biased and not giving the senior the entire picture. Therefore, when selecting a local broker to work with; request to know if they represent the plans in your area (not just one), ask them how long they have been in business and how they operate their business. I am proudly servicing my members year after year and work primarily on referrals- my goal is to make and keep them happy (which I am sure I am doing). I love having the ability to offer them all their options (and will enroll them in a plan even if I do not get commissions paid) because I will always do what is in their best interest!

Answered by Tracy Davis on August 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN, CO, FL & KY, NM, OH & TN

Answered by Tracy Davis Medicare Insurance Agent

Vernon Jones · Answer

In most cases is not a disadvantage in working with a broker/agent, but broker should be knowledgeable of the information shared with Medicare beneficiaries and their no cost in the broker assisting you. The broker is paid a small commission from the insurance carrier once the broker enrolls that person into a different plan then they before the Agent of record.

Answered by Vernon Jones on August 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC & SC

Answered by Vernon Jones Medicare Insurance Agent

Patricia Graham · Answer

I feel it is very important to have a local agent you can address your concerns or questions to. Serving Medicare clients for over 15 years has proven to me how important it can be to the client to have a person they can rely on at any time who answers the phone.

Answered by Patricia Graham on August 10, 2025

Agent Licensed in WA

Answered by Patricia Graham Medicare Insurance Agent

William Murray · Answer

Like most service providers, the greater their experience, integrity & resources are the qualities that define advantages/disadvantages.
Brokers/agents usually give you more choices.
Listen for whom they are most interested in helping, you or themselves.
Contacting insurance companies directly limits your options to only that specific companies' plans. That is a disadvantage.

Brian Williams · Answer

No disadvantage, but depending on what you are looking for, an Agent that represents multiple providers can be of the most benefit. The ability to compare your options is very important. All plans are not created equal.

Answered by Brian Williams on August 11, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AR, CA & 16 other states

Answered by Brian Williams Medicare Insurance Agent

Parris Brady · Answer

There are no disadvantages. This way you can ask questions and have them answered immediately. They’re trained to make sure your experience is satisfying, with no future issues.

Jerry Naylor · Answer

Some disadvantages may be focus on some products based on commission, limited plan selection, oversell or misrepresent plans. Limited knowledge of some plans.

Are there disadvantages to working with a Medicare broker/agent?

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Are there disadvantages to working with a Medicare broker/agent?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website