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 aggressive 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 without 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

Steve Houchens · Answer

Actually it’s very much an advantage to working with a broker or agent. A good agent should be able to answer any questions you may have and it’s also important in my mind to work with someone that represents more than one company so you can be sure you’re getting the best plan for you and not just one in cases where that is the only company they represent

Answered by Steve Houchens on August 17, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY & TN

Answered by Steve Houchens 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

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

Maurice Ellis · Answer

Yes, while working with a Medicare broker or agent can be very helpful, there are some potential disadvantages to be aware of. Here’s a clear breakdown:

⸻

✅ First, the advantages (for context):
	•	Expert guidance through complex options (especially if you’re new to Medicare)
	•	Help comparing plans side by side
	•	No cost to you — agents are typically paid by the insurance companies
	•	Can save time and reduce stress

⸻

⚠️ But here are the key disadvantages:

1. Limited Plan Access
	•	Many brokers are “captive agents”, meaning they only represent certain insurance companies.
	•	Even independent brokers may not represent all available plans, especially non-commissioned ones (some plans don’t pay brokers).
	•	This means you may miss out on better or cheaper plans they don’t offer.

2. Conflict of Interest
	•	Brokers earn commissions when you enroll in a plan.
	•	While many are ethical, some may steer you toward plans that earn them higher commissions — not necessarily what’s best for you.

3. Not Always Up to Date
	•	Some agents might not stay current on yearly plan changes or local options.
	•	A Medicare.gov comparison or help from a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor can sometimes be more objective.

4. Sales Pressure
	•	You may experience pressure to enroll quickly or choose a certain carrier.
	•	Some agents are more like salespeople than advisors.

Mike Henry · Answer

Make sure the agent has access to reputable companies. A price doesn’t dictate quality. Also gets you the proper Part D plan. Long term care should be considered.

Brenda Watson · Answer

Any broker or agent are going to have more information than a volunteer service.  However, there can be disadvantages to it in todays market if you don't know what to ask.  Let me explain what I mean by this.

There are many agents who educate and offer all forms of Medicare plans.  We educate on the A,B,C & D of Medicare, what the break down is of each part (letter) and explain what your options are.  In that list you have Part A - Hospital, Part B - Medical, Part C - Medicare Advantage and Part D - Prescription plan.  Yet, no where in this list is Medicare Supplement.  The agent may not talk about pairing Original Medicare with a Supplement and Part D because they were only trained on Medicare Advantage.  

Simply put, Medicare Advantage pays us a much higher sales commission than a Medicare Supplement so many agencies simply don't educate their newly licensed agent on this product.  Some agents don't offer it because they aren't interested in the lower commission.  In fact, only about 20% of insurance agents who offer Medicare plans offer both Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage.  

You need to Vet your insurance agent and verify they understand all aspects of the products available to YOU.  Once you're outside of your "Initial Election Period" if you decide you need or want a Medicare Supplement you'll need to answer health questions/go through underwriting.  Due to this you may or may not be approved.  So, ask questions, find out all your options before you make a decision and be sure to choose the plan that takes care of your future healthcare.

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.

Lara Goulson · Answer

A good broker will be your biggest asset. We never charge and are there to advocate and help you all through the year!

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.

Anthony Scott · Answer

Not if they act in a fiduciary manner. As far as I'm concerned, a Broker, who represents multiple carriers and plans, and thus has no allegiance to any of them, but focuses only on the best interests of the beneficiary and is knowledgeable about those plans is absolutely invaluable to a person trying to decide what is the best option for their specific Medicare healthcare needs.

They will do a complete assessment of not only your needs, but your wishes as well and can point out specifics as to what best fits your needs.

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

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website