How can I tell the difference between an experienced Medicare Broker and an inexperienced Medicare Broker?
Answered by 58 licensed agents
Answered by Medicare Melanie on May 9, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, GA, MI & OH
Answered by Gary Church on March 16, 2026
Broker Licensed in Ca, AZ, NV & TX
Answered by Mike Alexander on October 20, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AR & 16 other states
Answered by Daniel Brechin on November 4, 2025
Agent Licensed in AL, FL, KY, MS & TN
The question is how can I tell the difference between an experienced Medicare broker and an inexperienced Medicare broker? Well, I think the first thing is when you meet somebody who is a Medicare agent, ask some questions about how they got into this business. What companies do you represent? How long have you been doing this? What's your background? How many companies do you represent? Those are questions that show the breadth and depth of the understanding of the Medicare agent.
The other thing that is a telltale sign for me all the time about somebody's capacity as an agent is if they say, "I do Medicare." Somebody does not do Medicare. Medicare is a profession that highly skilled CFPs like myself and MBAs like myself choose to work in. People who have degrees in finance choose to work in the very fine detail of protecting people when it comes to their health coverage so that they don't go bankrupt. That's our job, to make sure that you not only have access to the best possible care, but you don't go bankrupt.
And that's more for the under-65 concerning Medicare policies, which are pretty sewn up, but you can still get in very, very deep trouble. So, length of tenure, how many companies do they represent? How long have they been doing this? What is their academic background? Ask them for their ID number. You can look that up on the California Department of Insurance, amongst others. How many other states do they involve, and do they? Do they represent at least five or more carriers in each line of business, which is drug plans, Medicare plans, supplemental plans, dental plans, and vision plans?
Now you've got somebody who has something truly to offer you that you can't just go and get off the internet. Some people like to go off the internet and unpack and find things. But I think you get people like us who have been doing this for 20 years, and we have advanced degrees and the wherewithal. We've been working with families for years. Why would you sell yourself short and not use a professional? We don't cost anymore.
The other item is if that person is dying to come to your house and knock on your door, run the other way. That person needs to have an office if they are a legitimate person. If they work from their kitchen table, they are a low-budget person. Get a good agent.
Answered by Charise Karjala on September 22, 2025
Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, CO, PA & WA
Answered by John Becker on October 27, 2025
Agent Licensed in WI & MN
Answered by Ronnie Robinson Jr on August 21, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AL, GA & 9 other states
How long have you been working with Medicare plans?
Which insurance companies do you work with?
How do you help clients review or change plans each year?
What’s your process for helping someone choose the right plan?
Will you be available if I need help after enrollment?
This is a good way to learn how experienced your Medicare Insurance Broker is.
Serving ALL of Texas, Florida, and California
Contact me.
Answered by Steven Graves on October 15, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX
Why do we have insurance? In case something big happens. Most of the co pays on a Medicare advantage plan are fairly reasonable. The two biggest costs are usually over night stays in the hospital and Chemotherapy drugs.
We have umbrellas for both. This is what experience gives you, choices. A) supplement B) Medicare plan with an umbrella or C) just a Medicare plan and take your chances. It is our job to show you how to protect yourself and then let you choose.
Medicare plans can be gotten through a telemarketer who doesn't know Maine or though a New Medicare agent who is afraid to tell you some of the downsides to Medicare advantage.
Present, advice and give you the choices you need is how an experienced medicare agent will help you best.
Answered by Vincent Murray on November 28, 2025
Agent Licensed in ME, FL & NH
Answered by Steven Lovell on May 9, 2025
Broker Licensed in GA, AL, CA & 11 other states
An experienced broker will take time to learn about your doctors, prescriptions, health conditions, travel habits, and budget.
An inexperienced broker usually jumps straight into showing plans without understanding your needs.
2. They can explain plans in plain English.
Experienced brokers break things down in a way that makes sense: deductibles, MOOP, networks, drug tiers, and timing rules.
If someone struggles to explain the basics clearly, that’s a sign they may not have much experience.
3. They review all your options, not just one company.
A seasoned Medicare Broker is appointed with multiple carriers and shows you side-by-side comparisons.
An inexperienced broker may only show one plan or favor one carrier because it’s the only one they know.
4. They know your local providers and networks.
Experienced brokers stay up to speed on which hospitals, specialists, and clinics are in-network in your area.
If a broker can’t answer simple provider questions, they may still be learning.
5. They provide ongoing support — not just help you enroll.
A strong broker checks in, helps with billing issues, assists with Part D changes, and is available year-round.
Inexperienced brokers often disappear after enrollment.
6. They understand Medicare rules and timing.
Experienced agents can guide you through AEP, OEP, Special Enrollment Periods, Part B penalties, and late enrollment rules.
If someone seems unsure about Medicare deadlines, that’s a red flag.
7. They don’t pressure you.
A good Medicare Broker educates.
An inexperienced one may push you toward a decision you’re not ready for.
Answered by Lauren Fodde on December 4, 2025
Broker Licensed in MO & FL
Answered by Richard Moreno on March 30, 2026
Broker Licensed in TX, CA, FL, LA, NM & OH
Answered by Cheri Rogers on May 26, 2026
Broker Licensed in NM & TX
Answered by Michael Caldwell on June 9, 2025
Broker Licensed in IN, AL, AR & 31 other states
Answered by Renee Brown on June 1, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 32 other states
Answered by Susan O'Kelley on October 2, 2025
Broker Licensed in CO, AL, AZ & 20 other states
Answered by Jaime Valadez on February 16, 2026
Broker Licensed in IL & IN
Answered by Alyssa Burgos on April 6, 2026
Broker Licensed in CO, AZ & TX
Brokers with a huge client list have a lot of experience but are going to be hard to get time with and just because of the pure demands from their current clients.
If you can find someone with two to five years experience they will have made it past the hurdle of year 1, still be invested in growing their client list, and enough bumps and bruises to know what they are talking about.
Check websites like LinkedIn to see how long they’ve held their position or sites like Google to scan client reviews.
Answered by Ted Wallus on April 1, 2026
Broker Licensed in MA, DC, FL, NH & NJ
Answered by James Romeo on July 31, 2025
Broker Licensed in MN
Experience comes with talking to seniors and understanding their unique life situations. Experience comes with learning the strengths and weaknesses of the insurance carriers in your area. This takes several years plus you have to be growing in your appreciation of seniors.
Answered by Ed & Peggy Weir on October 10, 2025
Broker Licensed in GA, KS & MO
Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 28, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ
Plans are insured or covered by a Medicare Advantage (HMO, PPO and PFFS) organization with a Medicare contract and/or a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare to get information on all of your options.
Answered by Andrew Zurbuch, MBA on April 15, 2026
Broker Licensed in IN, FL, KY, MO, OH & TN
Answered by Barbara Patterson, CFP on May 11, 2026
Agent Licensed in TX
Answered by Lea Vollmer on October 30, 2025
Broker Licensed in IL, AL, AZ & 7 other states
If there is a difference for you, it would be that the broker does more explaining and teaching so that you are more equipped with information to make an intelligent decision about the future of your healthcare.
Answered by Harold Randolph on June 28, 2025
Broker Licensed in MI, IN, KY & OH
Answered by Bruce Kaserman on April 27, 2026
Broker Licensed in VA, FL, MD & NC, NJ, NY & PA
Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on June 1, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states
My personal case is I'm also a Medicare customer so I have first-hand experience with it.
Answered by Gary Henderson on May 9, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 46 other states
Answered by Mary Brown on May 19, 2026
Broker Licensed in NJ, DE, FL & NC, OH, PA & TX
Answered by Andrew Kramer on May 9, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL
Brokers Make A Difference!
Answered by Dean Chiapetto on June 1, 2026
Broker Licensed in VA, MD, NC, TN & WV
Answered by Andrew Kelly on September 12, 2025
Agent Licensed in WA & OR
The agent should also have a process in which they evaluate your situation to make sure they get you the best plan for your individual needs. They should ask for a list of your doctors, medications, hospital and pharmacy of choice.
Answered by Karen Ansell on December 30, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL, GA, KY & OH
Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II on May 22, 2025
Broker Licensed in NC, AK, AL & 47 other states
Answered by Julie Thompson on November 18, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, KY, NV & TN
Answered by Jeffrey Sodikoff on November 21, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL
Answered by Ken Banks on October 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in GA, AL, DC & 5 other states
Answered by Gary Haft on August 18, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL, AL, DC & 9 other states
Answered by Jami Mead on September 8, 2025
Broker Licensed in OH, FL, GA & 11 other states
Answered by Bud Griffin on December 1, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX
An inexperienced broker pushes one plan, gives vague answers, and offers little follow-up support.
Answered by Shahwali Hotaki on September 7, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA, CO, GA, IL & VA
Some good questions to ask: how long have you been a Medicare broker? Of your Medicare clients, roughly how many have Medicare supplements and how many have Medicare Advantage plans (this will tell you if they seem to lean or steer people one way or another)? What does your process of working with someone new to Medicare look like? What happens after I'm your client? Do you provide any service or ongoing support? These are some questions I'd encourage you to ask to see if someone is a good fit for you and what you're looking for.
Answered by Abigail Turner on July 14, 2025
Broker Licensed in KS, AR, AZ & 13 other states
Answered by Fran Lovelace on July 26, 2025
Agent Licensed in NC, SC & VA
Answered by Greg Strasma on November 4, 2025
Agent Licensed in GA
Answered by Donald Baker on September 1, 2025
Agent Licensed in MN
there is an old saying,
know one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care"
Steve,
Answered by Steven Maicus II on November 5, 2025
Broker Licensed in NY
Answered by Douglas Carney on May 10, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, GA, NC, OK & TX
An experienced Medicare agent has been in the business for several years and offers information on a variety of Medicare supplement plans, rather than just a single plan. Additionally, a knowledgeable Medicare agent should be non-captive, meaning they represent multiple insurance companies rather than being tied to just one. It is important to verify that the agent is licensed in the state by the Department of Insurance. They should also engage in continuing education, and be ethical, trustworthy, and friendly.
Answered by Glenn Soucek on June 17, 2025
Agent Licensed in IL, MO, MS, OH & TX
Answered by Rachael Metcalf on May 9, 2025
Agent Licensed in TN, FL, GA & 5 other states
Answered by Alondra Arce on May 9, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 14 other states
Answered by Lisa Wohlhieter Hobbs on September 1, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL, IL, IN, NC & SC
It’s also helpful to work with someone who represents multiple insurance companies and offers ongoing support after enrollment. A local Medicare broker can be especially valuable since you may have the option to meet in person and have someone you trust to help review your coverage year after year.
Answered by Andrew Dooly on March 3, 2026
Broker Licensed in NC, CT, GA & 6 other states
An experienced Medicare broker will usually start by asking detailed questions about your doctors, prescriptions, budget, and health needs before recommending any plan. They should be able to clearly explain the differences between Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D without relying on confusing jargon or pushing one type of coverage for everyone.
They should also demonstrate knowledge of local plan networks, enrollment rules, and special situations like moving, losing coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help. Experience shows in their ability to anticipate problems — not just react to them.
Another sign of experience is transparency. A strong broker will explain how they are compensated, confirm that their services are free to you, and help you compare multiple carriers rather than focusing on just one company.
On the other hand, a less experienced broker may be overly focused on a single plan type, give general or scripted answers, or fail to ask enough questions about your personal situation. They may also rush the process or overlook important details like prescription costs or provider networks.
Ultimately, the best Medicare broker is someone who listens first, educates you clearly, and helps you make a confident decision — not someone who simply tries to “sell” you a plan.
Answered by Sherri Beach on May 18, 2026
Agent Licensed in CO, AL, AZ & 28 other states
A lot of Medicare brokers will tell you how long they’ve been in the business — and sure, experience matters. But that doesn’t always mean you’ll get better service. In fact, some brokers with 10+ years under their belt will give you a little attention up front, and then disappear once you’re enrolled.
What really matters is having someone who pays close attention to the details and sticks with you. A good broker should:
Go over every doctor you see to make sure they’re in-network and figure out which plan fits best with your providers.
Review all your prescriptions to see what’s covered, what it costs, and which plan gives you the best deal.
Break down your plan’s costs and check if you qualify for any financial help. (A lot of people miss out on extra savings because no one takes the time to go over it with them.)
And just as important — you want someone independent, who works with multiple carriers and isn’t tied to just one company.
Answered by David Alelishvili on May 19, 2025
Broker Licensed in NY & NJ
An experienced Medicare broker will ask you questions that pertain to your overall needs and concerns. An inexperienced Medicare broker would only be concern with enrolling you into a plan without considerations.
The broker should be interested in your needs, what you want from your plan, and what you may need in the future.
Thank you
Nydia Flores
Answered by Nydia Flores on May 9, 2025
Broker Licensed in NY
An inexperienced Broker will only be focused on selling you a product as quickly as possible without covering the above mentioned, important information to assess your individual needs.
Answered by Christine Itami on June 16, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ, FL, ID & 5 other states
Answered by Mark Shipman on October 15, 2025
Agent Licensed in WI
Tags: Agent Interview New To Medicare
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