How do you get paid, and does it affect the plan you recommend?

Question

Steve and Sue Brauer · Accepted Answer

Hi, thanks for watching. My name is Steve, and I'm the husband half of the husband and wife Medicare team here in Arizona. Sue is off today. So the question we have today is, how do you get paid as a broker, and does it affect the plan you recommend?

So Medicare has already thought this through, and it actually makes a lot of sense. Great question! The way that we get paid is from the insurance company that we enroll you into. But Medicare has flat fees, and they basically level the playing field. All the fees are the same, typically for the carriers. So it doesn't matter if you're getting enrolled into a Blue Cross plan, Humana, or United; they all pay the same fees to brokers when you're enrolled.

And the same goes for the renewal. So that's just how it works. It makes it pretty easy because there are some agents out there that might steer you to a plan depending on what the compensation is.

Daniel Brechin · Answer

I get paid for what I sell.   I received about 25.00 per person per month.
Supplement programs are also paid the same way.

Norman Smith · Answer

I am paid by the company determined on the Plan I sell. It comes from the company and not the client. But if that is what the agent is selling on is payment and not the best fit for the client then they shouldn’t be an agent. I have a fiduciary responsibility to assist in my client getting a plan that best fits THEIR needs - not my pocket.

Answered by Norman Smith on October 13, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, NJ & PA

Answered by Norman Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Christopher Boyd · Answer

Medicare Advantage commissions are set by Medicare each year. Medicare Supplement companies set their commission rates for agents. As a Fudiciary Advisor, I sign my clients up for the plan which best meets their needs.

Answered by Christopher Boyd on December 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in IN, KY, MI, OH, PA & TN

Answered by Christopher Boyd Medicare Insurance Agent

Edward MacConnell · Answer

We are paid by the insurer if we do help you enroll. We do not have any allegiance to any carrier/insurer we represent our clients directly. Most pay us the same amount if at all. We are a non commission driven firm.

Answered by Edward MacConnell on April 13, 2026

Broker Licensed in PA, AK, AZ & 19 other states

Answered by Edward MacConnell Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Odle · Answer

The insurance company will pay a commission to the agent that's enrolling you in the plan. Unfortunately this can influence which plan a broker will choose for you, especially in the Medicare supplement market where commission percentage is paid on premium collected. The higher the premium, the higher the commission earned.
The Medicare Advantage market is a little less egregious as just a flat fee is paid to the broker every month, but the fees paid due still vary by carrier. 
As a bit of self-promotion, my company actually caps and levels out my compensation to be the same across all carriers so as to take this bias away

Mark Zaruba · Answer

The way compensation is set up with Medicare plans is usually about the same amount of money. But a good agent should know that if they do their due diligence and put clients into a plan that gives them the best chance of saving money, getting the care and doctors then need by putting them into the correct plan give the best chance to assure he or she can stay agent of record and continue to be monthly compensated for years to come.

Answered by Mark Zaruba on March 2, 2026

Agent Licensed in WI & IA

Answered by Mark Zaruba Medicare Insurance Agent

Paula Duffy · Answer

I am paid by commission.  I look at an individual needs when offering a plan.  It is not what I get paid it is what is right for the member.

Jeffrey Jon · Answer

We get paid commission on the sale of an insurance product. If the salesperson represents a company then he will sell for the company. If the salesperson is a broker, then he will represent several companies and not promote one over the other. In either case, the salesperson should be focused on your needs and not the bottom line of the company.

Answered by Jeffrey Jon on March 23, 2026

Agent Licensed in TX

Answered by Jeffrey Jon Medicare Insurance Agent

Rose Cahill · Answer

Most Medicare brokers are paid when they enroll someone in a Medicare Plan, such as an Advantage Plan or a Supplement Plan. Medicare regulates the payments to brokers. This means compensation does not drive what plan is recommended. 
Be sure to work with a broker who has your best interests in mind. You can tell because they will take the time to ask you questions, check your doctors and prescriptions and then provide you with options.

Tom Kowalczyk · Answer

Brokers are compensated by the insurance company once you enroll in a plan, meaning the advice and services we provide are at no cost to you. The premium you pay remains the same regardless of where you purchase your coverage.

For this reason, I recommend choosing a broker you feel comfortable with and who will provide the level of service you expect.

Doreen Dann RN, BSN, MHA · Answer

The health plan carrier pay commissions preapproved by the federal government for every plan sold as long as the sale is done appropriately; the enrollee does not/should not pay any type or form of $ to the agent of record

Answered by Doreen Dann RN, BSN, MHA on October 13, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, CO & 9 other states

Answered by Doreen Dann RN, BSN, MHA Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Silverthorn · Answer

As an independent agent, I am paid a commission by the insurance company my clients signed up with. My commission does not change the cost or coverage of the plan. You can see both of these on www.medicare.gov.
Also, my business is built on referrals so if I don’t do right by my clients, my clients won’t refer their friends and family to me which in turn will hurt my business.

Rick Boyd · Answer

Brokers are paid by the carriers they sell for. When a client is enrolled by the broker, the broker is paid. Commissions are how we make an income, but along with other good agents, I focus on what best meets the client’s needs.

Answered by Rick Boyd on November 24, 2025

Broker Licensed in KY, AZ, CA & OH, TN, TX & UT

Answered by Rick Boyd Medicare Insurance Agent

DeeDee Whitlock · Answer

My office has everyone set up on a salary, BECAUSE I NEVER wanted them to look at commissions & sell a plan based off that! BUT most agents are paid based on commissions, so be careful, it would not hurt if you visited 2 agents to get recommendations from more than one. Getting referrals from your Doctor, friends, church members is also a great way to be sure you are in with the right agent

Answered by DeeDee Whitlock on October 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in LA

Answered by DeeDee Whitlock Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Wallner · Answer

A Medicare Agent will get paid a commission by the Insurance Carrier of the plan the agent helps you enroll in. The commission paid to the agent has no effect on the amount you will pay for the insurance plan. Using an agent is free to you. Take advantage of an agent’s expertise to help you find the best insurance plan for you. Agents have in depth knowledge and access to information that is difficult to find on your own.

Answered by Michael Wallner on December 13, 2025

Agent Licensed in DE, MD & NY

Answered by Michael Wallner Medicare Insurance Agent

Jeffrey Greenberg · Answer

I get paid directly by the carriers . All work the same way and I am totally independent. Rates are set and they are the same buying direct from the carriers or thru me. I offer superior customer service and have been doing this over 40 years. 
Looking forward to speaking with you.

Lou Spatafore · Answer

As a broker I am paid a commission by the carriers. The cost to the beneficiary is the same if they enroll with a broker or direct but the services provided by the agent/broker can be invaluable. As professionals we help our clients find the best plan for their needs and budget. I don't ever recommend a plan based on commission. My first concern is the welfare of my clients.

Answered by Lou Spatafore on March 2, 2026

Broker Licensed in WV, FL, GA & 10 other states

Answered by Lou Spatafore Medicare Insurance Agent

Hudson Albert · Answer

This is a good question — and you should ask it. The short answer is:

Most Medicare agents are paid commissions by insurance companies, and yes, compensation can potentially influence recommendations — but it should not determine what is best for you.

How Medicare Agents Commonly Get Paid

Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans

* Agents are typically paid by the insurance company when someone enrolls
* Compensation rules are regulated and there are limits on how much can be paid
* Renewals may also pay ongoing compensation

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

* Agents are generally paid commissions by the insurance company
* Compensation structures can vary by company and plan

David Schneider · Answer

It depends on the plan being purchased. When it comes to Medicare Advantage Plans, the compensation from the carrier is the same, not carrier dependent. Medicare controls how much the carries will compensate the agent. The best plan will allow you to see your doctors and cover your prescriptions.

Answered by David Schneider on November 24, 2025

Broker Licensed in OR

Answered by David Schneider Medicare Insurance Agent

Eve Venters · Answer

It is a common and fair question to ask how we are paid and whether that impacts the plans we recommend. To be fully transparent: The cost of your plan is exactly the same whether you sign up through an agent, a broker, or directly with the insurance company. You pay no fees for my services; instead, the insurance carriers pay a commission to our agency for the work we do.

For Medicare Advantage and Part D  the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sets a Maximum Broker Compensation. This creates a level playing field and is designed specifically to prevent "steering" toward a plan just because it pays more commission.  Most carriers pay the same flat fee, meaning my compensation is generally the same regardless of which plan you choose. In North Carolina, some plans are "non-commissionable," meaning the carrier pays the agent $0. Our agency has helped many clients enroll in these plans. If a non-commissionable plan is the best fit for your specific health needs and budget, that is exactly where we will point you.

Medigap compensation works differently. These are usually percentage based rather than a flat fee. Agents typically receive a percentage of the annual premium. This percentage is often higher in the first year and then transitions to a lower renewal rate for subsequent years. While percentages vary by carrier. 

Our agency does not focus on individual commissions; we focus on volume and long-term relationships. We choose plans based on:

Plan Benefits: Does it cover what you need?

Provider Networks: Are your doctors included?

Customer Service: How does the carrier treat you when you have a claim?

We believe that if we do the right thing and provide excellent service, a strong customer base and referrals will follow. Our priority is and  always will be, finding the plan that is right for you, not the one that pays the most.

Eve Black Venters, CSA
Certified Senior Advisor

Mark Boone · Answer

I get paid from the insurance company after they get paid from Medicare (CMS). For me personally it does not affect the plan I recommend. I recommend the plan that is right for the client and will give them the best coverage to meet most or all of their needs. Commission should never be the driving force on which plan to recommend to a client

Answered by Mark Boone on October 13, 2025

Agent Licensed in MN, FL, MI & NC, OH, SC & VA

Answered by Mark Boone Medicare Insurance Agent

Dean Chiapetto · Answer

I get paid a commission from the insurance companies that I represent. When all things are equal it does play a part in companies that I recommend. What a broker brings to the table is experience with companies and will know if a company is easy for the client to work with. When it comes to Medigap for example, all plans with the same letter all provide the same basic benefits. Some may add on gym memberships or discount programs that can make a difference, even if the commission is lower. It's all about doing right for the client. Brokers Make a Difference.

Answered by Dean Chiapetto on April 6, 2026

Broker Licensed in VA, MD, NC, TN & WV

Answered by Dean Chiapetto Medicare Insurance Agent

Jennifer Kalbach · Answer

Agents are paid by the carriers (in my case the carrier pays my agency who then shares a portion of the commission with me). For me, I only care about what is the best plan for the customer and that is what we should be doing but unfortunately, some agents try and sway people toward Medicare Advantage plans as those pay out more commission that Medicare Supplement plans. I present all facts and provide information so my clients can make the best decision for themselves. Medicare Advantage is a pay as you go plan with little to no premiums while Medicare Supplements are more comprehensive and have a premium. Most Medicare Advantage plans have annual MOOP's higher than what their annual premium would be on a Medicare Supplement plan.

Answered by Jennifer Kalbach on November 24, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY

Answered by Jennifer Kalbach Medicare Insurance Agent

Sam Silva · Answer

I’m compensated by the insurance company when someone enrolls in a Medicare plan, and CMS regulates how agents are paid.

Using an agent does not increase your premium or cost you extra.
My recommendation is based on your doctors, medications, budget, and healthcare needs — not compensation.

Jeffrey Sodikoff · Answer

I AM PAID BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY, NOT MY CLIENTS. A REPUTABLE AGENT WILL DO THE REQUIRED DUE DILLIGENCE AND ENROLL YOU IN A PLAN THAT IS SUITABLE FOR YOU WHICH HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH OUR COMMISSIONS.

Answered by Jeffrey Sodikoff on November 19, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Jeffrey Sodikoff Medicare Insurance Agent

Tony Hardwick · Answer

I am paid an hourly salary and commission. My plan recommendations depend entirely upon the client's needs. I listen intently to find out what's needed and this allows me to find the plan in the area that provides all that's needed. My job is to help others, not inflate my pockets.

Answered by Tony Hardwick on March 18, 2026

Broker Licensed in GA, AL, AR & 32 other states

Answered by Tony Hardwick Medicare Insurance Agent

Greg Strasma · Answer

I get paid once a month by the carriers. What plan I put you in is generally irrelevant as to how much the carrier pays me so I won’t steer you towards one plan or another because one plan would pay me more. All plans pay the same for the most part.

Answered by Greg Strasma on November 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in GA

Answered by Greg Strasma Medicare Insurance Agent

Chris Lewis · Answer

Agents are paid by the insurance companies they represent. These commissions are regulated by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and is not a charge passed onto the insured. It does not impact the insured in any way.

Answered by Chris Lewis on March 3, 2026

Broker Licensed in AL & GA

Answered by Chris Lewis Medicare Insurance Agent

Jon Morton · Answer

I get paid a commission from the insurance companies that I represent. When all things are equal it does play a part in companies that I recommend. What a broker brings to the table is experience with companies and will know if a company is easy for the client to work with. When it comes to Medigap for example, all plans with the same letter all provide the same basic benefits. Some may add on gym memberships or discount programs that can make a difference, even if the commission is lower. It's all about doing right for the client. Brokers Make a Difference.

Answered by Dean Chiapetto on April 6, 2026

Broker Licensed in VA, MD, NC, TN & WV

Tony Carlton · Answer

Thank you for your question. That's a good question. So, when you meet a licensed, independent Medicare advisor you have met someone who is an expert in a very complicated field.
The way that independent advisors/agents get paid is by commissions, which for Medicare Advantage {Part C} and Prescription Drug Plans {Part D}, is set by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid {CMS... I know, where's the other M? LOL}. Commissions for Medicare Supplement {a.k.a - MedSup or Medicgap} are set and paid by the individual MedSup company.
And I can truly say that, because of the freedom of choice and tools that independence provides, we don't get paid more or less for recommending one company or plan over the other.
Think about it this way, the agent needs clients not just for this year but for years to come. Hence, we need to have our clients healthy and with the plan the fits your health and budget now and on an annual basis.
A healthcare plan that provides a food card or some other incentive is not a higher priority than a plan that covers your doctors, medications and hospitals at a cost that you can afford.
Also, the Star Rating of a Medicare Advantage plan is an important consideration. Because that rating is given by the Medicare Beneficiaries.
So all that being said, NO being paid by commission does not affect the plan recommendation for most independent Medicare advisor.
BTW, we must complete an annual training, through CMS called AHIP. We must pass this coursework with a score of 90% or we cannot sell the products for the next 12 months.
As someone who was a Stockbroker in the 1990's, I know that this a rigorous trial to stay current with the many changes that occur in Medicare annually. No other state advisor or volunteers go through this or have access to all the ways to find a plan as your local Medicare advisor. You are in the hands of an expert who cares about you before you arrived at his/her door. Find one who you like and trust... and Good bless.

Mindy Kay · Answer

Medicare agents are typically paid by the insurance carrier, not by you. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, the carrier pays the agent a regulated commission set within federal guidelines — meaning compensation is generally similar regardless of which plan you choose.

Importantly, working with an agent does not increase your premium; you pay the same price whether you enroll directly or use an agent. Ethical agents focus on recommending plans based on your healthcare needs, prescriptions, doctors, and financial goals, not compensation, and are required to follow strict compliance rules designed to protect Medicare beneficiaries.

Michael Reardon · Answer

We are paid a commission from the insurance carrier for each application that we submit. It does not have anything to do with the customers that we are working with. We get paid the same regardless of the plan so we have no incentive to just pick one particular plan.

Answered by Michael Reardon on October 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, GA, NC, SC & VA

Answered by Michael Reardon Medicare Insurance Agent

Collette Rance · Answer

As an independent agent, the insurance company pays me when I bring them clients. They are restricted by Medicare how much they can pay per policy, and this can vary by state. In my area (Florida) companies mostly pay the maximum allowed. This gives me the objectivity to find the best fit for a client's needs and budget without considering my wallet into the equation. As long as I find a solution for my client, I will be taken care of, regardless of the option chosen. But as a consumer going directly a company, you will not be offered a lower price or better coverage.

Answered by Collette Rance on October 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, GA, MA & 5 other states

Answered by Collette Rance Medicare Insurance Agent

Michele Spencer · Answer

Medicare agents don’t (shouldn’t) charge a fee for thier services. We get paid once a plan is written by the insurance company for most products.

Roarke Andrews · Answer

The insurance company pays me.  They have determined that it is cost effective to have agents market and help individuals enroll as opposed to have payroll employees with retirement plans and benefit packages enroll members.  As long as we do a good job taking care of you, you are more likely to call us with questions and not call the insurance company, and if we do a poor job, then you change to someone else.

It does not affect which plan I recommend, I have been doing this over 20 years and plan to do this for many years to come.  If I do right by my clients, it will work out in the end.

Jennifer Ragborg · Answer

CMS allows a service fee to be paid by the insurance company with the idea that I provide a service to you and will be available for your questions and when you need help. All the companies pay the same fee so my goal is always to find the plan that fits you. Unfortunately, for 2026, many companies are not paying fees which will impact my income and long-range plans. However, because I am a Certified Financial Planner, my personal and professional ethical obligation to you and all my clients is to find the plan that best suits you - even if I don't get paid.

Answered by Jennifer Ragborg on October 13, 2025

Agent Licensed in MN, AZ, FL, NC & WI

Answered by Jennifer Ragborg Medicare Insurance Agent

Angelica Parra · Answer

My services are completely free to you. I’m paid by the insurance companies when I help you enroll, and my compensation is the same no matter which plan you choose. That means my only focus is finding the plan that’s the best fit for your needs.

Answered by Angelica Parra on October 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & NV

Answered by Angelica Parra Medicare Insurance Agent

Jay Copeland · Answer

Agents get paid by the Carrier that they are selling for at the time. and No it dosen't affect your 
plan the the agent recommends..

Valerie Peckham · Answer

A Medicare Broker is typically paid a commission by the insurance company when a plan is purchased. Not all plans pay a commission however, this is not a consideration for an ethical Broker. Ethical Brokers should present all available plan options to the Beneficiary that fit the Beneficiary's needs. Because Brokers are paid by the insurance companies, a Medicare Beneficiary typically should pay nothing--the services of a Broker should be at no cost to the Beneficiary.

Answered by Valerie Peckham on February 16, 2026

Broker Licensed in KS, AZ, FL & 6 other states

Answered by Valerie Peckham Medicare Insurance Agent

How do you get paid, and does it affect the plan you recommend?

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How do you get paid, and does it affect the plan you recommend?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

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A non-government resource website