Is it ok to work with a Medicare Agent from another state?

Question

Steven Bleicher · Accepted Answer

Not really. Each state has some differing laws especially for Medicare Advantage plans but not so much for Supplements. Since the latter’s rules are nation-wide, the jeopardy in using an out-of-state agent is she/he may not be as acquainted with some of the differences between states. Interview 2-3 longtime local brokers who are more familiar with the quirkiness of their home state.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on August 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

Hi. Thanks for watching. We are the husband and wife Medicare team. I'm Steve and I'm Sue. The question for today is, is it okay to work with a Medicare agent from another state? Yes, technically it is, but I would highly recommend that you have a local agent that knows all the details about your state, because all the different counties matter. If you work in another state, you may not know all the different nuances for the different counties. And what's good and what might be a little bit more challenging. So yes, you could, is the answer, but I really wouldn't recommend it.

Mark Bilgere · Answer

It is if when you talk to them you feel they are listening to you and asking you questions to understand your needs. If you feel rushed or pressured, then don't continue with them. Technology allows us to help a lot of people all over, but the process should still be the same, get to know the person, their needs and help them find the best options for them. Be aware that many call center agents are primarily sales, and they will not be available once you have enrolled. So a trusting relationship is still important.

Answered by Mark Bilgere on October 7, 2025

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

Answered by Mark Bilgere Medicare Insurance Agent

Daniel Brechin · Answer

L am licensed in Several states I would be happy to  set down with you and review at no cost.  Please let me know If I can Help you.  I also have a selection of supplement plans.

Terri Reagin · Answer

Absolutely! many reputable agents carry licenses in multiple states, myself included! I would just make sure they are willing to offer a license number that you can look up and contact information that you can save in your phone if you need them.

Answered by Terri Reagin on August 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK, AR, CO & 6 other states

Answered by Terri Reagin Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Dalton · Answer

When engaging with agents, it is essential to select individuals who are licensed in your specific state. They typically have a more comprehensive understanding of the local plans and regulations that pertain to your area. Agents who are based in your state or neighboring states often possess valuable insights regarding the plans relevant to your locale. 

As someone who operates in both Oklahoma and Texas, I appreciate the challenges of navigating the diverse plans that impact various regions across multiple states. Personally, I advocate for supporting businesses that are situated within my state or region, as I believe they have a distinct connection to the community and are well-positioned to offer personalized assistance.

Voss Speros · Answer

Voss Speros here, Greek God of Medicare, talking about Medicare. So the question is, is it okay to work with an agent in another state? Yes, it is okay to work with an agent in another state. Now, a couple of things. A local agent would have more knowledge of the local Medicare conditions and plans available and things going on. Brokers in other states probably have a general understanding of what's good in your state, but they're probably not the most qualified for having the information for that state.

So it's more of a contractor all over the country, and I help people in other states. Yes, and I can look up plans in those states, but it's not my home state. In Arizona, I got to cover—we got all the contracts. The majority of them, we know the plans, know the ins and outs, what's good, and what they're good with the providers and stuff. So it's always good to go with an in-state broker.

But you know, our team has brokers all over the country. So if there's something you need, we got you covered in another state. So yes, it's okay to work with an out-of-state broker because we are licensed in those states and we are licensed to sell and offer products in those states. So yeah, we have access to that. So yeah, we can definitely help you out in other states.

And say brokers, I just—it's always good to have the same broker, just saying. All right, thank you. I hope that question helps. Have a great day!

Nick Mangini · Answer

YES! You should work with a Medicare agent who has over 10 years of extensive experience and is knowledgeable in Medicare. Working with a Medicare agent who is local is pointless if the person does not have the same extensive experience. It's not like you will be having the agent over for breakfast every day. Working with an agent who is professional and does not just push Medicare Advantage plans because they are "zero premium" is what you should look for. Too many times I hear clients say that their agent never told them about Medigap Supplement Plans. That means the agents (local and non-local) are not providing both sides because they are simply looking to make more money by pushing Advantage plans. Medigap Plans provide the best coverage, but inexperienced agents are concerned about their own pockets! Contact us, and we can help guide you!

Answered by Nick Mangini on March 29, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 32 other states

Answered by Nick Mangini Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Whetstine · Answer

Yes!  Absolutely.  Here are some things to keep in mind:

1.)  Where you file your taxes or receive your benefits is where you are going to base your Medicare benefits.  You need to identify a licensed agent for that state.  It is not enough for the agent to be licensed in their own state with a resident license.  They also have to have a non-resident insurance license and be connected with an agency that also has an insurance license within your state.  Each agent has to complete certifications for each of the carriers they represent in what we call a "Ready to Sell" or "RTS" status where the carriers plans can be offered.  

Bottom line:  If the agent is only licensed in their state and not yours, they will not be able to help you with a plan.

2.)  When you contact an agent from another state, find out if they are a captive agent where they represent one company, or if they are an independent agent where they offer two or more carriers.  

3.)  Medicare Supplement or Medigap Plans are standardized across the nation with the exception of three states:   Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.  What this means is that coverage will be the same according to the plans available from Plan A to Plan N.  Premiums will be different from location to location.

4.)  Be aware of whether or not the agents are familiar with local plans.  Agents should take the time to become familiar with regional plans.  However, there are a fair amount that do not always take the time to learn more about the plans and offerings that a carrier may offer in a region, state or county.  Also, you may be seeking a local plan that an agent from another state may not be able to pick up.  There are a small number of carriers that will only allow local agents to represent their plans.  It is good to ask in advance what carriers an agent may represent before you become engaged in deep discussions about plans.  

One of the beauties of working with an agent in another state is convenience.

Ryan George · Answer

Absolutely! We do it every day! As long as we have the plans in that area that best serve the clients, you can deal with any brokerage you so choose. The one thing to make sure of, is that you're not only getting guidance from one insurance company, try to find a broker.

Answered by Ryan George on February 3, 2026

Broker Licensed in PA, AK, AL & 49 other states

Answered by Ryan George Medicare Insurance Agent

Joanna Finnegan · Answer

Yes, it is ok to work with a Medicare Agent from another state. I live in Idaho and have clients in several states. An agent like myself has to have a non-resident license for each state we have clients. You can look an agent up on your states Department of Insurance website to confirm their credentials.

Answered by Joanna Finnegan on September 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in ID, AR, AZ & 31 other states

Answered by Joanna Finnegan Medicare Insurance Agent

Ali Crouch · Answer

You can absolutely work with a Medicare Agent from another state; the agent just has to be licensed in the state where you live.

Kim Cotten · Answer

Absolutely! I’m proudly licensed in over 40 states, which allows me to help clients no matter where they live in the U.S. Whether you’re looking for guidance on Medicare Advantage, Part D, or Medigap plans, I bring personalized support and expertise to every client, nationwide. Distance doesn’t limit the care and attention I provide. I make it simple and convenient to get the coverage you need.

Answered by Kim Cotten on April 1, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, CA & 12 other states

Answered by Kim Cotten Medicare Insurance Agent

Grant Evans · Answer

The agent that you work with needs to be licensed in the state that you reside in. Local agents are also ideal because they will know the specifics of each plan better than an agent that is less familiar with the plans in the area.

Answered by Grant Evans on September 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, FL, NC, OH, SC & WV

Answered by Grant Evans Medicare Insurance Agent

Jackson Stodgel · Answer

Yes, it is completely okay to work with a Medicare agent from another state as long as they are properly licensed and appointed in the state where you live. Medicare plans are based on your ZIP code, not the agent’s location, so a multi-state licensed agent can still compare and enroll you in the correct plans.

Answered by Jackson Stodgel on December 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, CA, IL & 12 other states

Answered by Jackson Stodgel Medicare Insurance Agent

Tammie Robinson · Answer

Absolutely, Medicare agent that are
Licensed in multiple states have the same certification as agents in your resident state.

Melissa Carr · Answer

As long as the agent is licensed in the state you live in. I am currently licensed in 32 states. You can always request a copy of their insurance license. I email mine to all my customers, if I am not meeting them in person.

Answered by Melissa Carr on November 8, 2025

Agent Licensed in TN, AL, AR & 28 other states

Answered by Melissa Carr Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Zurbuch, MBA · Answer

Yes, however use a Licensed Broker. A professional Broker whom represents more than Insurance Company.

Jim Tretola · Answer

Yes, as long as they are licensed in your State and are familiar with the Plans and Networks. You should ensure they are certified with all the Major carriers in your State.

Ron Cronwell · Answer

Yes, as long as they are licensed and appointed in your state. But a  local agent may be more familiar with local doctors and services available to you.

Barbara Barnes, CMIP® · Answer

As long as the agent is licensed and certified in your state, it should be fine to work with them, as long as you’re also comfortable working by phone.

Juliette Chihade · Answer

Yes, it's generally okay to work with a Medicare agent from another state, but there are some important considerations:

Agent licensing - Insurance agents must be licensed in your state to sell certain products. Some agents hold licenses in multiple states, while others don't.

Hugo Luis Mion · Answer

I believe so, but you need to make sure they have a license for your state. As every agent has to have an license in the states he does business.

Greg Giordano · Answer

It is generally permissible to work with a Medicare agent licensed in another state, but they must also be licensed in your state to sell plans there. Make sure you work with an Independent Insurance Agent. Independent agents work with multiple insurance companies, not just one. This allows them to shop for the best coverage and prices across different carriers, giving you more options than a captive agent who only represents a single company.

Answered by Greg Giordano on August 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AZ, CO & 15 other states

Answered by Greg Giordano Medicare Insurance Agent

Lou Ann Pyatt · Answer

Yes. That is fine. Many agents are licensed in states in addition to their state of residence. You just want to make sure the agent is licensed in your state of residence.

Stephen Merrill · Answer

Not a good idea. Someone from another state or for that matter from a different county will not be as familiar with the plans, what doctors or hospitals participate in a specific plan, or the hospitals in your area. They will also have a relationship with local insurance carrier representative which is good to have should you have any issues. Find a local Broker/Agent that represents the top plans in your area. These plans can change from year to year and the Agent will be able to advise you if you need to change to another plan.

Answered by Stephen Merrill on January 5, 2026

Agent Licensed in CA

Answered by Stephen Merrill Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Henderson · Answer

Yes, I am living in Texas, but I am licensed for 48 states. Many companies today because of the internet, centralize their medicare sales teams or they work remotely. There is no issue with an out of state agent.

Answered by Gary Henderson on September 11, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 46 other states

Answered by Gary Henderson Medicare Insurance Agent

Meghan Blankenship · Answer

Yes, it's okay to work with a Medicare agent from another state - but there are a few things to keep in mind. a) Licensing the agent must be licensed to sell Medicare plans in your state. For example, if you live in Florida then the agent must be licensed in Florida, even if they live elsewhere b. Plan Knowledge: Make sure the agent understands the local provider networks and plan options in your area. Some plans are regional, so local knowledge can make a big difference. c.) Communications: If you're comfortable working by phone, email or video, an out-of-state agent can still be a great resource - especially if they're independent and represent multiple companies.

Answered by Meghan Blankenship on November 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, MD & OH

Answered by Meghan Blankenship Medicare Insurance Agent

Toni Cormier · Answer

Yes, as long as they are licensed as a insurance agent in the state you live in, it is not uncommon for agents to be licensed in multiple states.

Dominic Javier · Answer

It is perfectly fine to work with a Medicare agent from another state, provided they hold a non-resident license for the state where you live. Many agents are licensed in multiple states and help clients across the country using phone, email, and video calls.

Answered by Dominic Javier on January 27, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Dominic Javier Medicare Insurance Agent

Jeremy Watson · Answer

If the agent answers your calls, spends the time to make sure you understand the information they are providing, and you trust them and feel comfortable with them, there is absolutely nothing wrong with working with an agent from another state.

However, there is a lot of benefit to having a more local agent. Often times it is easier to sit down face to face when answering questions, dealing with potential issues, looking at benefits, comparing plans, and other situations like that. 

The choice is yours, and there really isn't a wrong one!

Patrick Stinson · Answer

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to work with a agent or broker from another state as long as that person is properly licensed in your state and has the AHIP ( Medicare) certification and all is up to date. This circumstance happens every day. There is no problem there.

Answered by Patrick Stinson on August 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, AR, AZ & 9 other states

Answered by Patrick Stinson Medicare Insurance Agent

Chauncey Bragg · Answer

Yes that is fine as long as they are licensed to sell in the state that you live in. This is very important because they need to know the plans that are available in your state and region as the plans can vary and they legally can't help you if they are not licensed in your state.

Answered by Chauncey Bragg on September 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Chauncey Bragg Medicare Insurance Agent

Cynthia Allen · Answer

Yes, an agent does not have to be local, an agent, as long as they have a license in your state, they can do business and assist you with medicare. Many agents have licenses in various states in the US.

Answered by Cynthia Allen on November 3, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, GA, ID & 6 other states

Answered by Cynthia Allen Medicare Insurance Agent

Joseph Tretola · Answer

As long as this agent is properly licensed in the state you reside in and have an appointment with the carrier they are advising.

Emmond Wills · Answer

Yes, it’s perfectly okay to work with a Medicare agent from another state — as long as that agent is licensed in your state.

John Weaver · Answer

Yes.

 It is okay to work with a Medicare agent from another state, but they must be licensed to sell insurance in your state.  While an agent may be based elsewhere, they must hold a valid non-resident license in your state to legally sell you Medicare plans. 

Are local agents a better choice?

Local Medicare agents are often considered better because they offer personalized, face-to-face service, possess in-depth knowledge of local healthcare networks, and provide ongoing support and advocacy at no additional cost to you.

Sandy Hammond · Answer

As long as that agent is licensed in your state, it is perfectly fine to speak with a Medicare Agent from another state.

Jessie Rhodes · Answer

As someone who was a call center agent I would say yes as long as the Agent is Licensed and appointed in that state and have you the client best interest in mind.

Martha Lopez-Elkind · Answer

Normally, it's better to work with a local agent, who is fully versed in your market. That being said, if you prefer to work with someone you know who lives in another state, the first question you might want to ask is he/she licensed in your state? How knowledgeable are they in your state's plans? And last but not least, how many insurance companies are they appointed with?

Answered by Martha Lopez-Elkind on October 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in NV

Answered by Martha Lopez-Elkind Medicare Insurance Agent

David Fiveash · Answer

Yes it is acceptable for Medicare supplement plans and Medicare drug plans.
I would recommend a local or nearest agent for Medicare Advantage plans

Joseph &quot;Joey&quot; Gutierrez · Answer

If they are licensed in your state - yes. Is it recommended... No. Historically local agents are there to provide face to face service and understand the local networks best. This is my opinion, and it is up to you to make your own decision using your own criteria.

Answered by Joseph "Joey" Gutierrez on July 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Joseph "Joey" Gutierrez Medicare Insurance Agent

Demetrus Morton · Answer

Yes,, you can just as long as they are licensed in the state they reside in and in your state state

Teresa Scott-Carano · Answer

That is a great question. You didn't ask but I am assuming you are wondering if the agent is legit and can in fact help you. So here are my tips: confirm the Agent is licensed and appointed in your state. If they are and you are comfortable with how you met/began your interaction then I recommend asking them about their background, how they help consumers in your state and why they are working with consumers in your state. Obtain their contact information, email, carriers they represent and license number for the state you reside in. You can always contact the Dept of Insurance (DOI) for your state and confirm the agents information then call the agent back and continue speaking with them. If you get a high pressure to act from the agent; I would personally end the call and contact your DOI and report the activity. You should not feel pressured in any way to work with them or take action.

Answered by Teresa Scott-Carano on August 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA & OH

Answered by Teresa Scott-Carano Medicare Insurance Agent

Chris Hughes · Answer

It can be ok to work with a Medicare Agent from another state if the agent is licensed in your state.  However, if possible I would recommend working with a local agent that resides in your state.

Hassan Rashid · Answer

Absolutely! Lots of Medicare agents are licensed in multiple states. It just comes down to a matter of preference. Some people prefer to work with people face to face while others prefer to work with someone who is more accessible telephonically.

Answered by Hassan Rashid on January 26, 2026

Agent Licensed in IL, IN, MI, MO & WI

Answered by Hassan Rashid Medicare Insurance Agent

Cindy Ozburn-Ellison · Answer

YES if the agent is licensed in YOUR state all is well! Several agents are licensed in more than one state. JUST ask your agent for their license number for YOUR state and take it from there. As a Medicare Agent we take LOTs of tests and know the rules. NO worry every agent is verifiable.

Answered by Cindy Ozburn-Ellison on August 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA, AZ, DC & 5 other states

Answered by Cindy Ozburn-Ellison Medicare Insurance Agent

Liz Pizzo · Answer

Yes it is ok to work with a Medicare Agent from another state. Make sure that agent is licensed in that state before you proceed with all your information.

Is it ok to work with a Medicare Agent from another state?

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Is it ok to work with a Medicare Agent from another state?

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