What are the red flags I should look for when interviewing agents? I want to make sure I'm not just getting sold to but genuinely advised.

Question

Cleo Martin · Accepted Answer

I would find out how long they have been selling Med supps and Medicare Advantages and why they like this market. I would also have them explain the difference between the two. Can they do it in a way that you understand stand it. I would also like to know how many companies they represent.  If just one then that's all you will get told about. They should also be asking you questions about your doctor's, like their names. Plus the drugs you are taking and what your specific health situation  is.  They should be asking questions to find out what your enrollment situation is. The health situation will tell them what you may or may not qualify for.  By getting these questions asked hopefully it will give you a better feel of the agent and if they can assist you or not.  
Cleo Martin

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

Someone that’s been doing it awhile. I’m in this business 36 years now. A new agent doesn’t have a lot of experience. Someone who is a captive agent, meaning they work for one company, they can only offer the one or possibly two companies. That’s not enough. You need someone you feel comfortable with.

Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown on April 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, AL, CO & 10 other states

Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Norman Smith · Answer

Personally, when I sit with someone, I adopt the attitude that I'm not trying to sell you, but rather to have a thoughtful conversation, address your questions and concerns, and provide answers through information and real-life examples. By the time I'm finished with our appointment, you will have found the information on me as the agent, the company I represent, the product(s) recommended for your situation, the pricing for that decision, and the differences between my company and my competition. At that time, you choose to buy that from me or not. If you feel you are being sold, then you probably are. 
Also, I try not to disparage any of my competitors. Although I feel my company is superior, I am confident in my servicing and the support I receive from the policies I sell through my company are the best; there are some very good companies out there. I don't like working with someone who puts down others. 
Lastly, are they willing to show you rate sheets of how their company has performed over the past number of years, and their ratings with AM Best, which is how you measure Insurance companies.

Clarence &quot;Mark&quot; Christiansen · Answer

Experience matters. Ask your agent how long they've been in business? What percent of their business is Medicare (important!). Have your agent provide you with the names of the states where they're licensed and list the Medicare plans they are licensed / appointed to sell in your resident zip code.

Answered by Clarence "Mark" Christiansen on April 3, 2025

Agent Licensed in WI, AZ, CA & 16 other states

Answered by Clarence "Mark" Christiansen Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Whetstine · Answer

It is important that an agent get to know your situation or needs before offering any product or service.  

If an agent automatically offers a product without asking you any questions, it may be a good idea to part ways with that agent as they are not looking out for your interests.  There is a good chance that the agent may be steering you to a plan that is going to give them the most commissions.  

If an agent seems overly aggressive or pushy, that would be a concern.  It is important to know key dates and important deadlines as it relates to making Medicare decisions.    

Also, it is important that an agent takes the time to answer all of your questions.  

If the agent is not willing to answer your questions, then they are also not likely going to advocate for you when you enroll in a plan with them should you need service or assistance in the future.

Sandra Teel · Answer

Very good question.  Be aware of agents that can only sell one type of Medicare plan or an agent that only works for one insurance company. You don't want to get railroaded into something that might not be your best option.

When you are looking into Medicare insurance options, you need a Broker.  Brokers are contracted with several different insurance agencies and can offer information on all types of Medicare insurance options.  

A Medicare Broker who offers all the Medicare options has more training with Medicare and is able to explain the differences between the different types of plans available in your area. 

There are pros and cons to each type of plan. A good Broker will take the time to explain each one to you, so you can make the choice of what works best for your situation. 

If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to me.

Jillian Bellinger-Laing · Answer

Good afternoon. Make sure the agent is listening to what you are looking for in a plan. Make sure they are explaining how Medicare works and showing all of your options, this way you can make an educated decision. A big red flag would be if they are just pushing one company or plan.

Answered by Jillian Bellinger-Laing on May 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, DE, FL & 6 other states

Answered by Jillian Bellinger-Laing Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

As long as you ask an agent if she/he is a “captive agent” & immediately gives you an answer, you may trust that agent due to the lack of hesitation. Though now you must be “on guard” since if the reply is yes, they only work for one company! This signals you to interact with at least two more agents who are not captive. In this way, you should get a well-rounded synopsis of the Medicare system. In effect, a broker or independent rep is a better bet since there is “no cookie-cutter” answer to your top choices. It has to do with your own health, your family history of longevity, your finances and surely NOT the least expensive premium!

Answered by Steven Bleicher on June 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Dana Dane · Answer

Instead of looking for red flags (If one is a hammer one tends to look for nails.), instead I would focus on important attributes. Are they an EXPERIENCED agent - how many years have they been in business? Does the agent have access to MULITPLE COMPANIES and access to multiple plan types? Is the agent LISTENING to your concerns? Ask yourself, would you invite them to your home or would you hire them if you were an employer?

Answered by Dana Dane on April 18, 2025

Agent Licensed in OR, AZ, CA & 6 other states

Answered by Dana Dane Medicare Insurance Agent

John L Herman Jr · Answer

Building trust starts at the first call.  Let the Broker know your concerns then sit back and listen.  The Broker should share their background…show their License when requested…offer references if necessary. The “rede flags” are failing to produce their License, failure to explain how the process works to obtain Medicare and then ask the appropriate questions of the client.

A key “red flag” is if the Broker only works with one or two Insurance Carriers…the key to getting the best Plan for yourself is to work with a Broker Licensed and Certified by all of the Major Carriers in your area so you are not pushed into a Plan not right for you. And a Broker should never ask for or accept any fee for helping you as the Carriers will pay his or her fee.

Fred Manas · Answer

Here are some key red flags to watch out for:
Overpromising and Underdelivering: Be wary of agents who make unrealistic promises, especially regarding inflated pricing or guaranteed quick sales. A good agent bases their recommendations on data and provides a clear marketing plan, not just optimism.
Poor Communication and Responsiveness: A major red flag is an agent who is hard to reach, slow to respond, or provides vague answers. Effective communication is essential for a smooth transaction, and a good agent will keep you informed and address your concerns promptly.
Lack of Local Market Knowledge: An agent who doesn't understand the specific market dynamics of your neighborhood or area may not be able to effectively price, market, or negotiate on your behalf.
High-Pressure Tactics: Avoid agents who pressure you into making quick decisions, whether it's about making an offer or accepting a deal you're uncomfortable with. A good agent respects your timeline and provides guidance without forcing your hand.
Lack of Transparency or Dishonesty: An agent who is evasive about fees, hides information, or seems less than honest is a clear sign to reconsider. Transparency builds trust, and a trustworthy agent will be upfront about all aspects of the transaction.
Ineffective Marketing Plan: If an agent can't clearly articulate their strategy for marketing your property, or if their online presence and past listings are subpar, they may not be equipped to attract the right buyers.
Unprofessional Behavior: This includes showing up late, being unprepared, or displaying a lack of respect for your time or preferences.
Negative Reviews or Poor Reputation: Check online reviews and ask for references from past clients to get insights into the agent's performance and reliability.
Focus on Self-Promotion over Client Needs: Be wary of agents who seem more interested in promoting themselves than in helping you.

Steve Brauer · Answer

The biggest red flag when you're interviewing agents is to ask them what other types of insurance do they provide. If they tell you that they can do multiple types of insurance, you're not dealing with a specialist. Secondly, you have to make sure that they are an INDEPENDENT agent...meaning they are contracted with many insurance companies and not tied to one or two. You want a SPECIALIST not a GENERALIST

Answered by Steve Brauer on April 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Kelly Linster · Answer

I would focus on the agents that educate first, sell second. Education is very empowering when it comes to which plan you must choose upon being eligible for Medicare.

Babs Atwell · Answer

Always look for an agent with high recommendations by friends and family first and foremost. Then make sure they are contracted with the majority of the companies offered in your area to ensure an adequate review. Finally, make sure they are not pushy like a typical sales person. Those types of agents/brokers only have themselves in mind. You want to work with an agent/broker that takes plenty of time to explain everything and answer your questions. As well as someone who offers year round service after enrollment.

Answered by Babs Atwell on May 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Babs Atwell Medicare Insurance Agent

Scott Klag · Answer

The agent must be asking questions about your particular situation, who are your doctors, what are your medications, etc. If the agent is just telling you about the health plan without this first step you are dealing with a Salesperson and not a professional.

Answered by Scott Klag on June 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in OH

Answered by Scott Klag Medicare Insurance Agent

Maci Mishler · Answer

If they cannot answer questions you have and it seems like they're fumbling and possibly giving you incorrect information that should be a red flag. If I have someone ask me a question I don't know I'll simply tell them I need to look into it and get back to them with the answer. I never lie to clients!

Answered by Maci Mishler on June 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in NE, AR, KS & MO, ND, OK & TX

Answered by Maci Mishler Medicare Insurance Agent

Angela Olson · Answer

The # one thing I tell people is make sure they are educating you on ALL of your Medicare choices, not ONLY Medicare Advantage or ONLY Medicare Supplement plans. 2. Find someone who is broker and represents EVERY plan in your area so that they can really help you find the one best suited to you. 3. Make sure they provide a lifetime of free customer service. It's important! The last thing you want to deal with is a confusing bill while you are trying to recover from a painful surgery. 4. Make sure they help you review your policy yearly so that you can be confident knowing you have great coverage despite yearly changes. 5. Lastly, check reviews! It's important to know that they have a good reputation and that they actually do what they tell you they do.

Answered by Angela Olson on May 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in UT, AZ, CO & 5 other states

Answered by Angela Olson Medicare Insurance Agent

Tommy Lawson · Answer

I would look for someone who asks you more questions about your needs than anything else, like, do you travel often? are you having trouble paying for anything specific? When they show you top three options from different carriers is also a good indication that they are a good advisor.

Answered by Tommy Lawson on May 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in KY, CT & IN

Answered by Tommy Lawson Medicare Insurance Agent

Angelique Solomon · Answer

MmRed Flags When Interviewing Insurance Agents:
   •   Pushy sales tactics
   •   Vague or generic advice
   •   Won’t answer questions clearly
   •   Not licensed
   •   Only pushing one company

A good agent listens, educates, and tailors solutions to you.

Need a graphic version too?

Barbara Hawes · Answer

Really good question!   
A responsible agent in my opinion will educate first and then let you decide what's best for you.   They need to learn about you a bit first as to what's important to you in a plan, what you expect, and then present the advantages and disadvantages of each type of plan.  Once you decide whether medicare advantage or medicare supplement, then the selections can whittle down to something more manageable.   You should never be pushed;   if you don't understand something then you need to get answers until you feel comfortable.  And after you enroll, that agent needs to be your right hand person to help answer questions, provide suggestions, or help mediate a solution if needed.

Patti Bagley · Answer

You should avoid agents that do not do a needs analysis to help you determine the best plan for you. A good agent will ask about your health concerns, your doctors, medications and any services you utilize. They will also discuss your financial situation and disclose out of pocket costs with you. Your appointment should be about educating you on your choices and giving you all of the information required to make an informed decision about your healthcare. Red flags are someone who does not educate, does not want to give you time to think about your choice and does not ask the needed questions to get a clear picture of your situation.

Answered by Patti Bagley on May 20, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA & WV

Answered by Patti Bagley Medicare Insurance Agent

Brian MacInnis · Answer

Great question, but a tough one to answer. I suppose the best way would be to be referred by a trusted family member or friend. If that's not possible, perhaps there is a local senior center where a local Medicare agent hosts Medicare 101 meetings, etc. If all the above fails, try finding an agent online who has some positive reviews and appears to have been in business for a while.

Answered by Brian MacInnis on June 17, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA, DE, MD & VA

Answered by Brian MacInnis Medicare Insurance Agent

Tyler Boren · Answer

A big indicator would be if the agent is solving your problem and listening to your concerns you are expressing.

What are the red flags I should look for when interviewing agents? I want to make sure I'm not just getting sold to but genuinely advised.

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What are the red flags I should look for when interviewing agents? I want to make sure I'm not just getting sold to but genuinely advised.

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