Why do some agents push Medicare Advantage plans over Medigap-should I be skeptical?

Question

Steven Bleicher · Accepted Answer

There are “captive agents” who work exclusively for only one insurance company. Therefore, they push the Advantage plan since it is the only one for that agent to earn a commission! Thus, what I have said before many times in this column, it is essential to be interviewed by 2-3 different agents, preferably an independent agent who may also be known as “a broker” who is affiliated with a variety of different firms and can tailor his advice to specifically YOU! Don't be afraid to ask the question as to whether she/he is a broker and have the agent name a minimum of five different national insurance firms for whom an application can be written! Remember: there is no “cookie-cutter” plan recommendation for everyone!

Answered by Steven Bleicher on April 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Church · Answer

The commissions are higher on a Medicare advantage plan. For some agents, it’s easier to sell a Medicare advantage plan in most cases. The client getting that Medicare Advantage plan for the most part at a zero premium. It’s important that the client understand all their options so they can choose the right health plan for them.

Answered by Gary Church on May 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ca, AZ, NV & TX

Answered by Gary Church Medicare Insurance Agent

Joseph Bachmeier · Answer

If you have an agent who pushes any certain plan you should be skeptical, and the said agent is probably not looking out for your best interest. No one plan is perfect for everyone. You need to know the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans and how they could affect your healthcare.

Answered by Joseph Bachmeier on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA, AZ, DE & 5 other states

Answered by Joseph Bachmeier Medicare Insurance Agent

Mark Maliwauki · Answer

No. But a good Medicare agent always goes through the various options and why they are different. That way you are educated on exactly what the differences are why a Supplement makes more sense for you vs a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa,

Answered by Mark Maliwauki on May 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in ID, AZ, CA & 15 other states

Answered by Mark Maliwauki Medicare Insurance Agent

Charles Fletcher · Answer

I think you should be skeptical. Pushing one plan over another is not a great way to help your clients find the plan they want and need. These discussions should focus on the priorities of the customer and the agent should help bring you in for a soft landing upon the plan that really is best for you. If an agent is pushy I would consider that poor form.

Answered by Charles Fletcher on April 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in WA, AZ, ID, NV & TN

Answered by Charles Fletcher Medicare Insurance Agent

Thomas Ashton · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans pay higher commissions and high renewals than Medigap plans. An agent should give you all the details on all the plans and let you, the consumer decide which option is best.

Jonathan Potter · Answer

If someone is pushing just one type of product, then I would be a little bit skeptical. I try to always show people both options that they have and the pros and cons of both. Then they can decide for themselves what is best for their situation.

Answered by Jonathan Potter on May 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in UT, AZ, CA & 14 other states

Answered by Jonathan Potter Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Bennett · Answer

Commissions are much higher with Medicare Advantage over Medigap so yes, you should be skeptical.  There are also significant drawbacks to Medicare Advantage plans.  With an Advantage Plan the insurance company is managing the whole kit and kaboodle.  They can get between you and your doctor and put up roadblocks to your getting the care you need.  They do this in the name of saving us all money, but sometimes it seems more like they are protecting their profit more than protecting you.  

On top of that there are changes every year to your plan, networks to deal with, and out-of-pocket maximums that might be higher than you remember when you signed up (do to those annual plan changes).

Be skeptical.  

They do fit sometimes, but often people go with them because they are less expensive on a monthly basis.

Michael Pyers · Answer

The main reason is that the Compensation is higher on Medicare Advantage than on Medigap Plans.  That is not a reason that is conducive to proper customer service, but rather greed!

Michael Yost · Answer

Yes you have to be careful on who you meet with. Agents should be independent and show both options equally. Unfortunately some agents do push advantage plans because they pay more commissions. If you meet with an agent that does push one plan over another, you may want to look for someone else to help you with your options.

Answered by Michael Yost on April 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, AL, AZ & 27 other states

Answered by Michael Yost Medicare Insurance Agent

Joshua Ruiz · Answer

Why Some Agents Push Medicare Advantage Plans:
Higher Commissions:
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans often pay agents higher upfront commissions than Medigap (Supplement) plans — especially in the first year.

No Medical Underwriting:
Advantage plans are guaranteed issue during certain periods, while Medigap may require medical underwriting if you're outside your Open Enrollment. So agents may lean toward what’s easier to get approved.

Bundled Coverage:
Advantage plans often include Part D drug coverage, dental, vision, and extras — so they’re an “all-in-one” pitch that’s easier to explain and sell.

Lack of Training or Licensing:
Some agents aren’t certified or contracted to sell Medigap, so they steer clients to the plans they’re authorized to offer.

Be cautious — but not cynical.
A good agent should educate you on both options:

Medicare Advantage: Lower monthly premiums, but networks, copays, and prior authorization.

Medigap + Part D: Higher monthly cost, but more freedom, fewer out-of-pocket surprises, and no referrals.

If you're not hearing a comparison of both, ask questions or consider getting a second opinion.

Christopher Orr · Answer

They do pay more commission, but they are also more stable in price for yearly renewals and offer more value covering drugs, dental, vision, hearing, and workout membership in one plan versus supplements...too

Answered by Christopher Orr on April 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, KY, NC & VA

Answered by Christopher Orr Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

Some Medicare agents may push Medicare Advantage plans over Medigap due to higher commissions & financial incentives. It's important to be skeptical & do your own research to ensure the plan aligns with your individual needs & preferences. 
Why agents may push Medicare Advantage: Higher commissions: Agents generally earn more for enrolling beneficiaries in Medicare Advantage plans compared to Medigap. 
Financial incentives: Brokers & agents have a vested interest in enrolling beneficiaries in Medicare Advantage plans, as they are paid more for doing so. 
Marketing & advertising: Medicare Advantage plans are heavily advertised, making them seem appealing with their low premiums & extra benefits. 
Perceived ease of enrollment: Some agents may emphasize the simplicity of Medicare Advantage enrollment, potentially overlooking potential drawbacks. 
Reasons to be skeptical & do your own research:
Network restrictions: Medicare Advantage plans often have provider networks, which can limit your choice of doctors & hospitals, especially if you travel or prefer specific healthcare providers. 
Prior authorization requirements: Medicare Advantage plans may require prior authorization for certain procedures, which can be inconvenient & lead to delays in care. 
Potential for hidden costs: While Medicare Advantage plans may have low premiums or no monthly premiums, out-of-pocket costs can still add up, particularly if you use out-of-network providers or have high copays. 
Switching difficulties: Switching from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare with a Medigap plan can be difficult, with potential underwriting issues or denials, especially if you have existing health conditions. 
What to do:
Thoroughly research your options:
Don't rely solely on agent recommendations. Compare Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap policies based on your individual health needs, preferences, and financial situation. 
Ask questions. Consider a neutral source. Seek Independent advice.

Gary Henderson · Answer

because they are licensed for them and some companies pay higher commissions than others. 
Typically agents are licensed for a handful of companies and will promote just those companies.
I always recommend medigap plans if you can afford it. 100% coverage. whereas Advantage plans have a lot of out of pocket costs and can bankrupt you if you have an elongated illness.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

Agents are often financially incentivized to enroll beneficiaries in Medicare Advantage due to higher commissions, potentially influencing their recommendations.

Aisha Saleem · Answer

Some agents push Medicare Advantage plans because they feel it's what's best for the client. Medicare Advantage plans can offer long-term care, private nursing, dental care, hearing aids, vision care, and eyeglasses/contacts. These services can improve the quality of life and healthcare for their clients. However, Medigap provides more medical coverage outside the U.S. than Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage usually do.

Answered by Aisha Saleem on June 1, 2025

Agent Licensed in MD & FL

Answered by Aisha Saleem Medicare Insurance Agent

Kelly Linster · Answer

I feel education is key. I educate on both advantage and supplements. The client than can pick what’s best for their situation.

Ross Landon · Answer

It is the cost. Advantage plans are often 0 premium plans or low premiums like$35/mo for each person. They are very attractive if you are quite healthy. Medsupp plans typically would cost $150/ mo for each person so only more affluent seniors can afford the Medsupp plans Plus they would also have the Rx plan monthly cost on top of that!

Answered by Ross Landon on April 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in UT

Answered by Ross Landon Medicare Insurance Agent

Douglas Carney · Answer

As a Medicare-specialized health insurance broker, the right choice always depends on your needs! Some agents favor MA plans because they often have lower premiums, including extras like dental or vision, while Medigap plans have higher premiums and stricter enrollment rules. 

MA plans suit those seeking affordability, capped max-out-of-pocket expenses, and bundled benefits but come with network limits and prior authorizations. Whereas Medigap provides standardized coverage and nationwide provider access but with a monthly premium on top of the part B cost. Be wary of pushy agents; a good one will compare both to find your best fit, empowering you to choose with confidence!

Gabrielle Sones · Answer

No, both options are good for the right person. Your broker should be performing a through Ough needs analysis to determine which route is best for you. A Medicare advantage plan is great but just make sure you also have some ancillary protection to protect you from your bigger copays and max out of pocket.

Answered by Gabrielle Sones on May 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AZ, FL & 7 other states

Answered by Gabrielle Sones Medicare Insurance Agent

Kevin Chaikin · Answer

Because they pay more commission and lifetime commissions.  Plus some companies incentivize MA sales for the agents.

Jessica Breland · Answer

You should always be skeptical of an agent that is trying to push anything on you. My guess would be because the commission rates are higher on an Advantage plan that on a Medigap. Find an agent that will go over all of your options with you-- in an un-biased way. My main goal during initial consultations is education/information. I want to explain all of your options well enough for you to be able to make a good decision on your own. In my opinion, when someone is trying to push something on you, they have their best interest in mind, not yours.
Remember-- If it sounds too good to be true, it is!

Lowell Ryals · Answer

Yes it is a personal decision for you I sell both some agents only sell for one company or one type of plan.
A lot depends on if you can afford a the premium of a supplement and a separate prescription drug plan.

Vernon Pate · Answer

Yes, you should be skeptical. Licensed and appointed agents should offer options that best meet your health and financial needs. A Medicare Advantage Plan may be a good fit for one person, whereas a Medicare Supplement Plan might be a better fit for another. Find a LOCAL, licensed, and appointed agent who will listen to your needs and help you find a plan that fits your healthcare needs and lifestyle.

Answered by Vernon Pate on April 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in AR, MO & OK

Answered by Vernon Pate Medicare Insurance Agent

Morgan Luck · Answer

because some agents think they are easier to sell and explain. Lots of agents don't understand medigap

Why do some agents push Medicare Advantage plans over Medigap-should I be skeptical?

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Why do some agents push Medicare Advantage plans over Medigap-should I be skeptical?

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