Why do some clients ignore your advice and end up in bad Medicare plans-what makes them resistant?

Question

Michael Ryan · Accepted Answer

Great question.. It happens occasionally.. I represent all the major plans and focus on their doctors and prescriptions not the shiny objects that some plans offer. So I don't run into it very often.. When I do it usually has to do with an added benefit.. Example: I recommend a plan that fully covers all their docs and prescriptions. Say it has a $1500 dental benifits.. They see a plan with a $3000 benifits and they decide to go with that.. However that plan doesn't have the same coverage for doctors rxs. It's not that they got bad plan, they just end up making a decision based on that shiny object that reduced the real important coverages.

Answered by Michael Ryan on April 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, CO & 7 other states

Answered by Michael Ryan Medicare Insurance Agent

Brian Moore · Answer

Some clients hesitate to follow my advice because of a common misconception that Medicare advisors like me drive up their premiums or costs due to commissions, when in reality, our guidance doesn’t change what you pay—plans and pricing are set by insurers and Medicare, not us. There’s also a false narrative that we can push you into specific plans for higher payouts, but the truth is, we earn the same regardless of the provider or product, so my focus is purely on what fits your needs best. Ignoring tailored advice can lead to picking the wrong plan, missing out on key benefits, and facing unexpected costs that hit both your health and wallet hard.

Answered by Brian Moore on March 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Brian Moore Medicare Insurance Agent

Joseph Bachmeier · Answer

This question is pretty easy to answer. Most people who ignore a broker's advice usually take what their friend said is the best. Although that plan may be best for your friend it absolutely does not mean it is best for you.

Next time your friend say's you should sign up for their plan, ask them if they completed their 24-hour continuing education, or their annual HIIPA training which consists of new regulations etc. Also ask them if their drug needs are exactly your drug needs. 

These are just a few examples of why you should not take your friend's or doctor's advice on which plan is best for you. 

Most insurance brokers have your best interest at heart. That is why we are appointed with multiple carriers, so we don't bang a square peg in a round hole for all. If you feel the broker you are talking to does not have your best interest then move on to another broker. We are here to help you. I lifelong client is definitely better than a short-term client.

Charise Karjala · Answer

Fear.  Resistance comes from fear.

Fear of making the wrong decision; fear of unknown; fear of the system; fear of being victimized by insurance companies.

Fear of bad advice is the common theme here.  Agents and Brokers are not a homogenous bunch -- there are people with only a little knowledge of one or two companies in the same category of 'agent' as those with decades of experience, advanced designations in underwriting and financial planning and inside industry knowledge.  From the outside looking in, these agents all kind of look the same.

I suggest to consumers to ask these questions to determine if your prospective 'agent' is worth listening to:


What year did you start representing medicare products
How many carriers do you broker for.
Can I check your insurance license number.
What training and industry experience do you have.
What is the most difficult client you have taken on.
What is your website and review information.

Responses to these conversation openers will inform the consumer of the depth, breadth and capacity of the agent to be reliable and accurate.

Once these clarifying background questions are answered, the consumer generally has a greater ease in trusting the advice of the agent.

Mitch Anderson · Answer

Sometimes clients may think that my advice is based on a motivation to sell them something. This could not be further from the truth. My goal is to educate and translate Medicare into something that makes sense and help people find the plan that best fits their individual needs. There is no single plan that works for everyone.

Answered by Mitch Anderson on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in MN, IA & WI

Answered by Mitch Anderson Medicare Insurance Agent

Patrick Bullock · Answer

Sometimes people will listen to friends of theirs not realizing that each person's needs are individual. What may be best for their friend my not necessarily be the best plan for them. It very important to look at all the aspects that can affect their decision.

Answered by Patrick Bullock on April 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, DE, FL, NJ & VA

Answered by Patrick Bullock Medicare Insurance Agent

Gregg Matheny · Answer

It does happen where clients will ignore my advice and end up on a bad plan. That is usually due to a plan having a few very attractive features like a high dental/vision benefit that the clients feel overshadows procedures/services that have higher than average costs or substandard RX coverage with high deductibles. I sure don’t steer clients to specific plans but rather teach them about their plan choices and highlight pros and cons.

Answered by Gregg Matheny on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ & UT

Answered by Gregg Matheny Medicare Insurance Agent

Julie Joyce · Answer

Normally that just comes from listening to a family member or friend saying they have the best plan. Everyone should have the best plan for them! Everyone is different and needs their insurance to work for them.

Answered by Julie Joyce on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA, CT, DE & 9 other states

Answered by Julie Joyce Medicare Insurance Agent

Brian Krantz · Answer

A lot of people just listen to friends or colleagues instead of getting advice based on their situation. What worked for someone else might not work for them — and they often learn that the hard way.

Answered by Brian Krantz on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in NY, AK, AL & 48 other states

Answered by Brian Krantz Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Turkaly · Answer

The agent they worked with didn’t educate them enough on the different plans and made the wrong decision.

Dan Green · Answer

Many seniors are bombarded with telemarketing calls and they chase the " shiny object" that may not always be in their best interest. Just because a plan has a giveback of money or a better dental benefit or a card to use for groceries doesn't make it better by those merits alone. It is in a senior's best interest to seek out a licensed professional agent with more than ten years of experience to guide them.

Answered by Dan Green on April 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC

Answered by Dan Green Medicare Insurance Agent

Rodrigo Ferrer · Answer

We can sometimes be our own worst enemies. In the YouTube era, it seems like you can DIY most things that probably should be done by a professional. Chances are the person in the DIY video is a professional in their field. If you could have the professional services of a career agent at no charge why would you not take their advice? Maybe they didn't seems to grasp your dilemma? Maybe your case is different from all the others? Maybe you just didn't get a good vibe. Or maybe, your second cousin who's been on Medicare 8 months is the family guru now. Could be a lot of reasons. As a broker with 22 years in the field I do my all to make my advice and recommendations tailor made to the new member. If there's still a cloud of doubt I recommend they get a second opinion before using my services. A good broker will show you good reasons as to why they are making the recommendation they are. They should present themselves as your advocate and stand by their commitment to see the plan through. Trust should be earned and not be taken for granted. If you have that trust after your meeting with your new advisor then go with them!

Answered by Rodrigo Ferrer on May 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in CT

Answered by Rodrigo Ferrer Medicare Insurance Agent

Why do some clients ignore your advice and end up in bad Medicare plans-what makes them resistant?

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Why do some clients ignore your advice and end up in bad Medicare plans-what makes them resistant?

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