Why not just call the insurance carrier directly?

Question

Nikki Rowland · Accepted Answer

An insurance broker works for you, not the insurance company. We’re here to make sure your plan continues to fit your needs year after year.

When you call the insurance company, you’re often stuck on hold or talking to someone who doesn’t know your full situation. You'll never get the same person twice.

With a broker, you have a go-to person who knows you, your needs, and your plan inside and out. If you ever have a problem—like a billing issue, denied claim, or want to switch plans—we handle it for you.

Also, there is no cost to you for me to service your plan year after year.

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

If you want a one sided point of view go ahead. If you want a broker agent of 37 years and 30 companies, you think you would fair better. People getting into Medicare have what, a couple months if they’ve been reading up on some material. Your choice. Nothing replaces experience.

Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown on May 24, 2025

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

Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Zurbuch, MBA · Answer

Yes, you can do that for Medicare Supplement Insurance. However, that is an Internal Agent whom only represents 1 Insurance Company. Called a Captive Agent. That is not the way to go though. Use an Independent Broker. A Broker represents many Insurance Companies, & will give you more choice & can give a Medicare Beneficiary unbiased advice. This could give you lower premiums. Thank you.

Answered by Andrew Zurbuch, MBA on May 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN, FL, KY, MO, OH & TN

Answered by Andrew Zurbuch, MBA Medicare Insurance Agent

Ben Washington · Answer

Why not just call the insurance carrier directly? calling carrier first will get access to train customer service agent and customer service driven by star ratings and can call broker because it personal response and relationship with you.

Answered by Ben Washington on June 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL, FL, MN, SC, TX & WI

Answered by Ben Washington Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve Thurmond · Answer

Sure! You can do so, but...

A.) You'll get the exact same price for the same products directly from the carrier(s) as you will working with an independent agent/broker.

B.) You'll speak to a different person every time you call the carrier, which can often be a sub-par customer service experience.

C.) You'll get biased, carrier-specific information and feedback regarding any products/services you're interested in.

D.) There is zero reason to NOT work with/through an independent agent/broker. It's a superior scenario when you're trying to navigate the thousands of insurance products available in the market. You'll pay the exact same price as working directly with the carrier AND you'll have a personal contact in your corner, that has a vested interest in you and your satisfaction, who will often be available at times when your insurance carrier is closed for holidays or outside of business hours. Try texting your insurance carrier on the weekend for something you need a quick answer to and see how that goes. :)

Steven Bleicher · Answer

If you want to just go to one insurance company, you are doing yourself a great disservice. Since Medicare allows a variation in the monthly premiums between companies as well as a difference for example, in their "drug formulary", there could be negative ramifications by calling only one insurance firm. Plus, just because a company is well-known doesn't always mean that they are considered to be the best one in YOUR area!

If your car has a noise that indicates that something is wrong, don't you go to your favorite mechanic with whom you've had a relationship over the years and won't rake you over the coals to overcharge you for their hours of manual labor?  By the same token, since you have no experience with a Medicare agent, how do you know if that random call has given you an honest individual? There is NO cookie-cutter answer to which policy is the better one for you. It is based on your health, your family history of longevity and your financial picture, too. 

Interview 2-3 agents who should give you an overall good handle on your choices for Medicare. This is the most important decision that you will make when you turn age 65. It happens to be THE #1 concern of seniors in hoping that their choice was the right one. Remember, you only have one life; just make sure your health is your major priority!

Steven Lovell · Answer

When you call the insurance company, you're often stuck on hold or talking to someone who doesn't know your full situation. You'll never get the same person twice. With a broker, you have a go-to person who knows you, your needs, and your plan inside and out and more than likely, that agent/broker is local to your area.

Answered by Steven Lovell on June 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA, CA, FL & 7 other states

Answered by Steven Lovell Medicare Insurance Agent

Yasmery Vargas · Answer

An insurance carrier is not going to give you the comparison your looking for. They can only offer you what's best for you based on what they have available. 9 times out of 10, If you call in to an insurance company after enrollment and the call center cannot answer your question over the phone, they may dispatch an agent to see you locally.

Answered by Yasmery Vargas on May 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA

Answered by Yasmery Vargas Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Salisbury · Answer

You can. But if you have a personal relationship with your insurance agent or broker, you shouldn't have to call an insurance carrier direct for 98% of most questions. And you don't have to be on hold for lots of wait time.

Answered by Diana Salisbury on May 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, IN & MI

Answered by Diana Salisbury Medicare Insurance Agent

Bruce Kern · Answer

We always tell our clients to cal us first if they have a problem with there coverage.
Weather or not they are on a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan.

Brian Leichner · Answer

There is no difference in cost to you to have an agent assist you or call the insurance company or Medicare directly. The difference is that if you want to talk to the same person again, or you need ongoing assistance, you may not want to start from ground zero every time you call someone. It costs you no more to have a licensed and Medicare Certified Agent help you. If you do not have an agent, you can call me. I'm happy to help. 402.708.6616 - my company is licensed in all 50 States.

Answered by Brian Leichner on May 12, 2025

Agent Licensed in NE, AZ, CO & IA, KS, MO & TN

Answered by Brian Leichner Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

While it's understandable to want to go directly to the insurance company, particularly when filing a claim, calling your insurance agent can often be a more efficient and helpful approach. Agents can provide personalized guidance, navigate complex paperwork, and represent your interests in dealing with the insurance company. 
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Why calling your agent is often better:
Personalized Advice:
Agents understand your specific policy and the nuances of your coverage, offering tailored advice on how to proceed after an accident or incident.
Paperwork and Documentation:
Agents can guide you through the often complicated paperwork involved in filing a claim, ensuring you meet all requirements and submit everything correctly.
Representation and Advocacy:
Agents act as your advocate when dealing with the insurance company, helping you navigate the claims process and ensure your interests are being considered.
Knowledge of Local Regulations:
Agents are familiar with the insurance regulations and procedures in your state, which can be helpful in navigating the claims process.
Building a Relationship:
Your agent is your point of contact for all your insurance needs, and they can build a relationship with you, which can be helpful in the future. 
When you might call the insurance company directly:
Emergency Situations:
In immediate situations, such as needing roadside assistance or immediate claims processing, you may need to contact the insurance company directly. 
Specific Questions:
If you have very specific questions about your policy or a particular claim, you might need to call the insurance company directly for clarification. 
Direct Policy Holders:
Some insurance companies allow customers to purchase policies directly and bypass an agent, in which case you would deal directly with the company. 
In most cases, however, contacting your insurance agent first is the recommended approach. They can provide valuable guidance and support throughout

Gary Henderson · Answer

Because this decision you make affects the rest of your life regarding medical coverage 
You want to know all the possibilities available to you. 
Because of the medical background checks they can make after 6 months. If you want a supplement plan and you live in a state that doesn't have a special birthday rule, you will not be able to change to another plan. So this decision is critical at this point in your life 
Calling one insurance company that you know is going to get you their policy at their price and that's what you're going to be stuck with potentially for decades

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

While it's possible to call your health insurance carrier directly for some inquiries, it's often more efficient and effective to use online resources or contact your doctor's office for health-related questions. Calling the insurance company might be best for issues like policy changes or claim status checks. However, for medical advice or questions about your health, it's generally recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or your doctor's office.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on May 12, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Marcie Barnes · Answer

I agree with you completely. If you have coverage questions then the insurance company is best to answer those questions. If you are shopping for coverage it is best to speak with a licensed broker to assist you in finding the coverage the best fits your needs.

Answered by Marcie Barnes on May 11, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 48 other states

Answered by Marcie Barnes Medicare Insurance Agent

Todd Bostic · Answer

If you call an insurance carrier directly, they will only recommend one of their products for you, and try to keep you on what you have, a broker usually has more than one carrier and can give you multiple options.

Answered by Todd Bostic on June 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AZ & 12 other states

Answered by Todd Bostic Medicare Insurance Agent

Tanja Roulhac · Answer

I totally understand why you might think calling your insurance carrier directly is the quickest way—it's a valid option for personalized account details. 

Convenience and Speed: I provide instant, 24/7 access to general information on topics like Medicare plans, costs, and benefits, without hold times or scheduling.

Impartial Guidance: As a broker, I draw from reliable sources (like CMS) to give unbiased explanations, helping you understand options before you dive into a call.

Tony Merwin · Answer

Ultimately depends on the carrier. Not all insurance carriers deal directly with consumers. But even when they do, you'll be receiving biased advise for that one insurance carrier versus say an independent agent who can compare your situation across multiple carriers. Regardless if you enroll in something directly with the carrier or through an agent, the cost and benefits are identical. So if it were me, I'd rather work with someone who can offer me unbiased advice across a myriad of options.

Answered by Tony Merwin on May 19, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, AR, AZ & 28 other states

Answered by Tony Merwin Medicare Insurance Agent

Sophia Davis · Answer

Simple! Clarification! You Agent should be on the call with you to ensure you are getting accurate information that you understand. Plus, if we are aware of what is going on, we can help you facilitate the follow up!

Answered by Sophia Davis on June 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH & PA

Answered by Sophia Davis Medicare Insurance Agent

Why not just call the insurance carrier directly?

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Why not just call the insurance carrier directly?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website