Agent Commissions in Medicare and the Impact on Beneficiary Choice

The average Medicare beneficiary has 39 Medicare Advantage plans to choose from in 2022, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. That number may be higher in urban areas and lower in rural areas. There are also wide selections of Medigap and Medicare Part D drug plans available. Prices and coverage can vary widely, and not all plans are available everywhere. BrokersOnce a broker hands off a client to an insurance company, the company pays the broker a commission. A commission varies based on each state’s insurance regulations, but it may be as high as 8% of the cost of the premiums.

Many companies offer their agents bonuses when they meet specific sales goals. Therefore, agents are more likely to sell more expensive policies, even if the consumer doesn’t need it. Due to this, agents have a reputation of being all in the same, but that’s not at all true. With today’s technology, you don’t need to waste your time driving down to a local office to meet with a local agent.

Anyone currently enrolled in Medicare or will soon be turning 65, or any relatives of seniors or Medicare beneficiaries who assist with healthcare matters. Gain a solid understanding of what Medicare is, how it works, and the benefits available to you. Get the latest information on the yearly changes to Medicare benefits. Ask a Licensed Agent questions about your specific situation. Whether you are just turning 65, are looking to gain access to early benefits, or need to delay Medicare enrollment, your dedicated Licensed Independent Agent will review all the pros and cons. All agents must have a license in the states where they sell policies.

To sell Medicare plans, you'll also have to complete the process for America's Health Insurance Plans certification. If you've never trained to sell Medicare before, set aside two to three weeks to complete all of the requirements. The best time to get started is ASAP, even if the next open enrollment period is months away. Insurance Professionals of Arizona has been in business since 2008, with over 47 years of combined industry experience.

Since agents and brokers receive commissions from the insurers, their service is effectively free of charge to you. While those enrolled in Medicare plans have a vast majority of their health related services covered, it still falls short in some areas. To learn more about everything covered by Medicare, and what you need, consult with our Phoenix health insurance agents today. Medicare agents and brokers work differently, but both can help you cut through the confusion to find the best Medicare coverage at the best cost for your needs. Agents work for insurance companies selling Medicare plans, while brokers connect you with the company or agent that best fits your needs.

Some states require and offer classroom training with a seasoned licensed health insurance agent who prepares you for the exam. This is a nice option by giving you access to someone who can answer questions as you progress through the course. This classroom training medicare agent takes roughly a week to complete with the goal of passing the exam at the end of the class. Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information. In some states, all Medicare Supplement plans are offered to qualified individuals under the age of 65.

Using a knowledgeable and ethical agent or broker can make your search for a health plan significantly easier and faster. Since their services are free, you have nothing to lose by trying an agent or broker near you. You should pick a broker or agent with solid experience selling Medicare plans in your state.

Just give your original client a few of your business cards and tell them that anyone who they meet and needs help, can contact you. Contracted independent licensed agent authorized to sell products within the UnitedHealthcare® Medicare Solutions Portfolio. A Medicare sales career can be very rewarding personally, professionally, and financially as it allows you the ability to build strong relationships and help a lot of people.