I'm choosing a plan
Who pays the person helping me pick a plan?
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Usually the insurance company, so their help is free to you. A good agent or broker can save you a lot of time; just know they earn a commission from the plan you pick. Free help with no commission exists too: SHIP counselors for Medicare and Navigators for the Marketplace.
What to do
- Before you share your details, ask how they are paid and by whom.
- Ask which companies' plans they can offer. Some agents work for one company; brokers may offer several.
- Ask if they are licensed in your state, and write down their name and license number.
- Get a free second view from a SHIP counselor (Medicare) or a Navigator (Marketplace), or enroll yourself on Medicare.gov or HealthCare.gov.
What to say
How are you paid for helping me, and does it change depending on which plan I choose? Which plans are you not able to show me?
Ask this at the start. An honest agent will answer without hesitation.
What to watch out for
This is a sensitive stepSmall details here can change the outcome, and some mistakes are hard to undo. We highly recommend a free 15-minute call with us before you decide.
Thinking 'no cost to you' means neutral. Agents are paid by the companies whose plans they sell, so you may hear about only some of your options, a suggestion to stay with a plan may have more to do with pay than with fit, and Original Medicare may not come up at all.
Better done together
We’re here to help
Talking to a broker is worth it. They know the plans, and they can do much of the legwork. It also helps to have someone on your side who isn't selling you a plan: to read the details with you, check your doctors and medications, and ask whether a recommendation fits you or the commission.
That's what we're here for. We never take commissions from insurance companies, so our only interest is the plan that fits you. Bring what the broker suggested and we'll go through it together.
Every situation is different, and these are sensitive moments, so we look at yours with care. We often see what others miss, and we never take commissions from insurance companies: the only thing we are working for is what is right for you.
Free · 15 minutes · No pressure
The rule behind it
Agents and brokers must be licensed in your state and are generally paid by the insurance companies whose plans they sell. Medicare sets rules on how agents are paid for Medicare Advantage and drug plans, and those rules have changed in recent years. SHIP counselors are funded by the federal government, give free counseling and aren't connected to any insurer. Marketplace Navigators are free and required to be unbiased.
Sources
- HealthCare.gov — Get help applying for health insurance
- HealthCare.gov — Agent and broker (glossary)
- HealthCare.gov — Navigator (glossary)
- CMS.gov — Agent/broker compensation (Medicare)
- Medicare.gov — Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans (SHIP section)
Amanda Alcodia
Education, not medical, legal or insurance advice.
Useful next steps
Start with the free Kit. If your situation needs a person, the intro call is free too.