Agent Commissions in Medicare and the Impact on Beneficiary Choice

If you enrolled in Medicare Supplement or Medigap, you can change your plans anytime but you may be subject to underwriting. Although there is no requirement to work with an agent or broker, you may choose to do so for the following reasons. In contrast, most people turn to the internet to collect information. Many start at Medicare.gov, and while this is an excellent source of the basics, you may become overwhelmed with the amount of available information. With a Medicare agent, you will be able to talk to a live person available to answer any questions and clear any confusion. The easiest way to connect with a licensed Medicare agent in your state is by completing our online questionnaire, and we will connect you with a personal Medicare agent.

CMS regulates Medicare plans, the insurance companies, agents, and agencies who sell them. Centene’s Medicare footprint has grown exponentially in the past several years, resulting in several Medicare Advantage products and brands being offered across 36 states. We have built a strong and competitive product portfolio that provides high-quality plans to support your beneficiaries’ medicare agent entire well-being. We continue to invest in user-friendly broker tools, including the launch of Centene Workbench this year. We are always working to improve white glove service initiatives and operational procedures to provide the best experience possible. We also give you affordable options you can feel good about representing to your Medicare beneficiaries.

Captive AgentsCaptive agents receive a salary by the insurance company they represent plus a lower commission rate than independent agents. Agents and brokers all receive commissions, but some agents also receive a salary from an insurance company. Keep records of your health care visits, services, and equipment provided, significant lab work, etc. Also, file copies of any bills or notices from insurance companies, doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, etc. as well as canceled checks. Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System is Arizona's Medicaid agency that offers health care programs to serve Arizona residents. Individuals must meet certain income and other requirements to obtain services.

Third, beneficiaries’ experience with their agents and the overall quality of the service are not factored into the commission model, although there is precedence for this within Medicare. For example, MA and Part D plans are measured through the star ratings program and are compensated differently for delivering a high-quality member experience. Pay-for-performance could be considered part of the compensation model for agents and agencies.

Our Licensed Independent Agents have undergone hundreds of hours of training. They will review Medicare Options with you, and advise on a plan that fits your unique situation and budget. When it comes to evaluating Medicare plans, it’s important to consider what medications you will need covered, the doctors and specialists that will be available to you, and of course, the all-important budget. This is why we hold steadfast to our goal–to walk alongside you and simplify the process.

All Medicare agents and brokers must be licensed to operate in your state. You can use the NAIC locator tool to get in touch with your state insurance department to verify if someone claiming to be an insurance agent or broker is licensed. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program is a free health benefits counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries.

Always review your Medicare Summary Notice or Part D Explanation of Benefits, and compare these notices to your own records and receipts to make sure they are correct. Beware of people who say they’re from an organization such as Medicare and they need to know your Medicare number. If they truly were from Medicare, they wouldn’t need to ask. Your Social Security, Medicare, and bank account numbers can be used to defraud you. You also should avoid sending personal information on the phone or over an unsecure Internet connection.