1. Know Your Agent: Call Centers, Captive Agents, and Independent Brokers

Let’s start with the basics. There are three primary types of Medicare agents:

• Call Center Agents – These agents often work from large national call centers and may be located overseas. While they can process enrollments, the lack of personal connection, long hold times, and potential communication issues make it hard to get customized help.
• Captive Agents – Captive agents work for a single insurance company, meaning they’re only able to sell that company’s plans. This is like going to a Geico agent and expecting to compare Allstate or Progressive—you’re only getting one side of the story.
• Independent Brokers – These agents, like those of us at MedicareSchool.com, represent multiple carriers and offer a broad range of plan options. We’re committed to acting in your best interest, not steering you toward one company.

2. Red Flags That You’re Working With the Wrong Agent

Unfortunately, some agents put commissions ahead of clients. Here are a few red flags to watch for:

• They Only Pitch Medicare Advantage Plans – Advantage plans pay agents roughly double the commission of Medigap supplemental plans and include residual income. If your agent doesn’t even mention Medigap, they may not be offering you the full picture.
• They Skip the Medigap Open Enrollment Window – This is a big deal. If you’re not told about the six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP) that starts with your Part B coverage, you could lose your right to get a supplemental plan without medical underwriting.
• They Ignore Part D Drug Coverage – Some agents avoid discussing Part D because commissions are small (just $19–$55). But skipping Part D can lead to massive out-of-pocket drug costs and penalties.

3. Don’t Miss Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

The Medigap OEP is a one-time, six-month window starting when you begin Part B. During this time, you can enroll in any supplemental plan with no medical questions asked. After it ends, you may be denied coverage based on preexisting conditions.

I’ve seen clients turned down for Medigap due to issues like high blood pressure or osteoporosis—conditions that would’ve been covered without question if they enrolled during their OEP. Don’t let poor advice shut the door on your options.

4. Why You Still Need a Part D Plan (Even If You’re Healthy)

You may think, “I’m not on any medications—why pay for drug coverage?” Here’s the truth: prescriptions can become extremely expensive, with some drugs costing over $13,000 per month.

Starting in 2025, Part D plans will cap out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 annually. Enrolling now helps protect you from future surprises and penalties, which add up at 1% per month for life if you go without coverage and don’t have credible insurance (like VA or employer coverage).

5. Avoid Enrolling in Medicare When You Don’t Have To

If you have credible coverage through an employer (or your spouse does), you likely don’t need to enroll in Medicare just yet. Unfortunately, some agents push enrollment to make a sale—regardless of whether it’s in your best interest.

Enrolling in Part B unnecessarily means paying an average of $185 per month for coverage you may not even need. Always compare your employer plan before making the switch.

6. Make Plan Comparisons That Actually Work for You

A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work with Medicare. That’s why we dig into the details: your medications, your doctors, your employment situation. Then, we use software tools to analyze formularies and doctor networks, ensuring your plan covers what matters most to you.

We compare the true cost of Medicare and employer plans, factoring in deductibles, copays, and drug costs. That’s how we help you make informed decisions with confidence.

7. Our Goal: Empowerment Through Education

At Medicare School, we’re not here to sell—we’re here to serve. We take the stress out of Medicare by explaining your options clearly, honestly, and without pressure.

When you understand the timing of enrollment, how plans differ, and what’s best for your specific situation, you can make decisions that give you peace of mind—not buyer’s remorse.

We’re here to help you get it right the first time.

The post How to Spot a Bad Medicare Agent and Choose the Right One Instead appeared first on ROI TV.