An Independent Agent’s Role

Dearest Gentle Reader, (excuse the Lady Whistledown reference from the Netflix series, “Bridgerton”), it’s time to decide; should you keep or change your Medicare plan? 

Around now is when you should receive the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) from your Medicare carrier. Resist the urge to toss it. The ANOC details important changes to your 2025 plan such as co-pay/co-insurance, dental, vision and hearing benefit changes, prescription costs and more, including whether the plan will be available in your area next year. I have two words of advice: read it.

If you purchased a Medicare plan through a licensed sales agent, they, too, should have notified you of upcoming changes.

Fall kicks off Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period. If you’re not already working with an independent sales agent, consider bringing someone on board to help you choose a plan. Their services are free. Much like using an independent insurance agent to find the best car insurance for your needs, an independent Medicare insurance agent sorts through the options and then gets a commission by selling an insurance company’s plan. The bottom line is that a consultation should be free and you’re not obligated to buy a policy.

A local independent agent undergoes rigorous training with not only the insurance providers but also through annual Medicare-approved national certifications. Agents undergo continuing education and development classes and are licensed in their home state. They often attend national and regional conventions to learn about industry changes. While you can choose a plan without one, a licensed Medicare sales agent can be a valuable resource, doing the heavy lifting of sorting through and explaining your options.

An independent agent reviews all aspects of each plan available to you and will recommend the best fit. After the enrollment period closes, an agent will continue to answer questions about your Medicare policy.

If you don’t plan to use an agent, I encourage you to reconsider. Medicare changes for 2025 and beyond are especially complicated. Look for an agent who gives you unbiased and accurate information and who will shop around for the best fit for your needs. An independent agent can be an important and time-saving partner during the fall Annual Enrollment Period.