Free Resource Connects Seniors With Local Medicare Insurance Agents

The 62 million Americans on Medicare and the 11,000 seniors turning 65 every day now have no-cost access to a national directory listing local Medicare insurance agents.

"Medicare is complex, continually changing and choices are surprisingly local," explains Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance (AAMSI).   "Finding the best option and costs can be an overwhelming task."

To assist consumers the organization makes available a national directory listing Medicare insurance agents and brokers. "Access is completely free and also private," Slome notes.  "Consumers see contact and experience details.  Use the directory to connect directly with independent agents in your town.  Because Medicare plan options and prices can be specific to a particular Zip Code, speaking with someone who is local can be advantageous."

Find Medicare Insurance Agents Near Me

"With choice comes complexity and the wrong selection can be a costly and a potentially irreversible mistake," Slome adds.  According to the Association's 2021 Medicare Insurance Price Index costs for identical coverage can vary significantly.

"In Dallas, a 65-year-old woman can pay as little as $99-monthly for Medigap Plan G coverage," Slome shares. "Or she can pay as much as $242-monthly for virtually identical insurance coverage because each insurance company sets the premium they charge."  Plan G is the most popular Medigap choice among individuals turning 65.

Seniors increasingly opt for Medicare Advantage (MA) plan coverage according to Slome.  Medicare Advantage statistics shared by AAMSI find some 24.1 million individuals now participate in MA plans.  Participation has grown from a low of 5.3 million participants in 2003.

"It's logical to think that buying directly from an insurer is better and that it will save you money," Slome explains. "But that's simply not true.  You may be dealing with an agent who only represents that one company."

Best Medicare insurance Agents Brokers Directory

A local Medicare insurance agent can typically offer you the identical plan and costs, if any.  "More important, they can help you learn about and evaluate the pros and cons of all the options in your area," Slome suggests.  The Association's director suggests a series of questions to ask when comparing insurance agents.

"It's important to ask if the agent can offer both Medicare Advantage as well as Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) options," Slome recommends.  "Are they appointed with multiple insurance companies or just one or two?  And, will they be the person to call when future questions or concerns arise?"

The Association directory of local Medicare insurance agents lists professionals who offer Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan options.

The American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance is a national organization based in Los Angeles, CA. AAMSI advocates for the importance of planning and supports insurance professionals who offer Medicare plan options.  Jesse Slome is the director and also heads the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance.