Are Medicare advisors the same as insurance salespeople?

Not always. An independent Medicare advisor represents multiple carriers and works for you, not one company. A captive agent sells only their employer's plans. Always ask how many carriers an advisor can quote before you commit.

How do Medicare advisors get paid?

Licensed Medicare brokers earn commissions directly from insurance carriers when you enroll in a plan. You pay nothing extra for their help. The premium is the same whether you use a broker or enroll on your own.

When should I contact a Medicare advisor?

Reach out at least three months before you turn 65 or before your employer coverage ends. For Medigap, applying six months before your Part B start date helps lock in the best rate during your open enrollment window.

What if a Medicare advisor gave me bad advice?

You can file a complaint with your state's Department of Insurance. You can also switch plans during the appropriate enrollment period. If you're unsure about advice you've received, get a second opinion from an independent broker.

Top Medicare Advisors: What to Look for and How to Choose the Right One

Top medicare advisors share a handful of specific traits that set them apart from the rest. Most people searching for Medicare help feel the same frustration: it's hard to tell who's genuinely working for you and who's just selling a product.

Here's what separates the best from the rest, and the red flags that should send you looking elsewhere.

Call for Free Advice — 855-559-1700

Five traits that separate great Medicare advisors from average ones

Independence. They represent multiple carriers, not just one. This means they can actually comparison shop for you.
Carrier access. The best brokers are contracted with 10+ carriers in your state, so they can match your doctors, prescriptions, and budget against real plan options.
Transparency about compensation. They tell you upfront that carriers pay their commission and your premium stays the same either way.
Annual plan reviews. Good advisors call you every year before open enrollment to make sure your plan still fits.
Willingness to say "don't switch." If your current plan still works, an honest advisor tells you so.

Why independent brokers consistently outperform captive agents

A captive agent works for one insurance company. They can only show you that company's plans. An independent broker works for you and can quote plans across carriers.

Think of it this way: a captive agent is like a car salesperson at one dealership. An independent broker is like a friend who can pull prices from every lot in town. Same cost to you, better results.

Red flags to watch for when choosing a Medicare advisor

They push one plan without asking about your doctors, medications, or budget first.
They pressure you with artificial deadlines outside of actual enrollment periods.
They can't clearly explain how they get paid.
They tell you Medigap requires immediate purchase during Part B enrollment with no exceptions. (In reality, guaranteed issue rights apply in several situations, including loss of employer coverage or moving out of a plan's service area.)
They disappear after enrollment and don't offer annual reviews.

How Anthony Orner's approach puts clients first

I'm Anthony Orner, a licensed independent Medicare broker in New Jersey. I work with carriers across the state and I don't charge you a dime. Your premium is identical whether you call a carrier directly or go through me.

Every consultation starts with your doctors, your prescriptions, and your budget. I show you what fits. If your current plan is still the best option, I'll say so. Every client gets an annual review call before open enrollment.

Key numbers you should know before talking to any advisor

2026 Part B premium: $202.90/month
Part B deductible: $283/year
Part A deductible: $1,676 per benefit period
Medigap Open Enrollment: 6 months starting the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B
Medicare Advantage / Part D Open Enrollment: October 15 through December 7

An advisor who doesn't know these numbers off the top of their head probably isn't one of the top ones.

When to reach out for help

Contact an advisor at least three months before you turn 65. If you're considering a Medigap plan, start six months before your Part B effective date to lock in guaranteed issue pricing.

Already on Medicare and unsure if your plan still makes sense? That's what annual reviews are for. One call can save you hundreds.

Talk to an independent Medicare advisor at no cost.

Call 855-559-1700 or get a free quote online.