Commissions paid when you purchase Medicare Advantage coverage can vary.Photo byAmerican Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance

Jesse Slome is director of the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance (AAMSI) a national advocacy organization that supports insurance professionals who market Medicare solutions. This post may include affiliate links. If you purchase anything through these links neither the author nor the Association earn a commission. However, agents who sell Medicare plans do.

Some 33 million Americans are now enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans according to the latest Medicare insurance statistics. All 33 million will have the opportunity to review and switch plans starting October 15th, a mere 29 days from now.

Selecting the best plan to meet your needs and budget for the coming year is important. Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period lasts only 53 days. Starting early is an important part of the process.

Whether you call a toll-free number or meet face-to-face with a Medicare insurance agent there are important things to keep in mind.

Unlike other professionals who offer advice and services, such as accountants or lawyers, insurance agents do not charge for their time and counsel. Some who work in call centers may be salaried. Independent insurance agents and brokers are paid commissions when you sign-up for plan coverage. These commissions must cover not only their time but all expenses associated with running their year-round business.

Insurance agents selling Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are paid with monies built into the various MA plans. For 2025, the maximum initial-year MA commission payable to an insurance broker is $626-per-member-per-year. This is for the first year of your plan membership. In subsequent years, a 'renewal' commission is paid. The 2025 maximum renewal amount is $306-per-member, per-year for the coming year. CMS has increased the limits each year.

In a few states the rates are different. For example, in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia, the initial maximum Medicare Advantage commission is $705-per-member. In California and New Jersey, it is $780.

These are the maximum amounts allowable by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Agents actually receive varying amounts, often much less. It is up to the buyer to make certain that they get value in terms of the time and information needed to make an educated decision about 2025 coverage.

When it comes to selling insurance, there are insurance agents and insurance brokers. Agents often represent just one plan while brokers generally can offer multiple plans. That said, even the better brokers generally don't represent every plan available to you.

Seniors With Medicare Advantage Plans

Even if you are happy with your plan, it's worthwhile to call the agent or broker who initially sold you coverage. After all, they'll be paid that renewal commision for the coming year.

Ask if there are any plan changes they have heard about. See if others in your area who have identical coverage are satisfied. Or, are there reasons to consider switching for the coming year.

Those Losing Coverage or Switching For 2025

Medicare provides all seniors with Medicare Advantage coverage an opportunity to compare and find better coverage for the coming year. Knowing that the person you are speaking to stands to be compensated, should make you feel comfortable speaking to at least one, and ideally, more than one person regarding your 2025 plan options.

Chances are you comparison shop before buying a new car. Isn't your health and health care choice as important?

When doing so, it's important to ask whether the person you are speaking with is 'appointed' with multiple insurers. the ability to offer you more than one insurer is not necessarily better. It's just important information for you to know. When speaking with any agent or broker, ask for the names of MA plans they generally recommend. Look for prominent names that are missing.

Medicare's website is a good place to start researching. Other resources and online directories can help you find local Medicare Advantage insurance brokers. Start your research as early as possible. Because with 33 million all comparing at the same time, waiting until the final days of Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period can limit your access to real pros able to help you.