Medicare agent, broker, or SHIP counselor: who should I talk to?
A SHIP counselor gives free, unbiased advice but cannot enroll you. A captive agent sells one company’s plans. An independent agent or broker represents several companies and can enroll you. Many people use a counselor to learn the landscape and an independent agent to compare and enroll.
SHIP counselors
Every state runs a State Health Insurance Assistance Program with trained volunteer counselors. The service is free and funded by the government. Counselors explain how Medicare works, help you compare plans on Medicare.gov, and help with problems like appeals. They do not sell insurance and usually cannot submit an enrollment for you.
Captive agents
A captive agent works for one insurance company and can only offer that company’s plans. You will see them at that company’s events and offices. Their advice is honest, but it is limited to one shelf.
Independent agents and brokers
An independent agent is contracted with several insurance companies and can compare their plans side by side. The words agent and broker are used interchangeably in Medicare; both are licensed by the state and certified by each company every year. The offices in this directory are independent.
No independent agent represents every plan, so ask which companies they work with. By law their marketing must say so, which is why you will see the notice about not offering every plan on these pages.
How to choose
- Want to learn how Medicare works with no sales involved? Start with a SHIP counselor.
- Already know you want a specific company? Its captive agents know those plans best.
- Want someone to compare several companies, enroll you, and be there next year? An independent agent, ideally one with an office you can visit.
Common questions
How do I find my state’s SHIP?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE or search for your state’s SHIP on shiphelp.org. In Colorado the program is run through the state’s Division of Insurance; in New Mexico through the Aging and Long-Term Services Department.
Can I use both a counselor and an agent?
Yes, and many people do. The counselor helps you understand your options; the agent compares specific plans and handles enrollment.
How do I know an agent is licensed?
Every agent has a National Producer Number. Agents listed in this directory link to their MedicareAgents.com profile, which shows it. Your state insurance department also has a license lookup.
Talk it through in person
Every office in this directory has licensed agents who will sit down with you, at no cost, and go through your situation. Find a Medicare office near you →