Medicare 101
Medigap brokers vs. Medigap agents
by Christian Worstell | Published October 24, 2023 | Reviewed by John Krahnert
Medigap brokers are often confused with Medigap agents, but there are important differences between the two groups.
A Medigap insurance agent usually represents a single insurance company, whereas a Medigap insurance broker generally represents the insurance customer. An agent usually can only sell policies for a specific insurance company, whereas a broker can sell policies from multiple insurance companies.
David Mrozek, a licensed insurance agent and owner of Mrozek Agency, said the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably. The reason is some state insurance departments define the terms differently from other state insurance departments.
“Some states define a broker as someone who represents companies but only sells through an agent, while other states define a broker as someone who represents more than one company,” Mrozek said.
If you are interested in finding a Medigap agent, you can call 1-888-981-5396 or get started online.
What services do brokers and agents provide?
Medigap agents and brokers vary on the Medicare Supplement Insurance choices they provide. Medigap brokers typically provide customers with multiple insurance options, since they are not linked to only one specific insurance company.
“This can be an advantage because every company's focus is different, and, therefore, so are their rates,” Mrozek said. “Some are better for older people, some for the newly Medicare-eligible.”
Most states do not allow Medigap insurance brokers to charge customers an extra fee for their services, Mrozek said. Medigap brokers are normally paid on a commission basis through the insurance companies.
Medigap agents usually do not charge customers a fee for their services.
Is the coverage different?
Although the insurance providers and prices can vary, the benefits in standardized Medigap plans do not. Medigap plans are standardized nationally, except in the 3 waiver states: Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
This means that one insurance company's Medigap plan must offer the same benefits as the same plan from another company. You get the same set of Medigap basic benefits regardless of who provides the policy.
“The plans are pretty highly regulated, so there's not much difference in the offerings,” Mrozek said. “The most important factor is the trust you have in the agent/broker and the company they're recommending.”
Both Medigap insurance brokers and Medigap insurance agents must be licensed in every state that they sell insurance.
How do I find an agent near me?
You can find a Medigap agent near you by calling 1-888-981-5396 or by finding an agent online.
An agent can help you find a Medigap plan in your state that fits both your coverage needs and monthly budget.
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