What are the benefits of using a Medicare Agent?

There are a variety of benefits to working with a health insurance agent. These licensed professionals can help you compare plans and find the best coverage for your health needs and budget.

Our team of agents at Sanford Health Plan can give you expert guidance at every step, from choosing a Medicare plan to enrollment.

Our agents can help you:

Understand each Medicare plan option: Licensed by the state(s) they work in, agents have extensive training and education on plans and provider networks. They typically work with multiple health insurance companies to provide recommendations about which plans may be suited to your health goals and budget. An agent can also help answer your questions and act as your guide throughout Medicare enrollment.

Feel confident choosing a plan: From understanding the different parts of Medicare to helping you have peace of mind, an agent can assist you at any stage of Medicare enrollment. If you’re signing up for Medicare for the first time, an agent can compare different plans, including group versus Medicare coverage, provide you with quotes to review, or offer a second opinion.

Review your coverage options before your birthday: You are first eligible to enroll in Medicare in the three months before your birthday, the month you turn 65 and the three months that follow. This is your seven-month Initial Enrollment Period. It’s a good idea to start reviewing your options with your agent before this period begins to ensure you have time to compare plan quotes, benefits and coverage.

Learn about what each plan covers: Not all Medicare plans offer the same coverage and benefits. Original Medicare, also known as Medicare Parts A and B, covers most medically necessary services but not the full cost of routine care or other benefits like vision and dental.

As an alternative to Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage (MA) includes complete Part A and Part B coverage, plus extras. Most MA plans offer additional benefits like vision and dental coverage, fitness incentives, care for chronic illnesses and even prescription coverage. Medicare Advantage eligibility is based on where you live.

View a map of qualifying counties for Align powered by Sanford Health Plan.

Enroll in Medicare early: If you sign up for Medicare Parts A and B during the first three months of your eligibility, your coverage begins on the first day of the month you turn 65. Although your initial enrollment period gives you a seven-month window to enroll, not waiting to enroll can help your coverage begin in a timely manner.

Even after you enroll, your agent can assist you with any questions or concerns you have throughout your coverage year. And when it’s time to renew your coverage, your agent can provide new recommendations based on any life changes.

Avoid missing the enrollment deadline: If you get coverage through a spouse or a retiree plan, it’s important to consider your coverage options. If you don’t sign up for Part B when you first become eligible for Medicare, there could be a delay in your Medicare coverage, or you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you are enrolled in Part B. Your agent can help you navigate these different considerations.

Best of all, agents are available to you at no cost

Most agents are paid directly by insurance companies, so you can meet with them at no additional cost. You’ll pay the same monthly premium whether you purchase health insurance on your own or through a licensed insurance agent.

What is the difference between an agent and a broker?

A health insurance agent represents one or more health insurance company and sells policies directly to clients. Agents are authorized to finalize insurance policies on behalf of the insurer.

A health insurance broker represents the client rather than an insurance company. Brokers work with multiple health insurance companies to find the best policy option for their client. To finalize insurance policies, they must work with an agent or the health insurance company.

Both agents and brokers earn commissions from insurance sales. Brokers may also charge a fee for their services.

Download a free benefits comparison worksheet or contact a licensed agent at (888) 535-4831 (TTY: 711) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time (excluding holidays).

Align powered by Sanford Health Plan is a PPO with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Align powered by Sanford Health Plan depends on contract renewal. Sanford Health Plan complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.

CMS ID Number: H8385_899-906-507-PY2022-ND-SD_M, H3186_899-906-507-PY2022-MN_M

Last Updated On: 1.7.26 at 5:00 PM