How to Find an Unbiased Medicare Advisor
For free, unbiased Medicare help, start with your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) — trained counselors who do not sell insurance or earn commissions. If you want help enrolling in a specific plan, a licensed independent Medicare broker can compare multiple companies, while a "captive" agent represents only one. The official Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov lets you compare every plan yourself at no cost.
Start with SHIP (free and unbiased)
Every state has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) that provides free, one-on-one Medicare counseling. SHIP counselors are not paid commissions and do not sell insurance, so their guidance is unbiased. They can help you understand enrollment, compare plans, and resolve problems.
Brokers vs. captive agents
- Independent broker: licensed to sell plans from many companies and can compare them for you. Paid by the insurer, usually at standardized rates set by Medicare.
- Captive agent: represents a single insurance company, so they can only offer that company’s plans.
- Either can be helpful — just ask which companies they represent and whether they are paid the same regardless of what you choose.
Compare plans yourself
The official Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov/plan-compare lets you enter your medications and compare every Medicare Advantage and Part D plan available in your ZIP code, including total estimated yearly costs. It is free and shows all plans, not just ones an agent represents.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Medicare advisor free?
SHIP counseling is always free. Licensed brokers and agents are typically paid a commission by the insurance company at rates set by Medicare, so their help usually costs you nothing directly — but a broker only earns if you enroll in a plan they offer.
How is SHIP different from an insurance agent?
SHIP counselors are trained volunteers who give unbiased information and do not sell insurance. Agents and brokers are licensed to sell specific plans and earn commissions when you enroll.
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Related guides
Medicare Login Guide is an independent resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or any government agency. This article is for general information only — confirm current figures and your specific options at medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.