Blog

Why offer Ameritas dental plans

Why offer Ameritas dental plans; because, dental and vision coverage remain two of the most common gaps left by Medicare. Original Medicare does not cover dental or vision except in limited, medically approved circumstances. Many Medicare Advantage plans have scaled back these benefits and only offer basic coverage. That’s why beneficiaries often look to their agents for affordable, flexible standalone options. Ameritas Dental and Vision delivers the extra value clients are looking for and the flexibility that makes these plans an easy choice.

Day one coverage with real value

Ameritas PrimeStar individual dental and vision insurance plans provide next-day coverage, allowing clients to use benefits as soon as they need them. This immediate access is a major selling point for Medicare beneficiaries who don’t want to wait months for care.

Clients can get the coverage they need and discover the benefits and affordability of having a dental and vision plan today, all through a simple, hassle-free online enrollment process.

Easily add vision benefits

Ameritas PrimeStar plans may include valuable features such as:

• In-network as well as out of network coverage – Freedom to visit any dentist, with greater savings in-network
• Preventive Plus covered procedures are not deducted from plan’s maximum dental benefit
• Dental implant coverage
• Teeth whitening benefits
• Child orthodontia options
• 25–50% in-network savings

Please note; benefits vary by plan. It is important to check plan benefits to verify coverage.

To complete the package; add vision coverage that allows clients to choose a plan and vision network that fits their needs, including access to VSP Vision Care and Eyemed, two of the largest vision networks in the country. Vision benefits may include:

• Eye exam benefits
• Glasses or contact lens frequency options
• Hearing benefits on select plans

Watch a quick Youtube video on why and how to sell ancillary with Medicare

Why offer Ameritas dental plans – More flexibility

Ameritas offers both plan and network flexibility for enrollees. Clients can visit any dental or vision provider, making it easy to choose coverage that fits their lifestyle, budget, and existing providers.

Ameritas is a trusted carrier

Ameritas brings decades of experience and stability:

• Offering dental insurance since 1959 and vision insurance since 1984
• Serving more than 12.9 million members nationwide
• U.S.-based customer service centers that have earned Benchmarks Portal Center of Excellence award every year since 2006
• Spanish-speaking sales, administration, and claims teams, in addition to translation services in many languages

 If you are ready to be part of the Crowe team; click here for online contracting

Why this matters for agents

Dental and vision plans are ideal cross-sells that help agents stay connected with clients year-round, increase retention, and generate recurring revenue all while delivering meaningful benefits.

Agents stay up-to-date on agent events and information.

By offering Ameritas Dental and Vision, Medicare agents can provide flexible, trusted coverage with immediate value; helping clients protect their health while strengthening long-term relationships and growing their business.

Essential Engine: Helping Medicare Agents Stand Out

In today’s Medicare market, agents need to offer more than just the best plans; they need to build long term relationships. Because beneficiaries expect ongoing, meaningful communication, consistent visibility and trust-building have never been more important. In this post, we discuss the value of Essential Engine to your business and how it can help you maintian your book of business and bring in more leads.

Essential Engine is a marketing services company for professionals looking to improve client retention, increase referrals, and strengthen engagement. Through a blend of digital marketing and direct-mail solutions, they help Medicare agents stay top of mind with clients as well as prospects.

Essential Engine serves professionals across the United States. Although they have experience supporting many industries, their relationship-driven approach is a great fit for Medicare agents and agencies.

The Value of Essential Engine – A Relationship-First Marketing Strategy

Essential Engine offers a simple, integrated marketing approach designed to nurture long-term relationships without adding more work to an agent’s plate. This includes:

• A personalized, bi-monthly Retiring Well magazine mailed directly to clients and prospects
• Branded postcards that reinforce key messages, seasonal touchpoints, and referral requests
• Done-for-you social media and digital content to keep agents visible between appointments

Unlike digital ads or one-off emails that are easily ignored, physical magazines are read and re-read by entire households. This creates repeated exposure and conversation. The content focuses on retirement lifestyle topics such as travel, wellness, leisure, and financial confidence. This allows agents to build trust without “selling” in every interaction.

 If you are ready to be part of the Crowe team; click here for online contracting

Additional Marketing Services

In addition to Retiring Well, Essential Engine offers a variety of digital and direct-mail marketing services to fit different business needs and budgets, This includes Essential Living Magazine, Escapes + Experiences, Essential E-Newsletters, Social Media Management, Five Star Professional recognition, and EssentialExperiences. These publications elevate client expericence and help present agents on polished, professional level, which is the real value or this tool.

Watch a YouTube video on Medicare enrollment periods

Essential Engine – Real Results for Medicare Agents

This consistent, relationship-focused strategy supports higher client retention, generates more referrals, and helps agents stand out in the Medicare marketplace.

Getting started is easy. Essential Engine is currently offering a discounted set up price. This allows agents to test the platform with minimal upfront cost. Just give us a call at 203-796-5403 for more details. Additionally: Crowe agents can use our lead program to pay the cost.

Agents stay up-to-date on agent events and information.

Once onboarded, each agent recieves support from a dedicated marketing coach to customize messaging and outreach. The goal is simple: help Medicare agents build lasting relationships and turn satisfied clients into long-term advocates.

Why Agents Are Choosing AllCalls.io for High-Intent Medicare Leads

Finding quality leads has become more challenging and expensive. Between managing ads, dealing with unreliable vendors, and staying CMS compliant, many agents are stretched thin. That’s where AllCalls.io stands out. Designed specifically for insurance professionals, AllCalls.io helps Medicare agents and agencies scale faster with high-intent, real-time inbound calls from consumers actively shopping for coverage. IN this post, we answer the question; why use Allcall.io.

High-Intent, Real-Time Inbound Medicare Calls

AllCalls.io connects you with consumer-initiated inbound calls, meaning you’re speaking with real shoppers who are already looking for Medicare coverage. There’s no chasing cold leads or working outdated lists. Agents simply turn their call flow on, have real conversations, and grow their book of business without managing ads, landing pages, or multiple lead vendors.

Watch a YouTube video on how FCC rules impact Medicare agents

CMS Compliant and Approved

Compliance is non-negotiable in today’s Medicare market. AllCalls.io is CMS compliant and approved, giving agents peace of mind while they focus on helping beneficiaries. Calls are recorded automatically, providing built-in documentation and quality assurance.

Affordable, Transparent Pricing

AllCalls.io offers flat-rate pricing by call type, with no hidden fees, no contracts, and no minimum commitments. This makes it an ideal solution for both independent agents and growing agencies looking for predictable and affordable lead costs.

Easy Setup and On-Demand Flexibility

Getting setup is simple. Agents create an account, select their insurance vertical and licensed states, and start taking calls immediately. The system works seamlessly on mobile and desktop, allowing you to answer calls wherever you are. Don’t delay, call us at 203-796-5403 to get started!
Just turn the app on when you’re available and turn it off when you’re away, this gives you complete control over your schedule. Adding new states is quick and easy, making it simple to expand your reach as your business grows.

Built-In Tools to Support Growth

AllCalls.io lets you store and view client and prospect information, making follow-ups and renewals easier. The platform also provides call recordings and starter scripts, helping agents feel confident from day one.

Powerful Features for Agencies

Agencies can add downline agents, view performance by product, set daily call limits, monitor call activity, and track acquisition costs in real time. This visibility makes AllCalls.io a powerful tool for managing teams and scaling efficiently.

AllCalls.io is on-demand, flexible, affordable, and tailored to you. Whether you’re a solo Medicare agent or a growing agency, it delivers compliant, high-intent inbound calls without the hassle, so you can focus on what matters most: helping clients and growing your business.

Agents, if you are ready to join the team at Crowe, click here for contracting

As Medicare becomes more competitive, you need tools that help you work smarter, not harder.

For Medicare agents who want to grow their business without burning out, AllCalls.io is a game-changer.

Agents stay up-to-date on agent events and information.

Ready to streamline your lead process and close more enrollments? AllCalls.io could be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

Proposed CMS Regulation Changes 2027: What Medicare Agents Need to Know

The Proposed CMS regulation changes 2027 for Medicare Advantage and Part D include several major changes that will directly affect how Medicare agents, brokers, and TPMOs operate during the next Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). These proposals aim to strengthen beneficiary protections, reduce administrative burden, and improve marketing oversight.

TPMO Oversight: Targeting Bad Actors, Not Everyone

CMS is refining its approach to Third-Party Marketing Organization (TPMO) regulation. Instead of blanket oversight, CMS aims to better identify and hold “bad actors” accountable while reducing the burden on compliant agents and organizations.

Key proposed changes include:

• New methods to distinguish good-faith errors from misleading practices
• Better alignment of incentives between agents, brokers, and TPMOs
• Continued focus on consumer transparency

Watch a video on the FCC one to one consent rule

Updated TPMO Disclaimer Requirements

CMS proposes that the TPMO disclaimer must be read before discussing any plan benefits. Additionally, State Health Insurance Programs (SHIPs) would be removed from the disclaimer wording.

Call Recording Relief for Agents

A major compliance update: CMS is proposing to reduce the call-record retention period from 10 years to 6 years, with alternatives like 3 years or transcript retention also under review. This would significantly reduce data storage requirements for Medicare agents.

Agents; are you ready to join the Crowe team – click here for online contract

Marketing Events and Communications: More Flexibility for Agents

CMS wants to remove the 12-hour waiting period between educational and marketing events. Agents could immediately transition into a marketing presentation if they clearly announce the shift to attendees. This change helps agents plan events more efficiently and improves lead engagement.

Scope of Appointment (SOA) Changes That Benefit Agents

The proposal includes some of the most agent-friendly SOA updates in years:

• Elimination of the 48-hour SOA waiting period
• Written SOA required for in-person meetings, while electronic or audio formats remain approved for remote appointments
• BRCs, voicemails, and online lead forms recognized as SOAs, providing clearer compliance for digital marketing and lead generation

Click here for a generic SOA

These updates would help Medicare agents schedule appointments faster and reduce friction with prospects.

Advertising Rules: Superlatives Allowed Again

CMS proposes lifting the blanket ban on superlatives like “best” or “most”; as long as statements are accurate, substantiated, and not misleading. This gives agents more flexibility in plan comparisons and advertising campaigns while maintaining compliance standards.

Enrollment & SEP Updates for 2027

Key proposed changes include:

• Expanded provider termination SEP, allowing beneficiaries affected by any provider termination to switch plans
• Clearer rules requiring CMS approval for SEPs tied to sanctions or contract violations, processed through 1-800-MEDICARE

Additional CMS Updates Agents Should Watch

• Proposed elimination of the mid-year supplemental benefits notice
• Updates to Star Ratings and quality measures
• CMS requests feedback on C-SNP and I-SNP growth and support for dually eligible beneficiaries

CMS Medicare Regulatory Relief proposal – enter your comments/suggestions

Preparing for the 2027 AEP

The 2027 CMS Proposed Rule reflects a continued effort to balance consumer protection with administrative relief for agents. Medicare agents should begin reviewing these changes now to adjust their sales processes, marketing strategies, and compliance practices before final rules are released.

Stay up-to-date on the latest webinars an agent events.

Best Medicare Coverage for Travelers: What Agents Should Know

For clients who love to travel; whether across state lines or around the world, having the right Medicare coverage is essential. As an agent, helping beneficiaries understand what their plan does and doesn’t cover can prevent costly surprises and strengthen your value as a trusted advisor. Below is a breakdown of the best Medicare coverage for travelers and what makes them stand out.

One of the most common misconceptions is that Original Medicare offers extensive travel protection. While Part A and Part B provide nationwide coverage, they offer very limited benefits outside the United States. This is why many travelers lean on Medigap or specific Medicare Advantage plans for more robust protection.

Medigap Plans: The Gold Standard for International Travel

For clients who spend time abroad, certain Medigap plans; specifically Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N include limited foreign travel emergency benefits. These plans typically cover 80% of approved emergency medical costs after a small annual deductible, giving travelers peace of mind during unexpected situations. Medigap also shines for domestic travelers since it works with any provider who accepts Medicare, making it ideal for RVers, snowbirds, and retirees who move between states.

Watch a YouTube video on Medicare Supplements vs Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans for Travel Flexibility

While Medicare Advantage plans can be restrictive due to network rules, some MA plans are designed with travelers in mind. PPO and Regional PPO plans often allow out-of-network coverage at higher cost-sharing, which can be helpful for clients who split time between locations. Some plans also include worldwide emergency or urgent care benefits, a valuable feature for international travel. Agents should review network strength, coverage areas, and emergency care provisions when guiding clients who are on the move.

If you are ready to join our team; click here for online contracting

Part D and Prescription Access on the Road

Prescription drug access is another key consideration. Clients traveling domestically should choose a Part D plan with a broad pharmacy network or strong mail-order benefits. For travelers abroad, emphasize traveling with sufficient medication, since Part D does not cover drugs purchased outside the U.S.

Helping Clients Choose the Right Fit

Understanding a client’s travel habits helps you recommend the best Medicare option. Long-term international travelers may lean toward Medigap, while domestic travelers with predictable patterns may find strong value in certain Medicare Advantage PPOs.

By highlighting the coverage differences and asking the right questions upfront, agents can confidently guide their travel-savvy clients to Medicare solutions that protect their health no matter where the journey takes them.

Stay up-to-date on the latest webinars an agent events.

Avoiding Medicare Enrollment Mistakes: What Every Beneficiary Should Know

Enrolling in Medicare is one of the most important steps adults take as they approach age 65, yet it’s also one of the most common areas for costly mistakes. With multiple parts, deadlines, and coverage choices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news is that with the right information, avoiding Medicare enrollment mistakes is easy. Here are the top mistakes to watch for and how to prevent them.

Missing Your Initial Enrollment Period

One of the biggest Medicare enrollment mistakes is missing the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). Your IEP starts three months before your 65th birthday month and ends three months after. If you miss this window and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you may face lifelong Part B late-enrollment penalties. To avoid this, mark your calendar early and begin evaluating your options at least three to six months before turning 65.

Watch a YouTube video on Medicare OEP, SEPs and Late Part B Enrollments

Assuming Employer Coverage Automatically Delays Medicare

Many people continue working past age 65, but not all employer coverage allows you to delay Medicare. If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare becomes primary, meaning you must enroll in Part B to avoid coverage gaps. Always confirm whether your employer’s plan is considered creditable coverage before delaying enrollment.

Not Checking Creditable Drug Coverage

Medicare Part D also has its own late penalty if you go 63 days or more without creditable prescription drug coverage. Many people assume their employer or retiree plan counts, but not all do. Request a creditable coverage notice from your plan administrator each year and keep it for your records.

Agents, are ready to join our team; click here for online contracting

Choosing a Plan Without Reviewing Networks and Formularies

Selecting a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan without checking provider networks and drug formularies can lead to higher costs and unexpected denials. Plans change annually, so a review during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is essential; even if you’re happy with your current coverage.

Overlooking Out-of-Pocket Costs

Monthly premiums are only part of the equation. Deductibles, copays, and maximum out-of-pocket limits vary widely. Beneficiaries often choose the lowest-premium option only to discover higher costs later. Compare plans based on your actual health needs, not just the price tag.

Forgetting to Reevaluate Coverage Each Year

Your health needs and plan benefits change over time. Failing to review your coverage during AEP can lead to paying more than necessary or losing access to preferred providers or medications. A yearly comparison ensures your coverage stays aligned with your needs.

Not Working With a Licensed Medicare Agent

Medicare can be confusing, and many mistakes happen simply because beneficiaries don’t fully understand their options. A licensed Medicare agent can help you navigate enrollment periods, compare plans, and avoid penalties; all at no cost to you.

Stay up-to-date on the latest webinars an agent events.

Avoiding Medicare enrollment mistakes starts with awareness and preparation. By understanding your deadlines, verifying creditable coverage, reviewing networks and costs, and seeking expert guidance, you can make confident decisions that protect your health and your wallet.

GTL Hospital Indemnity Plans: A Smart Supplemental Solution for Agents

GTL hospital indemnity plans offer agents a practical way to help clients manage rising out-of-pocket healthcare costs while expanding their own product portfolio. Designed to pay cash benefits directly to the policyholder, these plans work alongside major medical coverage. This means; Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Supplement plans.

What Is a Hospital Indemnity Plan

A hospital indemnity plan provides a fixed cash benefit for covered events such as hospital admissions, daily confinement, ICU stays, and certain outpatient services. GTL’s hospital indemnity plans are known for simple plan designs, guaranteed renewable coverage, and predictable benefits. Because clients recieve payments directly, they can use funds for co-pays, deductibles or everyday expenses.

Why Agents Should Offer GTL Hospital Indemnity Plans

For agents, hospital indemnity plans are easy to explain and easy to position. As Medicare Advantage plans continue to shift cost-sharing to beneficiaries, clients are increasingly exposed to unexpected hospital expenses. Hospital indemnity coverage helps fill these gaps without replacing existing insurance.

Key agent-friendly advantages include:

• Straightforward underwriting with limited health questions
• Affordable premiums that appeal to budget-conscious clients
• Flexible use of benefits, increasing perceived value
• Year-round sales opportunities, not limited to AEP or OEP

If you are ready to join our team; click here for online contracting

These features make GTL plans ideal for cross-selling to Medicare beneficiaries, individuals with high-deductible health plans, and clients concerned about hospitalization costs.

Ideal Clients for Hospital Indemnity Coverage

GTL hospital indemnity plans are especially effective for Medicare Advantage enrollees facing daily hospital copays, retirees on fixed incomes, and working individuals seeking extra financial protection. Agents can position the plan as a financial safety net rather than traditional insurance, which resonates strongly with today’s consumers.

Watch a YouTube video – Why agents should include ancillary products with MA sales

Final Thoughts

Adding GTL hospital indemnity plans to your product lineup allows you to address a real client need while generating consistent commissions. With simple benefits, broad appeal, and strong supplemental value, these plans can strengthen client relationships and help agents stand out in a competitive market.

Stay up-to-date on the latest webinars an agent events.

Understanding Life Insurance Basics: A Guide for Agents

Life insurance remains a cornerstone of financial planning, and as an agent, your ability to clearly explain its value is essential to helping clients make informed decisions. Whether you work with young families, retirees, or business owners, understanding life insurance basics and having the ability to explain them to potential cleints builds trust and supports sales. This overview highlights the key points agents should emphasize when educating clients on life insurance.

What Life Insurance Really Provides

At its core, life insurance is a financial safety net. Clients pay premiums, and in exchange, their beneficiaries receive a tax-free death benefit that can cover funeral expenses, mortgage payments, income replacement, debt, and other essentials. Agents should reinforce how life insurance provides long-term security and protects the financial stability of loved ones.

Term vs. Permanent Life Insurance

Helping clients choose the right policy starts with explaining the differences between the two main products:

Term Life Insurance

Term life offers affordable, straightforward protection for a set period; typically 10, 20, or 30 years. It’s ideal for families needing coverage during peak financial responsibility years. Agents should highlight conversion options, renewal features, and how term can complement other financial products.

Permanent Life Insurance

Permanent life insurance provides lifetime coverage and includes a cash value component that grows tax-deferred. Options like whole life, universal life, and indexed universal life offer flexibility, stable premiums, and long-term financial benefits. Agents can position permanent coverage as part of a broader wealth-building or legacy planning strategy.

Watch a YouTube video on Life Insurance Basics

Matching Clients With the Right Coverage

Agents play a critical role in assessing client needs. Key factors to review include income replacement goals, outstanding debt, number of dependents, financial obligations, and long-term objectives. While the general guideline suggests coverage equal to 7–10 times annual income, personalized assessments help agents deliver tailored recommendations that strengthen client confidence.

If you are ready to join our team; click here for online contracting

The Importance of Educating Clients

Today’s consumers want clarity and transparency. Agents who break down complex insurance concepts into simple, relatable explanations tend to build stronger relationships. This helps agents maintain their book of business. Emphasizing the real-life value of life insurance and how it fits into financial planning helps clients understand why the coverage matters.

Stay up-to-date on the latest webinars an agent events.

Understanding life insurance basics is essential for guiding clients toward the right protection. By explaining policy types, assessing needs, and positioning coverage as a long-term financial tool, agents can better serve their clients while growing their book of business.

Medicare Supplement Costs and Coverage: What Beneficiaries Need to Know

If you’re exploring ways to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses, a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan (Medigap) can help fill the gaps left by Original Medicare. These standardized plans are designed to make healthcare costs more predictable, offering peace of mind and broader financial protection. We will go over the Medicare supplement costs and coverage and help you decide if this is right for you.

What Medicare Supplement Plans Cover

Medigap plans labeled A, B, D, G, K, L, M, and N offer the same benefits no matter which insurance company sells them. While the level of coverage varies by plan letter, most include:

• Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
• Part B coinsurance or copayments
• Blood (first 3 pints)
• Hospice care coinsurance
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance (many plans)
• Part A deductible
• Foreign travel emergency benefits (select plans)

Today’s most popular option, Plan G, offers broad protection by covering nearly all Medicare-approved costs except the Part B deductible.

What Medigap Does Not Cover

It’s important to understand what Medicare Supplement plans exclude. Medigap policies do not cover:

• Prescription drugs (Part D is required separately)
• Routine dental, vision, and hearing care
• Long-term care or custodial care
• Services not approved by Medicare

Beneficiaries often pair Medigap with standalone dental, vision, and hearing plans for more complete coverage.

Watch a YouTube video on Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement

How Much Medicare Supplement Plans Cost

Medigap premiums vary widely. The main factors that influence cost include:

Plan Type

Plans with more benefits typically cost more. Plans with cost-sharing features often come with lower premiums.

Age and Rating Method

Carriers price Medigap plans using:

• Community-rated premiums
• Issue-age-rated premiums
• Attained-age-rated premiums

The rating method affects how your premium changes over time.

Location

Medigap costs vary by state and even by ZIP code due to regional healthcare expenses.

Tobacco Use and Enrollment Timing

Carriers may charge higher rates for tobacco users or applicants enrolling outside their guaranteed-issue period.

Available Discounts

Household or multi-enrollee discounts may lower monthly premiums.

Agents; are you ready to join the Crowe team – click here for online contract

Why Many Beneficiaries Choose Medigap

Medicare Supplement plans are favored for their predictable costs, nationwide provider access, and minimal out-of-pocket expenses. With no networks or referrals required, Medigap offers flexibility that many retirees value.

A Medicare Supplement plan can significantly reduce healthcare costs and eliminate many gaps in Original Medicare. Reviewing coverage options, comparing premiums, and pairing your plan with Part D ensures you get comprehensive protection tailored to your needs.

Stay up-to-date on agent events and information

Medicare Commission Dispute Update: CMS’ Repsonse What Agents Need to Know

The growing conflict between insurers and state regulators has caused federal officials to step in to clarify who controls Medicare Advantage (MA) marketing practices. The latest Medicare commission dispute update dives in to CMS’ response to the current status of broker commissions. Several insurers have reduced or eliminated commissions and restricted access to enrollment tools. Therefore, state commissioners are pushing back, arguing these actions harm both agents and beneficiaries. CMS’ latest memo signals that the debate is far from over.

Medicare Advantage Enrollment Suppression

In recent months, multiple insurers have attempted to limit what they view as costly Medicare Advantage enrollment by adjusting broker compensation and curbing access to online enrollment portals. These moves have prompted roughly a dozen states to urge insurers to reverse course. Some state departments even issued cease-and-desist orders, sparking lawsuits from carriers.

On December 4, CMS issued a memo stating; regulation of Medicare Advantage and Part D ultimately rests at the federal level. The agency emphasized that federal law likely preempts state law on matters related to MA compensation and marketing. CMS also reminded stakeholders that commissions are negotiable annually, as long as they fall within federal limits.

Access to Enrollment Forms

Importantly, CMS did clarify one requirement: enrollment forms must remain accessible on insurers’ websites. This comes amid concerns that restricted access to online tools could limit beneficiaries’ ability to make informed choices.

Agents; join the team at Crowe – click here for online contracting

Agent Compensation

While CMS’ memo reaffirmed federal authority, states are unlikely to stay silent. Several state regulators have said they lack the authority to mandate compensation changes but continue urging insurers to restore commissions. Industry observers expect states to keep applying public pressure, even if their legal power is limited. Some also suggest states could focus attention on the Medicare Supplement market, which is regulated at the state level, especially as some carriers consider commission changes in that space as well.

Agents and brokers have voiced growing frustration as certain insurers have reduced or eliminated commissions; sometimes even retroactively. Many argue that these cuts ultimately hurt beneficiaries by reducing access to professional guidance during enrollment.

Watch a YouTube video – Multiple Medicare Advantage Plans going non-commissionable

The dispute has escalated significantly. Insurers have filed lawsuits in response to state actions, claiming that limiting commissions is part of their strategy to maintain plan stability amid rising costs. Meanwhile, regulators in several states have urged insurers to reinstate compensation, warning of the broader impact on consumers.

Let’s Sum it Up

With the 2025 Annual Enrollment Period now over and the 2026 window on the horizon, the tension between state regulators, insurers, and federal authorities is shaping what could become a pivotal policy fight. CMS’ memo clarifies federal preemption but leaves the door open for continued pressure from states. For agents, the message is clear: the debate over Medicare Advantage commissions is far from settled. The outcome will have meaningful implications for how the industry operates moving forward.

Stay up-to-date on agent events and information