The Big Question: Do You Really Need an Agent?
This is one of the questions we hear most often: “Do I really need to work with an insurance agent or broker, or can I just do it all online myself?” It’s a fair question. In today’s world, you can book a flight, order groceries, and even buy a car online—so why not Medicare?
People also wonder: wouldn’t it be better to just go straight to the insurance company? They assume the company itself must know the most about its plans, and maybe they’ll even get a better deal.
Let me be as clear as I possibly can: the answer is yes—you should absolutely work with an independent insurance agent. Not just any agent—an independent one. There’s a big difference.
Independent vs. Captive Agents
There are two main types of insurance agents:
- Captive agents: They work for one insurance company. That’s it. They’re only allowed to sell and recommend that one company’s plans.
- Independent agents: They’re not tied to any one carrier. They represent multiple companies and products and can shop the entire market to find what works best for you.
If you walk into a shoe store that only sells one brand, guess what they’re going to tell you is the best fit? That one brand. Even if your foot would feel better in something else.
That’s how it works with captive insurance agents. Even if another plan in the area is better for your specific needs—better doctors, lower prescription costs, better dental coverage—they can’t offer it. They’re legally restricted.
The Power of Options
An independent insurance agent can compare:
- Medicare Advantage plans from multiple carriers
- Medicare Supplement policies
- Part D prescription drug plans
- Extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing coverage
They can look at your ZIP code, your doctors, your prescriptions, your health conditions—and actually match you to a plan that fits. Not just the plan they’re allowed to sell.
Let me give you a visual. If you’re choosing between an independent and a captive agent:
- The independent agent offers you Company A, Company B, Company C, and Company D.
- The captive agent only offers Company A. Period.
And many times, they’re not even allowed to discuss or compare other options. It’s not their fault—it’s just how captive contracts work. That’s why using an independent broker matters so much.
What We Do at OnMedicare
Here at OnMedicare Insurance Agency, every single one of our agents is an independent insurance agent. We’re contracted and appointed with all the major carriers across the country—because we believe in choice.
We live in Wisconsin, but we’re licensed and appointed in 48 states. That means no matter where you are, or where your family might move, we can still help.
But we don’t just stop at licensing. We build relationships with our clients and stay with them long-term. Every year, we go through our members’ prescriptions, doctors, and health conditions to make sure they’re in the right plan. Why? Because these plans change every year—and so do people’s needs.
What worked great last year might not be the best fit this year. Maybe your prescriptions changed. Maybe your doctor switched networks. Maybe your plan stopped covering something important to you. That’s why we review everything annually—to make sure you’re not overpaying or under-covered.
Staying Ahead of Changes
We don’t wait until the last minute, either. Starting in June, we begin studying the upcoming plan changes for the next year. By the time open enrollment hits in October, we already know what’s coming—and we’re ready to guide you through it.
We know which companies are raising rates. We know which plans are cutting benefits or adding new ones. We know which formularies are dropping your prescription and which ones just added it at a better tier.
Because we do this every single day.
One of our favorite things to do is educate our clients—not pressure them. Our job isn’t to convince you of anything. It’s to help you understand your options and give you the space to make the decision that fits your life.
Why This Matters to You
This isn’t just about convenience. It’s about your health. Your money. Your peace of mind. And those things deserve attention from someone who isn’t limited in what they can offer you.
You wouldn’t walk into a car dealership and buy the first car they showed you without test-driving a few, right? Choosing a Medicare plan is no different. You deserve to compare. You deserve to know your options. And you deserve help from someone who actually can show you those options.
That’s what independent agents do.
One More Thing…
There’s no extra cost to you. Independent agents are paid by the insurance companies, not by you. Whether you go direct or use an agent, your premium is the same. But with an independent agent, you get:
- Personalized help
- Annual reviews
- Access to multiple companies
- Expert insight on local networks and plan changes
It’s a win-win.
So if you’ve been debating whether to search online, go direct, or get help—do yourself a favor and talk to someone independent. Ask questions. Make sure they’re licensed with more than one company. And see what they recommend for you, not for their bottom line.
At OnMedicare Insurance, we’re proud to be independent, local, and completely focused on helping you find the right fit year after year.