If you’ve ever considered a career in insurance sales or are currently an insurance agent looking to increase your earning potential there’s never been a better time than now to get started in Medicare sales.

Now that you know the type of income you can receive as an independent insurance agent selling Medicare, let’s take a look at the different types of Medicare products to sell:

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, combines the benefits of Original Medicare with additional benefits like prescription drug coverage under one plan. Medicare Advantage plans are becoming increasingly popular with beneficiaries due to the affordability and additional benefits. As of 2021, more than 26 million individuals are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan accounting for 42 percent of the total Medicare population. Medicare Advantage enrollments are expected to rise 51 percent by 2030.

Commissions for Medicare Advantage are also on the rise. The national commission for an initial Medicare Advantage plan sale in 2022 is $573, while renewal commissions increased by 6% to $358 for 2022.

Medicare Supplement

Medicare supplement, also known as a Medigap plan, is another product independent agents can sell. These plans are used in conjunction with Original Medicare to fill in coverage gaps.  Like Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement plans are only offered through private insurance carriers.

Commissions for Medicare Supplement plans vary and are based on a percentage of the plan premium, rather than a flat rate.

Prescription Drug Plans

Independent agents can also sell standalone prescription drug plans, also known as Medicare Part D, to those looking to only add prescription drug coverage to their Original Medicare plan.

Commissions for Medicare Part D plans in 2022 are capped at $87 for initial plan enrollment and $44 for each renewal year.

Partnering with an FMO

Many independent insurance agents choose to partner with an FMO (Field Marketing Organization) to maximize their earning potential. An FMO, generally speaking, is an organization that provides Medicare insurance products as well as additional marketing and administrative support to independent agents and brokers to help further their career. Agents who partner with an FMO don’t earn any less than they would if they were to partner directly with a carrier and tend to have access to way more resources and support.

When partnering with an FMO it is important to look for an organization that is truly invested in the success of its partners and provides the support and tools necessary to succeed. When considering an FMO look for these key factors:

• A comprehensive portfolio of carrier partners
• Quality lead programs
• Sales support
• Helpful agent tools like a quote engine, online enrollment, commission reporting, etc.
• Marketing support

AGA agents benefit from top-notch marketing support that includes FREE marketing dollars and a Co-Op marketing program that pays for 50% of their marketing budget.  With support like this, agents are able to grow their income at a faster rate!

• Top level commissions that are 100% your own.
• Allows you to own your book of business

As you can see, selling Medicare as an independent insurance agent can be very lucrative.  With Medicare sales, you are in control of your income.  The more effort you put in the bigger the reward!