Answer: It absolutely matters. I’ll use an email conversation I had last week with someone who didn’t originally choose The Health Insurance Store to get their Supplement as an example.

Here is a back and forth of that email exchange.

To me: My husband and I both received notification that our Medigap (Supplement) premiums will be going up significantly this summer. We’re both on AARP plan N. We just started on this insurance in August 2025. Is there any recourse for us to keep it lower?

My response: I have a few questions, Linda. When is your original Part B effective date for both you and your husband? How old are you? What is your current premium for AARP?

Terry back to me: Our Part B started August 1st 2025. We just received notifications in the mail this week that our premiums are going up next June. I’m 66, and my husband is 65. My premium for plan N is $135 monthly and will increase by $20. His is $152 and will increase by $23. 

My response: When adding in the premium increase, you can cut those premiums literally in half for the same Plan N with another Medigap carrier. Whoever enrolled you in that AARP plan didn't even get you in their lowest priced Supplement N. United has another AARP book of business that is a lot less expensive. The good news is that you're still in your Initial Election Period and can enroll with another company without going through medical underwriting and get their preferred rates. 

Our email conversation lead to us setting Terry up with an appointment to go over everything with she and her husband, answer any questions they may have, make sure they’re on the best Part D drug plan for 2026, and ultimately enroll them in the exact same Plan N Supplement they have now for half the cost. 

That last part answers Patty’s question on why the broker people use matters. As I told Terry, whoever recommended Plan N with that branch of United Healthcare either has no clue what they’re doing or did because it pays commissions forever versus just six years with the company I’m recommending. 

In addition to other agents and brokers not being trained well or experienced enough to choose the right plan for those on Medicare, as I mentioned, they often only give recommendations based on what pays them the most commission. For this reason, far too often other brokers will not even present the Supplement (Medigap) option because Advantage Plans generally pay 400% more on first year commissions and over 200% more on renewals versus Supplements. The least expensive Supplements only pay us renewals for five years while Advantage Plan renewals are paid forever. 

What also isn’t often explained by agents who only recommend Advantage Plans is that after six months to a year later, it may become impossible to enroll in a Supplement because those companies can discriminate on who they accept based on current or previous health conditions. The only exception to this is the three months prior to getting Medicare Part B for the first time, the month it goes into effect, and six months after. It’s only during this time, known as one’s Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) that Supplements are required by law to take anyone who applies, in any letter plan they offer, and at their preferred rate regardless of their current or previous health issues. It’s the most important time ever for someone who is new to Medicare Part B. But again, so many agents are derelict of their duties and never disclose this fact. 

At The Health Insurance Store commissions never influence how we advise clients. In fact, even though we no longer get paid commissions to enroll or renew people in Stand Alone Part D prescription drug plans that those on Supplements need, we still do that for our clients and review them as necessary each Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. This is very time-consuming, but we know how difficult it is to navigate. It’s one of the many no-cost services we provide our clients. In addition, every year we send our annual recommendation letter prior to AEP to both Supplement and Advantage Plan clients to let them know what we advise for the upcoming year. We send out emails as necessary to update clients on general Medicare issues or announcements, money saving programs and tips, as well as changes in their premiums or plan benefits. 

And we’re always available to help clients when they have issues with bills, claim denials or delays, unexpected prescription costs, or anything even remotely related to their policies throughout the year. 

If you have questions, would like a quote for a Supplement, or to make an appointment for a no cost consultation, give the office a call, 724-603-3403, or email me directly, Aaron@GetYourBestPlan.com.