How to Find a Licensed Medicare Agent Near Me — 2026 Guide

If you are approaching Medicare eligibility or looking to review your current coverage, one of the smartest decisions you can make is working with a licensed Medicare agent. However, with so many agents and brokers available, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. At Craig Smith Insurance Group, we help seniors across Queens, Long Island, the Bronx, Westchester, and New Jersey navigate Medicare every day. Therefore, in this guide, we will walk you through exactly how to find a licensed Medicare agent near you and what to look for when you do.

Why Work With a Licensed Medicare Agent?

First and foremost, it is important to understand what a licensed Medicare agent actually does and why working with one is so valuable. A licensed Medicare agent is a professional who is authorized by the state to sell and advise on Medicare insurance products. Furthermore, independent Medicare agents work with multiple insurance carriers, meaning they can compare plans across the entire market to find the best option for your specific needs and budget.

Most importantly, working with a Medicare agent costs you absolutely nothing. Agents are compensated directly by the insurance carriers they represent, not by the client. As a result, you get free, professional guidance without any out-of-pocket expense.

The Difference Between a Medicare Agent and a Medicare Broker

Before you start your search, it is helpful to understand the difference between a captive agent and an independent broker:

Type	Who They Work For	Plans They Can Offer
Captive Agent	One specific insurance company	Only that company’s plans
Independent Broker	Multiple insurance carriers	Plans from many carriers

 

As a result of this difference, working with an independent Medicare broker gives you access to a much wider range of plans and prices. Consequently, an independent broker is almost always the better choice for Medicare beneficiaries who want unbiased, comprehensive advice.

How to Find a Licensed Medicare Agent Near Me — Step by Step

Finding the right Medicare agent doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, there are several reliable ways to locate a licensed Medicare agent in your area.

Step 1 — Use the Medicare.gov Plan Finder Tool

First, ask your doctor’s office for a referral. Many physicians work closely with trusted local Medicare agents and can recommend someone they trust. Since your doctor already knows your health needs, their referral can help match you with an agent who understands your specific situation

Step 2 — Ask for Referrals From Trusted Sources

Another excellent way to find a reliable Medicare agent is through personal referrals. Specifically, consider asking:

• Your doctor’s office — many physicians’ offices work closely with Medicare agents and can recommend someone they trust
• Friends and family members — particularly those who have recently enrolled in Medicare
• Your local senior center — senior centers often host Medicare education events and can connect you with reputable agents

Step 3 — Search Online With Local Keywords

Additionally, searching Google for terms like “Medicare agent near me,” “Medicare broker in Queens, NY,” or “independent Medicare agent Long Island” can help you find local agents who specialize in your area. Moreover, look for agents who have strong Google reviews, a professional website, and local references. These are all signs of a reputable professional.

Step 4 — Check Google Reviews and Ratings

Once you find a potential Medicare agent, always check their Google reviews before reaching out. Specifically, look for:

• A high overall rating (4.5 stars or above)
• A large number of reviews — not just a few
• Recent reviews that mention responsiveness and expertise
• Reviews from clients in your area

At Craig Smith Insurance Group, for example, we have earned 149+ five-star Google reviews from clients across Queens, Long Island, and the greater New York area, reflecting our commitment to personalized, expert Medicare guidance.

Step 5 — Verify Their License

Before working with any Medicare agent, it is essential to verify that they hold a valid insurance license in your state. Fortunately, this is easy to do. In New York, you can verify an agent’s license through the New York State Department of Financial Services website at dfs.ny.gov. Similarly, New Jersey licenses can be verified through the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance.

What to Look for in a Licensed Medicare Agent

Not all Medicare agents are created equal. Therefore, knowing what qualities to look for can make a significant difference in the quality of advice you receive. Here are the most important factors to consider:

Independent vs. Captive

As mentioned above, always look for an independent Medicare broker rather than a captive agent. Since independent brokers work with multiple carriers, they can offer you a true comparison of available plans — rather than steering you toward a single company’s products.

Local Market Knowledge

Medicare plans vary significantly by county and zip code. Therefore, working with an agent who specializes in your local market is a major advantage. For instance, a Medicare agent who focuses on Queens, Nassau County, and the NYC metro area will have a much deeper understanding of which plans, networks, and carriers perform best in your specific location than a national call center agent who has never worked in New York.

Responsiveness and Availability

Medicare questions don’t always arise during business hours. As a result, look for an agent who is genuinely accessible, one who picks up the phone, returns calls promptly, and is available to answer your questions throughout the year, not just during the Annual Enrollment Period.

Carrier Appointments

A truly independent Medicare broker should be appointed with all major Medicare carriers in your area. This ensures they can offer you the widest possible selection of Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Part D plans. When speaking with a potential agent, simply ask: “Which carriers are you appointed with?” A comprehensive list is a good sign.

Specialization in Medicare

Medicare is a complex and constantly changing system. Consequently, look for an agent who specializes exclusively or primarily in Medicare rather than one who sells all types of insurance. A Medicare specialist will have deeper knowledge of enrollment rules, coverage options, and cost-saving strategies than a generalist agent.

Questions to Ask a Medicare Agent Before You Work With Them

When you meet with a potential Medicare agent, asking the right questions upfront can save you a great deal of time and frustration. Here are the most important questions to ask:

1. “Are you an independent broker or a captive agent?” — Always look for independent.
2. “Which carriers are you appointed with?” — More carriers mean more options for you.
3. “How long have you been specializing in Medicare?” — Experience matters in this field.
4. “Are you licensed in my state?” — Verify their license is current and valid.
5. “Will you be available after I enroll if I have questions?” — Ongoing support is essential.
6. “Do you charge a fee for your services?” — A legitimate Medicare agent should never charge you a fee.
7. “Can you show me a comparison of all available plans in my area?” — A good agent will always show you the full picture.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Unfortunately, not every Medicare agent operates with your best interests in mind. Therefore, watch out for these warning signs:

• Pressure tactics — a good agent never rushes you into a decision
• Only showing you one plan or one carrier — this suggests a captive agent or a conflict of interest
• Charging you a fee — legitimate Medicare agents are compensated by carriers, not clients
• Contacting you unsolicited — Medicare agents are prohibited from cold-calling Medicare beneficiaries without prior consent
• Making promises about specific plan benefits — plan benefits change annually and must be verified through official plan documents
• Discouraging you from reading plan documents — always read the Evidence of Coverage before enrolling

Why New York and New Jersey Residents Have a Special Advantage

If you live in New York or New Jersey, you have access to some of the strongest consumer protections in the country when it comes to Medicare Supplement insurance. Specifically, New York offers guaranteed issue protections year-round for Medigap plans, meaning insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health history, regardless of when you apply.

As a result, New York seniors have much more flexibility to switch Medicare Supplement plans than beneficiaries in most other states. However, navigating these protections and finding the best plan still requires working with an experienced local agent who understands New York’s specific rules.

How Craig Smith Insurance Group Can Help

At Craig Smith Insurance Group, I have been helping Medicare beneficiaries across Queens, Long Island, the Bronx, Westchester, Rockland County, and New Jersey navigate their Medicare options since 2013. As an independent Medicare broker, I am appointed with all major Medicare carriers and can compare every available plan in your area at no cost to you.

Furthermore, when you work with me, you will always speak directly with Craig, never a call center or an automated system. I am available by phone, video, or in person to answer your questions, review your options, and help you make the best Medicare decision for your specific situation.

With 149+ five-star Google reviews and 25+ years of financial services experience, Craig Smith Insurance Group is one of the most trusted independent Medicare agencies in the New York metro area.

Frequently Asked Questions — Finding a Medicare Agent Near Me

Is it free to work with a Medicare agent?

Yes, working with a licensed Medicare agent is completely free to you. Medicare agents are compensated directly by the insurance carriers they represent. Therefore, you receive professional guidance at no out-of-pocket cost.

Can a Medicare agent help me switch plans?

Yes, a licensed Medicare agent can help you review and switch Medicare plans during the appropriate enrollment periods, including the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) and Special Enrollment Periods triggered by qualifying life events.

How do I know if a Medicare agent is trustworthy?

Look for agents with strong Google reviews, verified state licenses, multiple carrier appointments, and a track record of serving clients in your local area. Additionally, ask for references from current clients and verify their license through your state’s insurance department website.

Ready to Find Your Medicare Agent?

Finding the right Medicare agent can make an enormous difference in your healthcare coverage and your financial security. Therefore, don’t leave this important decision to chance. At Craig Smith Insurance Group, we make the process simple, straightforward, and completely free.

📞 Call (917) 740-1895
✉️ craigsmith@csmedicare.net
🌐 csmithinsurancegroup.com
🕐 Monday–Friday 9 AM–8 PM | Saturday 10 AM–1 PM

We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States Government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for information on all your options.