About Craig Smith — Independent Medicare Insurance Broker Serving New York & Beyond

My name is Craig Smith, and I am the founder and principal of Craig Smith Insurance Group, an independent Medicare insurance brokerage serving seniors across Queens, Long Island, Manhattan, New Jersey, and nationwide. I have been helping people navigate Medicare since 2013, and over the past 13+ years, I have built my practice on three things: personal story, professional expertise, and a genuinely independent approach that always puts my clients first.

How I Got Started — A Personal Story

My journey into Medicare insurance did not start in a boardroom or a training program. It started at a kitchen table.

Years ago, I watched my aunt and uncle struggle to navigate their Medicare choices. They were overwhelmed, confused, and being given advice that did not seem to have their best interests at heart. I sat down with them, worked through the options, and helped them find coverage that actually made sense for their situation. That experience stayed with me, and it became the foundation of everything I do today.

Since then, I have helped hundreds of families across New York, New Jersey, and beyond navigate the same confusion my aunt and uncle faced. Every client I work with gets the same level of care and attention I give to them — patient, thorough, and completely honest.

My Credentials and Experience

I bring over 25 years of financial services experience to my Medicare practice, with a specialized focus on Medicare insurance since 2013. Here is what that means for you:

  • Licensed in New York and 14 additional states — I can help clients wherever they live or retire
  • Appointed with all major Medicare carriers — including UnitedHealthcare/AARP, Aetna, Humana, Anthem/Empire, and more
  • 12+ years of Medicare-specific expertise — I have guided clients through every enrollment situation imaginable
  • 149+ five-star Google reviews — a track record built entirely on client satisfaction and word-of-mouth referrals
  • Member of the Better Business Bureau — accredited and in good standing
  • Member of the Greater New York 212 Chamber of Commerce
  • Two office locations — Great Neck, NY, and 260 Madison Avenue, New York City

Why I Work as an Independent Broker

This is important, and I want every prospective client to understand it before we speak.

I am an independent broker, which means any insurance company does not employ me, and I am not required to recommend any particular carrier’s plans. I am appointed with all major Medicare carriers, which gives me the freedom to compare every available option in your area and recommend the plan that genuinely fits your needs, not the plan that pays the highest commission.

Captive agents — those who work directly for one insurance company — can only show you their employer’s products. When you work with me, you get access to the full market. That independence is not just a selling point — it is the foundation of the trust I have built with every client over the past 12 years.

And my services are completely free of charge. I am compensated by the insurance carriers, not by you. There is no cost, no hidden fees, and no obligation — ever.

Who I Help

I work with Medicare beneficiaries and pre-retirees at every stage of their Medicare journey:

  • Turning 65 for the first time — I explain your options clearly, help you avoid costly enrollment mistakes, and make sure you start Medicare on the right foot
  • Retiring from employer coverage — I guide you through the transition from group health insurance to Medicare, including Special Enrollment Period rules and COBRA considerations
  • Reviewing existing Medicare coverage — I conduct free annual plan reviews to make sure your current coverage still offers the best value as plan benefits and your health needs change
  • Caregivers and family members — I help adult children navigate Medicare options for aging parents who need guidance

Medicare Plans I Specialize In

I help clients compare and enroll in all major Medicare plan types:

  • Medicare Advantage Plans — all-in-one HMO and PPO plans that combine Parts A, B, and usually D
  • Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans — including the popular Plan G and Plan N
  • Medicare Part D Plans — standalone prescription drug coverage
  • Fixed Annuities and Indexed Universal Life plans — for clients who want to address retirement income alongside their healthcare coverage
  • Final Expense Insurance — affordable coverage for end-of-life expenses
  • Dental Insurance — standalone dental plans for Medicare beneficiaries

Where I Serve Clients

I serve Medicare beneficiaries throughout the New York metro area and nationwide, including:

What My Clients Say

I am proud to have earned 149+ five-star Google reviews built entirely through word-of-mouth referrals and the relationships I have developed with clients and their families over more than a decade. Here is what a few of them have shared:

“Craig is informative, timely, experienced, patient, caring and professional. He navigates a potentially complex and frustrating bureaucracy while being calm and comforting.” — Kirk Duncan

“His knowledge of Medicare’s complicated insurance product options is extensive. He navigated us through our numerous choices with patience. Most importantly he cares!” — Francine Cervasio

“Craig made it all seem less complicated and therefore much easier to decide on the right option for us. He is an asset for anyone thinking of switching to Medicare.” — Joan Simon

You can read all of my client reviews on my Client Reviews & Testimonials page.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you are turning 65, retiring, or simply want a second opinion on your current Medicare coverage, I would love to hear from you. A conversation with me costs nothing — and it could save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your Medicare coverage.

I serve clients by phone, video, or in person at my offices in Great Neck, NY, and Manhattan, NY — on your schedule and completely free of charge.

📞 Contact Craig Smith Insurance Group today at (917) 740-1895 — or use our online contact form to schedule your free Medicare consultation. I look forward to helping you find the right coverage with confidence.