Serving All Five Boroughs
Medicare Agent New York City, NY
Craig Smith is an independent Medicare agent serving New York City residents across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Get unbiased Medicare plan comparisons — completely free.
📅 Schedule a Free ConsultationOr call Craig directly: 917-740-1895
If you're looking for a Medicare agent in New York City, NY, Craig Smith Insurance Group provides free, independent Medicare guidance to residents across all five boroughs. As an independent Medicare agent, Craig is not tied to any single insurance company which means he compares every Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Part D plan available in your ZIP code and recommends what's genuinely best for your situation.
With a Manhattan office at 260 Madison Avenue and over 317 combined five-star Google reviews, Craig Smith Insurance Group has built its reputation on personalized, pressurefree Medicare guidance for New York City seniors.
Why Medicare in New York City Is Different
Medicare in New York City operates differently than in most other parts of the country. As a result, working with a local Medicare agent who knows the NYC market is especially important. Here's what makes the city unique:
| NYC Medicare Factor | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| New York guaranteed issue rights | New York offers year-round guaranteed issue for Medigap plans insurers cannot deny you or charge more based on health history. This is a significant advantage most states don't offer. |
| Large, competitive Medicare Advantage market | NYC has one of the most competitive Medicare Advantage markets in the country, with dozens of plans available by ZIP code. Having a knowledgeable local agent to compare them is essential. |
| HMO network restrictions in Manhattan | Many top Manhattan specialists and major medical centers do not participate in HMO networks. A local agent verifies your doctors before recommending any plan. |
| Plan availability varies by borough | Medicare Advantage plan options, premiums, and benefits differ significantly between ZIP codes in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. |
| High IRMAA exposure | Higher-income New Yorkers frequently trigger IRMAA surcharges on their Part B and Part D premiums. Use our IRMAA Calculator to check. |
Medicare Services for New York City Residents
As your local Medicare agent in New York City, Craig Smith Insurance Group provides the following services at no cost to you:
🔍 Plan Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of every Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D plan available in your NYC ZIP code.
👨⚕️ Doctor Verification
We verify that your current doctors and specialists are in-network before recommending any Medicare Advantage plan.
💊 Drug Plan Review
We compare Part D plans against your specific medication list to find the most affordable drug coverage in NYC.
📋 Enrollment Assistance
We handle all enrollment paperwork and make sure your coverage starts on time without gaps or penalties.
🔄 Annual Plan Review
We proactively review your coverage every year during Open Enrollment to make sure you're still in the best plan available.
📞 Ongoing Support
After enrollment, we remain available year-round to answer questions, help with claims issues, and assist with any coverage concerns.
Medicare Plan Options in New York City
New York City residents have access to two main Medicare paths after enrolling in Parts A and B. Understanding the difference is the most important Medicare decision you'll make.
Option 1
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Often $0 premium. Usually includes drug coverage and extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing. Requires using a provider network important to verify in NYC where many specialists don't participate in HMOs.
Option 2
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) + Part D
Higher monthly premium, but you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare no networks, no referrals. In New York, guaranteed issue rights mean you can enroll or switch year-round without medical underwriting.
For a detailed side-by-side comparison, see our Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement guide.
New York City Medicare Service Areas
Craig Smith Insurance Group provides Medicare guidance across all five New York City boroughs and the surrounding metro area:
| Borough / Area | Key Neighborhoods Served |
|---|---|
| Manhattan | Midtown, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, Chelsea, Tribeca |
| Brooklyn | Bay Ridge, Flatbush, Bensonhurst, Park Slope, Brighton Beach, Sheepshead Bay |
| Queens | Flushing, Astoria, Forest Hills, Jamaica, Bayside, Jackson Heights, Rego Park |
| The Bronx | Riverdale, Pelham Bay, Fordham, Co-op City, Morris Park |
| Staten Island | St. George, Tottenville, New Dorp, Great Kills, Stapleton |
| Surrounding Metro | Long Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, Rockland County, New Jersey |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 317+ Five-Star Google Reviews
Craig Smith Insurance Group has earned over 317 combined five-star reviews across our Manhattan and Long Island Google Business profiles. New York City clients consistently highlight Craig's patience, knowledge of the local market, and ability to simplify a confusing process. Read our client reviews →
Frequently Asked Questions — Medicare in New York City
Do I need a local Medicare agent in New York City?
Working with a local Medicare agent who knows the NYC market is strongly recommended. Plan networks, HMO restrictions, and benefit structures in New York City differ significantly from national averages. A local agent verifies your specific doctors, compares ZIP-code-level plan availability, and understands New York's unique guaranteed issue protections — things a national call center typically can't offer.
What Medicare plans are available in New York City?
New York City residents have access to Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, and standalone Part D prescription drug plans. Plan availability, premiums, and benefits vary by borough and ZIP code. As an independent broker, Craig compares every plan available in your specific area — not just one carrier's offerings.
Can I keep my NYC doctors with Medicare?
It depends on the plan type. With a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare nationwide — no network restrictions. With Medicare Advantage, you'll need to verify your doctors are in the plan's network. This is especially important in Manhattan, where many top specialists and major medical centers do not participate in HMO networks. Craig always verifies your doctors before making any recommendation.
Does New York have special Medicare rules?
Yes — New York has community rating and year-round guaranteed issue rights for Medigap plans, which means insurance companies cannot charge you more or deny you coverage based on age or health history. This is one of the strongest consumer protections in the country and gives New Yorkers significantly more flexibility when choosing or switching Medigap plans.
Is there a cost to work with a Medicare agent in NYC?
No — working with an independent Medicare agent is completely free. Agents are compensated by insurance carriers, not by clients, and your premium is identical whether you enroll through an agent or directly with the carrier. To learn more, see our guide on how Medicare brokers get paid.
When should I contact a Medicare agent in New York City?
Ideally, 4 to 6 months before your 65th birthday — early enough to understand your options, compare plans in your ZIP code, and verify your doctors without rushing. If you're already on Medicare and haven't reviewed your plan recently, contact us before the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) to make sure you're still in the best plan available for the coming year.
Ready to Talk With a New York City Medicare Agent?
Craig Smith Insurance Group is located at 260 Madison Avenue, 8th Floor, Manhattan. Consultations are 100% free — in person, by phone, or virtually.
📅 Schedule Your Free ConsultationOr call: 917-740-1895 | craigsmith@csmedicare.net
Craig Smith Insurance Group | 260 Madison Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10016 | Independent Medicare Broker | Licensed in New York, New Jersey, and 14 additional states
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. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
