Florida couple seeking Medicare advice says one agent resorted to pressure tactics

"The first two agents I talked with also refused to discuss HDG, both saying the exact same words."

A Florida couple getting ready to enroll in Medicare says a meeting with a local agent left them feeling pushed rather than guided.

At the heart of the issue was Medicare Plan G-HD, a Medigap option the couple wanted to discuss, and an agent who, according to them, appeared more interested in steering them elsewhere.

Here's what to know

In a Reddit post, the original poster said he and his wife are preparing for Medicare coverage to begin and met with an agent in Collier County, Florida, to get the process started.

He said the discussion skipped the plan they were most interested in: the agent "only presented Plan G as a Medigap option" and "never brought up Plan G-HD."

Once they said they were leaning toward the high-deductible version, the poster said, "he got very uncomfortable and brought up scare tactics."

Other users in the thread described similar experiences.

"The first two agents I talked with also refused to discuss HDG, both saying the exact same words. 'You don't want that.' That's all they'd say," one commenter wrote.

More background

Several replies centered on whether an agent works with a single insurer or can compare plans from multiple companies.

"Look for an INDEPENDENT Medicare broker that represents many different insurance companies that do business in your area," one commenter advised.

Other users said people comparing Medicare coverage may not need an intermediary at all.

"You really can do this yourself," one commenter wrote.

What can be done?

Several commenters recommended starting with the Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov before speaking with anyone selling coverage.

Users also suggested meeting with more than one broker and approaching the search the same way they would any professional service.

One commenter wrote, "Meet with more than one agent," and added that experience in the business and familiarity with the local market can affect both rates and service.

Another option raised in the thread was contacting a State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselor, or SHIP, for help reviewing plan categories and comparisons. One commenter who identified themselves as a SHIP counselor said counselors in their state discuss plan choices and provide a rate sheet, but consumers still must contact the plan directly to enroll.

Where can I learn more?

Questions about Medicare shopping come as consumers face higher costs and more complicated coverage decisions across the insurance market.

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