The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) strongly objects to United Healthcare’s decision to cut agent commissions on more than 100 Medicare Advantage plans across over 20 states. This action undermines the value of professional guidance at a time when seniors need it most.
“Licensed Medicare advisors are vital,” said NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE. “They serve as year-round advocates who help clients compare plan options, navigate changing benefits, address denials, and adjust coverage to meet evolving needs. Stripping away their compensation is not only disruptive but deeply irresponsible. It jeopardizes seniors’ ability to make informed decisions in a system that is already complex and confusing.”
This decision also ignores evidence that alternative sources of guidance are falling short. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open evaluated the federal State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) designed to help Medicare beneficiaries. The study found that the assistance provided was often inaccurate, incomplete, or confusing. In too many cases, SHIP volunteers offered incorrect plan information or failed to provide meaningful answers, leaving beneficiaries more frustrated than helped.
In contrast, licensed agents are held to high standards of training and accountability. They know their clients, understand product differences, and tailor recommendations to individual circumstances, Mayeux said.
“This is not about administrative modernization. It’s about marginalizing the very professionals best equipped to support Medicare beneficiaries. It’s about cutting costs on the backs of seniors and the advisors who serve them.
“NAIFA, alongside our industry partners, has raised this issue with Congress and CMS. We urge regulators to prohibit changes to commission structures to ensure stability for agents and beneficiaries during the Annual Enrollment Period. Medicare Advantage cannot function without a well-supported advisory workforce.
“We call on UnitedHealthcare to reverse this short-sighted decision. And we call on policymakers to act decisively to preserve access, uphold consumer protection, and safeguard the long-term integrity of the Medicare program.”
Earlier this year, NAIFA launched the Medicare Collective, a part of the NAIFA Center for Lifetime Healthcare, to support insurance and financial professionals specializing in Medicare and healthcare solutions. The Collective provides resources, advocacy, and education to help members navigate the complexities of healthcare-related products and regulations.