A recent report from Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden found that MA insurers spent a combined $6.9 billion on agent and broker commissions in 2023. An Urban Institute report published in September 2025 explores how agents and brokers may influence Medicare enrollment and identify any gaps in oversight of agents, brokers, and marketers. Researchers conducted a literature review and interviewed 19 representatives from agent and broker trade associations, field marketing organizations, agencies and brokerages, state departments of insurance, health plan associations, beneficiary advocacy organizations, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The interviews and literature review suggest “several areas that can be addressed to improve Medicare sustainability, reduce taxpayer burdens, and help beneficiaries navigate Medicare enrollment.”
- Download the full Report at https://www.urban.org/research/publication/challenges-choice-medicare