Are Medicare Quotes Really Free

Are Medicare Quotes Really Free?

You’ve probably seen dozens of sites offering “Free Medicare Quotes,” but are they actually free—or is there a catch? The truth is, legitimate Medicare quotes are always free to the consumer. You never pay an agent or website to see plan options.

At GenerationHealth.me, we believe in total transparency. Our quotes are free because licensed agents are compensated by insurance carriers, not by you—and your premium stays the same whether you enroll alone or with expert help.

Key Facts About Medicare Quotes

  • The quote itself is always free. When you request Medicare quotes from a licensed agent or online tool, you are not charged a “quote fee.” You’re simply seeing the premiums, co-pays, and benefits of different Medicare Advantage, Medigap, or Part D plans.

  • You often see $0-premium Medicare Advantage plans. In many areas, some Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 monthly plan premium, but you still pay your Medicare Part B premium plus any co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket limits the plan sets.

  • Using a broker doesn’t usually change the premium. For most Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D plans, your monthly premium is the same whether you enroll directly with the insurance company or through a broker. Agents are typically paid by the carrier, not by adding extra cost to your quote.

  • Delaying while you “shop” can have a cost. If you put off enrolling in Part B or Part D while comparing quotes and you don’t have creditable coverage, you can owe permanent late-enrollment penalties added to your monthly premiums—so it’s important to use quotes to make a timely decision, not to delay past your deadlines.

 
 

Why Medicare Quotes Are Free

Medicare insurance is regulated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS sets standardized commissions for licensed agents, which means:

  • No added cost to you

  • Same premium as buying directly

  • Equal access to plans and benefits

So whether you enroll through an agent, a broker platform, or directly with a carrier, you’ll pay the exact same monthly premium.

Think of it like real estate: you don’t pay the agent; the seller does.

When You Might See “Free Quote” Misused

Not all “free quote” websites operate ethically.
🚫 Some collect your information to sell to lead brokers.
🚫 Others show partial results or outdated plan data.
🚫 A few may display only one carrier’s pricing, making it look cheaper than it really is.

A trustworthy source will:

  • Display a valid insurance license

  • Provide contact information for a licensed agent

  • Show multiple carriers and real plan details


How GenerationHealth.me Keeps It Honest

  • No hidden fees or obligations — You can compare plans at no cost.

  • Verified plan data — We use CMS-approved quoting tools for accuracy.

  • Licensed agent support — Every quote is reviewed by a real professional.

  • Privacy first — Your information is never sold or shared.

When we say “free,” we mean it — no small print, no spam, no surprise calls.

In the real world, the question isn’t just “Are Medicare quotes free?”—it’s “What’s really going on behind the scenes?” I talk to people all the time who worry that if they ask a broker for a “free quote,” they’ll be pushed into a plan that pays the agent more. 

 In practice, most people are surprised to learn that Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D plan premiums are filed with and approved by Medicare, and that agents are typically paid directly by the insurance company—not by you. 

When the process is done correctly, a “free Medicare quote” really does mean you can see your options, compare plans, and enroll with the help of a licensed agent without paying an extra fee for that help.

Ready to get your free Medicare quote today?
Visit GenerationHealth.me/free-medicare-quotes-online to compare plans with licensed agents and find the coverage that fits your life and budget.

Frequently Asked Section

Q2. If quotes are free, how does the Medicare agent get paid?

Most Medicare agents and brokers are paid directly by the insurance companies if you enroll in one of their plans. The commission is built into the carrier’s cost of doing business, not added on top of your premium as an extra fee. You usually pay the same plan premium whether you enroll directly with the company or through a licensed agent.

Q3. Does using a broker make my Medicare premium higher?
In most cases, no. For Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D plans, your monthly premium is set by the insurance company and approved by Medicare. Skipping a broker usually doesn’t give you a discount on the premium. The difference is that a broker can help you compare multiple plans, check your doctors and prescriptions, and explain the trade-offs before you enroll.

Q4. Are there any situations where I should be cautious about “free quotes”?
You should be cautious if someone pressures you to give your Social Security number, banking information, or a signature before you’ve seen plan details, or if they refuse to explain why they’re recommending one plan over others. A legitimate free quote should include clear information on premiums, drug coverage, networks, and out-of-pocket costs—and give you time to decide.

Q5. Do agents get paid more to put me in certain Medicare plans?
Different plans can pay different commissions, but agents must follow strict Medicare marketing rules and are not allowed to steer you into a plan that isn’t suitable just because it pays more. A good broker will start with your doctors, medications, and budget, then show you options that fit—regardless of which carrier they’re from. You can always ask, “Why are you recommending this plan over the others?”

Q6. How do free Medicare quotes relate to penalties and deadlines?
Quotes themselves don’t create or remove penalties, but they help you make an informed decision before deadlines pass. If you wait too long to enroll in Part B or Part D and don’t have creditable coverage, you may owe permanent late-enrollment penalties added to your monthly premiums. Getting free quotes early in your Initial Enrollment Period or Annual Enrollment Period helps you avoid expensive mistakes.

Q7. How does GenerationHealth.me provide free Medicare quotes?
GenerationHealth.me offers free Medicare quotes that let you compare multiple plan options side-by-side, including Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D drug plans. You can see premiums, estimated drug costs, and provider networks, then talk with a licensed agent for personal guidance—all at no extra cost to you beyond the premium you choose to pay for your Medicare coverage.

If you found this guide helpful, you may also want to explore a few related resources:

Each article builds on the last to help you make smarter, more confident Medicare choices—with transparency at every step.

About the Author

Rob Simm is a licensed U.S. health insurance advisor and founder of GenerationHealth.me, specializing in Medicare, ACA Marketplace coverage, and supplemental health plans. With years of hands-on experience helping individuals, families, and seniors navigate complex insurance choices, Rob focuses on simplifying coverage options, breaking down costs, and guiding clients toward plans that truly fit their needs.

He is certified annually with top national carriers, trained in CMS compliance standards, and actively supports clients across North Carolina, Virginia, and multiple U.S. regions. Rob is known for his clear explanations, data-driven approach, and commitment to ethical, transparent insurance guidance.

When he’s not helping people compare plans or lower healthcare costs, Rob continues researching federal updates, Medicare rule changes, and marketplace trends to ensure every article at GenerationHealth.me reflects the most accurate, current information available.

For personalized help with Medicare or Marketplace coverage, connect with Rob at GenerationHealth.me.


📍 Based in North Carolina | ☎️ (828)761-3324 | ✉️ Contact Rob

⚖️ Compliance & Trust Disclaimer

Information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or financial advice.
Plan availability, premiums, and benefits may vary by location and carrier.
Always verify specific details with a licensed insurance professional or directly with Medicare.gov before enrolling.
GenerationHealth.me and Robert Simm are independent agents and not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.