How to check a Medicare agent's license in Washington
Every agent who sells Medicare plans must be licensed by the state. In Washington, the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner keeps the list. Plans must also tell the state which agents sell their plans.
- Ask the agent for their full name and license number.
- Open the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner agent and company lookup.
- Search by the agent's name or license number.
Official lookup: Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner: agent and company lookup
What to check
- The name matches the person you spoke with.
- The license is current and issued by Washington.
- The license is active. Washington's lookup can show active licenses only.
Questions to ask a Medicare agent
- How many insurance companies and plans do you represent in my area? They must tell you this before they discuss plan details.
- Are you licensed in Washington? What is your license number?
- Will you talk only about the products I agreed to hear about?
- Can I take time to decide? You should sign an enrollment form only when you are ready to join.
- Is there any fee? There should not be. Agents can't charge an enrollment fee.
Free Medicare help in Washington
SHIBA is part of the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Call the Insurance Consumer Hotline and ask for your local SHIBA office. The line is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- Program: SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors)
- Phone: 1-800-562-6900
- Website: insurance.wa.gov
How Medicare agents are paid in Washington (2027)
For 2027, a Medicare Advantage plan can pay an agent in Washington up to $725 for a new member in the first year and up to $363 for each year after that. A Part D drug plan can pay up to $130 the first year and $65 each year after.
Using an agent does not change your premium for a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Federal rules say everyone in the same plan in the same area pays the same plan premium. An agent also can't charge you an enrollment fee.
Medigap is different. The insurance company pays the agent a share of the premium. CMS's dollar limits cover Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, not Medigap.
Medigap rules in Washington
Washington gives people who already have Medigap an extra right to switch plans.
- Federal rule: your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts the first month you have Part B and are 65 or older. During those 6 months, an insurer can't turn you down or charge you more because of your health.
- Federal rule: if you wait to sign up for Part B because you or your spouse still has health coverage from a current job, the 6-month window starts when you sign up for Part B.
- Switch any time: if you have Medigap Plan B through N, you can switch to another plan B through N at any time. If you have Plan A, you can switch to another Plan A. Either way, you don't fill out a health questionnaire.
- Under 65: Washington does not require insurers to offer Medigap to people under 65 who have Medicare. You can still contact insurers directly.
- To compare Medigap premiums, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner publishes a list of 2026 approved Medigap plans with their monthly premiums.
Medicare Advantage plans in Washington for 2027
Medicare lists 71 Medicare Advantage plans in Washington for 2027 that anyone with Part A and Part B can join. The count leaves out special needs plans. It is from Medicare's plan data as of November 2026.
No one can choose from all 71. Each county has fewer. Across Washington's counties, the count runs from 1 to 35. Medicare's Plan Finder shows the plans for your ZIP code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Medicare agents in Washington charge a fee?
Not to sign you up. Medicare's rules say an agent or broker can't charge you an enrollment fee. The plan pays the agent. For 2027, CMS caps that pay at $725 in the first year for a Medicare Advantage plan.
What is the difference between a Medicare agent and a Medicare broker?
Medicare's rules treat agents and brokers the same way. Both must be licensed by your state and follow the same marketing rules. What matters more is how many insurance companies a person represents. They must tell you that before they talk about plan details.
Does using an agent change my premium?
Not for Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. Federal rules say everyone in the same plan in the same area pays the same plan premium. A Part D late enrollment penalty or Extra Help can change what one person pays. This rule does not cover Medigap.
How do I check a Medicare agent's license in Washington?
Use the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner agent and company lookup. Search by the agent's name or license number. Make sure the license is active.
Where can I get free Medicare help in Washington?
Call SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) at 1-800-562-6900. It is Washington's State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Counselors help you choose a plan, review coverage and understand costs at no charge.
Can I sign up for Medicare without an agent?
Yes. You sign up for Part A and Part B through Social Security, online at ssa.gov or by phone. You can review and join Medicare Advantage and drug plans on Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.