Why local brokers provide better Medicare advice than call centers—and how to avoid the "Phone Pirates."
When it comes to choosing a Medicare plan, there’s no shortage of people willing to sell you one over the phone. These call center agents work for massive agencies, often reading from a script, with little knowledge of how Medicare actually works in your area.
I call them “Phone Pirates”—agents who swoop in, make a quick sale, and disappear when you need help the most. But when it comes to something as important as your healthcare, should you really trust a stranger on the other end of the line?
Let’s talk about why local, face-to-face Medicare brokers are the better choice for your Medicare needs.
The Problem with “Phone Pirates”
Phone Pirates aren’t local, and they don’t know your community. Their job is to sell as many policies as possible, not to ensure you actually have the right plan for your doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions. Here’s what happens when you work with a call center agent instead of a local broker:
🚫 They don’t know your local healthcare system.
Many call center agents don’t know that UofM Health (formerly Sparrow) in Lansing doesn’t accept one of the national HMO Medicare plans.
If they don’t check your network, you could end up with a plan that your doctor doesn’t accept—forcing you to switch doctors or pay out-of-pocket.
🚫 They disappear after enrollment.
Call center agents aren’t available year-round to answer questions or help if something goes wrong.
You might call back and get a different agent who knows nothing about your situation.
🚫 They push the plans that benefit THEM, not YOU.
Many call center agents prioritize commission over care, pushing plans that benefit their agency instead of the best plan for you.
They often use high-pressure tactics to rush you into making a decision.
Why Local Medicare Brokers Are the Best Choice
Unlike Phone Pirates, a local broker is invested in your long-term healthcare success. Here’s how working with a local expert makes a difference:
✅ We know YOUR hospitals, doctors, and networks.
I know exactly which plans work best for Lansing residents. You won’t end up on a plan that doesn’t cover your doctor.
✅ You can meet with us face-to-face.
Whether at my office, a coffee shop, or your home, I’m here to sit down with you and explain your options in person.
No more waiting on hold with a call center for hours!
✅ I’m here for you YEAR-ROUND.
Need help with a denied claim? Confused about your coverage? I’m one call away—and you’ll always talk to me, not a random agent.
I’ll review your plan every year to make sure it still fits your needs.
✅ My goal is to find the BEST plan for you.
I don’t push one-size-fits-all plans. Instead, I find a plan that fits your doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, and budget.
I work for YOU—not an insurance company.
Real Stories: The Cost of Trusting a Phone Pirate
A client recently came to me after enrolling with a call center agent who failed at checking her doctor’s network. When she went to her first appointment, she found out that her new plan wasn’t accepted—forcing her to pay out-of-pocket or switch doctors.
Had she worked with a local broker, this never would have happened.
The Bottom Line: Local Brokers Have Your Best Interest at Heart
When it comes to Medicare, trust matters. You deserve more than a rushed phone call from someone you’ll never hear from again. You deserve a local, knowledgeable expert who will take the time to get it right—and be there when you need help.
If you’re looking for a trusted Medicare advisor in Lansing, let’s talk.
