How to Find a Local Insurance Agent for Medicare
What to look for, what to ask, and how to check a license, so you can choose someone you trust.
Chris Frasca Insurance Services · California Insurance License No. 0L86243
Last updated October 5, 2026.
The short version: Choose a licensed insurance agent you can verify, who is local or easy to reach, tells you which companies they represent, listens to your doctors and medications first, and stays in touch after you enroll. Working with an agent costs you nothing.
What a licensed insurance agent does
A licensed insurance agent explains your Medicare options, helps you review the plans they represent against your doctors, medications, and budget, and helps you enroll. Agents are paid a commission by the insurance carrier, not by you, so your premium is the same whether you enroll through an agent or directly with Medicare.
What to look for
- A California license you can verify. The California Department of Insurance lets you check any agent's license status and discipline history online.
- Someone local and easy to reach. Ask whether they meet in person, by phone, or by video, and who you call when you have a question in the middle of the year.
- Honesty about which plans they offer. No agent offers every plan in your area. A good agent tells you which companies they represent and points you to Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for the full picture.
- Listening before recommending. They should ask about your doctors, hospital, medications, pharmacy, and budget before they talk about any plan.
- No pressure. You should be able to take the information home, talk with family, and decide on your own time.
- Help after you enroll. Plans change every year. Ask whether they review your plan each fall and help if your doctor or medications change.
- A good reputation. Read their reviews, and ask people you know whether they would recommend them.
Questions to ask any agent
- Are you licensed in California, and what is your license number?
- Which insurance companies do you represent, and which plans can't you offer?
- How are you paid, and does it cost me anything?
- Will you check my doctors, hospital, and medications under each plan?
- How will we stay in touch, and will you review my plan every year?
- Can we meet in person, by phone, or by video?
Warning signs
- Pressure to decide today.
- Reluctance to say which companies they represent.
- A request for payment for their help.
- Not being able to explain your options in plain English.
Other no-cost help in California
- HICAP. California's Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program offers no-cost, confidential counseling and information on Medicare for people who are 65 or older, people with disabilities, and people who will soon be eligible. Call 1-800-434-0222.
- 1-800-MEDICARE is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Medicare.gov has a Plan Finder you can use on your own.
Sources: California Department of Insurance, Check a License; California Department of Aging, HICAP; CMS, 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D landscape, California fact sheet.
How I work
I'm Chris Frasca, a licensed insurance agent (California license 0L86243) who has helped people with Medicare since 2016. I listen first, review the plans I represent against your doctors and medications, and stay in touch after you enroll. I meet clients in person in Orange County, and by phone or video in Orange County and Ventura County. You can read more about me or see the cities I serve.
Common questions
How do I find a local insurance agent for Medicare?
Start with a licensed agent who works in your area and is upfront about how they're paid and which companies they represent. Make sure they'll meet the way you like, whether that's in person, by phone, or by video. Then check their license with the California Department of Insurance, read their reviews, and ask the questions listed above.
Do I have to pay an agent?
No. The insurance company pays the agent, not you, and your premium is the same either way. If someone asks you to pay for help signing up, be cautious.
How can I check an agent's license?
The California Department of Insurance has a Check a License tool on its website. Search by name or license number and you'll see whether the license is active and whether there's any discipline history.
Is there other no-cost help with Medicare in California?
Yes. California has a program called HICAP that gives confidential, one-on-one Medicare counseling at no cost. The number is 1-800-434-0222. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE any time, day or night.
Can I work with an agent by phone or video?
Yes, and plenty of people do. I meet clients in person in Orange County, and I work by phone or video with clients in both Orange and Ventura County.
What does it cost to work with you?
Nothing. The insurance company pays me a commission, not you, so your premium is the same whether you enroll through me or directly with Medicare. There's no fee for a consultation, a plan review, or the yearly check-in.
This page is for education and is not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. I represent a limited number of insurance organizations and do not offer every plan available in your area; see the disclaimer below.