UnitedHealthcare is ending broker commission payments for some of its Medicare Advantage plans.
In a statement shared with Becker’s June 17, a spokesperson said the company will not pay commissions for new enrollments for a “small percentage” of its Medicare Advantage plans beginning July 1.
“Importantly, we will continue to pay renewal commissions on members enrolled in these plans prior to July 1, 2025,” UnitedHealthcare said. “We value the important role that agents and brokers play in helping members access the care they need. Our commitment to supporting their work remains strong, and we look forward to continuing our close collaboration.”
In a June 16 statement, the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals, which represents brokers, said it “strongly objects” to UnitedHealthcare’s decision. The association said UnitedHealthcare is eliminating commissions for more than 100 of its MA plans in more than 20 states.
Jessica Brooks-Woods, CEO of the NABIP, called the decision “shortsighted.”
“At a time when seniors are grappling with rising costs, changing formularies, and overwhelming plan options, UnitedHealthcare is cutting off the very people best equipped to help — licensed agents who know their communities, understand their clients, and act in their best interest,” Ms. Brooks-Woods said.
Other insurers have chosen to cut commission payments for some of their Medicare Advantage plans. In November, Elevance Health, Cigna and Aetna eliminated commission payments for enrollments for MA plans in some markets.
In April, Elevance Health removed most of its Anthem Medicare Advantage plans from online broker platforms. The company said it made the decision to focus exclusively on special needs plan enrollment for the remainder of 2025.
The NABIP has urged CMS to prohibit insurers from changing their commission structures for annual enrollment after Oct. 1.
“Allowing last-minute or retroactive compensation changes jeopardizes the trust built between agents and the Medicare beneficiaries they serve and risks shifting millions to already overwhelmed government assistance lines,” the association said.
