Fidelity has gotten into the Medicare brokerage business. I just sent them a note because, as I conclude in the note, it doesn't yet seem ready for prime time.
My note to Fidelity:
I ran across this service at:
https://medicare.fidelity.com/home/I don't need help but wanted to give you some feedback. First, it isn't clear to me what the value-add above Medicare.gov is, unless one speaks to a Fidelity agent.
More importantly it omits several providers, notably HealthFirst in NYC. According to its website, HealthFirst has more Medicare Advantage customers in the NY metropolitan area than any other insurer. FWIW, it's a good insurer - I used one of its ACA plans.
It looks like the only companies that Fidelity is listing are national (as opposed to regional) insurers: United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Wellcare (Centene), Anthem. That may make sense from Fidelity's perspective, but it can steer people away from other plans that might suit them better.
A note advising that this is not a complete list of available plans might help.
In New York, Fidelity only shows two companies for Medigap plans, Humana and Mutual of Omaha. It omits even some national carriers like United Healthcare and Globe
Also problematic is omission of information. For example, Cigna True Choice Medicare PPO (Plan H7849-082-000) has a $25 copay for PCP out of network. Fidelity doesn't show this. Likewise, there is a $60 copay for specialists out of network that Fidelity doesn't show. And so on.
I like Fidelity for one stop shopping (e.g. HSAs). But this particular service does not yet seem ready for prime time.
Comments
50 MAPD & MA plans from Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Humana, United Healthcare, Wellcare
29 Medigap plans from BCBS, Cigna, Humana, Mutual of Omaha
15 Part D plans from Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Wellcare, United Healthcare
Fido About Us indicates some selectivity is involved. It shows pictures of 3 licensed agents.
https://medicare.fidelity.com/about-us/
"Insurers we work with
We offer many high-quality plan options from trusted, vetted insurance companies. We choose insurance companies based on their:
Range of plan options, including additional benefits and discounts.
Commitment to high-quality customer service.
Ability to effectively serve customers in your area."
It seems that access to the database is open and by Zip Codes - no login required. An interesting resource to start with. Apparently, this phone service is complimentary. Fido probably gets some referral bonus or fees to put plans on this platform.