Centene has announced that starting January 1, 2025, it will no longer pay commissions to insurance brokers for enrolling or renewing members in its Medicare Part D plans due to changes from the Inflation Reduction Act. This decision, which will impact the livelihoods of brokers and the communities they serve, was communicated in an August 25 letter to agents, noting that Centene will continue paying commissions for its Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans. The NABIP has expressed concern, issuing a press release on this issue, which includes the following message from NABIP CEO Jessica Brooks-Woods:

“These decisions by health plans threaten not only the livelihoods of Medicare agents but also the communities they serve and the seniors who rely on their expert guidance to navigate the complex Medicare system.”

“We have reached out to WellCare/Centene senior leadership as they are setting a precedent. We invite the leaders to talk about how these decisions will affect Medicare beneficiaries and their families. We are asking important questions and looking at all possible options to make sure our seniors and their trusted partners are protected. NABIP will not stand by while these changes put the services that many Americans rely on at risk. We are ready to take strong action to protect our members and the communities they serve.”

Source: National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals