As an organization with a long history as an ally for older adults, NCOA takes who we partner with seriously. We use rigorous Standards of Excellence as the basis for guiding our partnerships. You can feel confident connecting with our partners knowing that they meet our high standards, and that you will receive trusted education and enrollment options, as well as practical decision support when you connect with an NCOA Medicare partner.

To meet NCOA Standards of Excellence, partners go through a rigorous review and training process. NCOA is responsible for ensuring our partners meet all of these standards, which fall into seven key areas:

Compensation and Anti-Steering

Compensation and Anti-Steering Standards ensure that you will not be inappropriately 'steered' to buy insurance products. Agents won't be paid differently based on the specific company or plan they recommend.

• What does this mean for you?
  When you talk to a Medicare expert they won't try to pressure you to purchase a specific plan.

Training and Quality Assurance

Training and Quality Assurance Standards ensure that you will assisted by agents who are highly trained and continually monitored for excellent performance. These standards go beyond what is required for licensure and include additional training from NCOA.

• What does this mean for you?
  You can trust that the Medicare expert you speak with will be well-trained.

Carrier Representation Standards

Carrier Representation Standards ensure that you can choose from a broad range of the best coverage options available to them. The brokerage service must provide you with choice and the information necessary to make informed decisions about your health care.

• What does this mean for you?
  You will have the choices and information needed to find the best provider for you.

Consumer Advocacy

Consumer Advocacy Standards ensure that you will get additional assistance if you have issues such as access to care and prescriptions; claims denials; incorrect payments, authorizations and referrals; and Medicare coordination of benefits. This assistance is provided free of charge.

• What does this mean for you?
  If you need additional help, the Medicare expert can provide support and guidance. 

Consumer Education and Decision-Support

Consumer Education and Decision-Support Standards ensure you will have comprehensive information about coverage options and plan choices that is clear, trusted, and based on your needs, preferences and circumstances.

• What does this mean for you?
  You will receive information about your coverage options that is complete, clear, impartial, and based on your needs and preferences. 

Customer Service and Support

Customer Service and Support Standards ensure that you will receive excellent and prompt service that is available in many languages and accessible for the hearing impaired.

• What does this mean for you?
  You will receive prompt, accessible, and excellent service from our partners.

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory Compliance Standards ensure that the brokerage and its agents comply with all relevant Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and state insurance regulations and notification requirements.

• What does this mean for you?
  Our partners will always be in legal compliance. 

NCOA Partners Who Meet the Standards of Excellence

Learn more about the organizations who have completed NCOA's rigorous review and training process to meet our Standards of Excellence for Medicare Consumer Education and Insurance Brokerage Services. 

Fidelity Medicare Services

Fidelity Medicare Services is committed to helping people navigate health care decisions with confidence. Their team of licensed insurance agents can provide ongoing, dedicated Medicare guidance—from your initial enrollment or review of coverage to continued year-over-year support. Learn more at medicare.fidelity.com