Paul Barrett
Paul Barrett

Why Paul Barrett Believes Most Medicare Agents Aren’t Ready for 2025—and What He’s Doing About It

As the Medicare industry gears up for sweeping changes in 2025, many agents are falling short in preparing for the complexities that lie ahead. While most agents continue to focus on quick sales and simple application processes, Paul Barrett and The Modern Medicare Agency are taking a different approach. Barrett is investing heavily in education and training, not just for his clients but also for his team, positioning them as leaders in an industry where true knowledge is often lacking.

The Unprepared Majority: Why the Standard Agent Isn’t Enough

The Medicare changes set to take effect in 2025 will add new layers of complexity to existing plans, potentially disrupting coverage and out-of-pocket costs for millions of beneficiaries. Despite these pending updates, a large number of agents remain uninformed and unprepared to explain these changes effectively. Barrett argues that the traditional “application taker” model simply won’t suffice in this evolving environment.

“Most agents see Medicare as a numbers game—get as many people signed up as possible, and that’s it,” says Barrett. “But this mentality is dangerous, especially with the new rules coming into play.”

Setting the Bar High: Education for Clients and Agents

What makes Barrett’s firm stand out is its commitment to being well-versed in every aspect of the new regulations. With over 17 years of experience in Medicare, Barrett understands the importance of continuous learning. To this end, he has developed comprehensive educational programs that prepare his staff for the upcoming changes, ensuring they can offer reliable, informed guidance.

“Many agents will be blindsided by the 2025 changes because they’re not paying attention,” Barrett explains. “We’re staying ahead of the curve, so our clients will be well-prepared for what’s to come.”

Through seminars, webinars, and personalized consultations, Barrett’s agency takes a proactive approach, helping clients understand how new regulations may impact their current plans. This level of preparedness and transparency is rare in an industry where agents often lack detailed knowledge beyond basic plan structures.

Why Agents Need to Move Beyond the Sales Mentality

The average Medicare agent typically approaches their role as one of quick transactions—focusing on signing clients up rather than educating them. This mindset not only risks leaving seniors with suboptimal coverage but also erodes trust in the industry as a whole. Barrett believes that agents need to see themselves as educators and advocates first and salespeople second.

“The 2025 reforms will require a deeper understanding of the nuances of Medicare, and many agents just aren’t equipped for that,” says Barrett. “Clients are going to be confused, and if their agents don’t have answers, it’s going to cause a lot of problems.”

Barrett’s firm, by contrast, offers year-round support, ensuring that clients have access to answers and assistance long after their initial enrollment. This holistic, client-focused approach is what he believes will set the standard for true Medicare professionals moving forward.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap

Barrett’s emphasis on bridging the knowledge gap between agents and clients is key to his strategy for 2025. His agency regularly updates its resources and training materials, making sure his team stays informed on every regulation change, plan update, and coverage nuance.

“We don’t just want our clients to know what their options are,” Barrett explains. “We want them to understand why a particular plan works for them, how it aligns with the upcoming changes, and what they can expect moving forward.”

A Model for the Future of Medicare Guidance

As 2025 approaches, Paul Barrett is not only preparing his own agency but is also setting an example for the industry at large. His emphasis on education, transparency, and client-first service is a model that other agents will need to adopt if they want to remain relevant in an increasingly complex Medicare landscape.

“The future of Medicare isn’t about sales—it’s about understanding and trust,” says Barrett. “And that’s what we’re here to provide.”

With his proactive approach, Barrett is demonstrating that there is more to being a Medicare agent than just signing people up. True professionals are those who invest in understanding the system inside and out, ensuring their clients are equipped to navigate every change with confidence.