Do I need a state insurance license to sell Medicare Advantage plans?
Yes — under CMS rules, you must be licensed and appointed under state law (where state law requires it) to represent MA organizations or Part D sponsors as an agent or broker.
What the rule says
“Agents and brokers who represent MA organizations must follow the requirements in paragraphs (b)(1) through (3) of this section.”
“Be licensed and appointed under State law (if required under applicable State law).”
The same requirement applies on the Part D side:
This is reinforced by the MA organization's/Part D sponsor's oversight obligations, which require it to only use licensed representatives:
“MA organizations must oversee first tier, downstream, and related entities that represent the MA organization to ensure agents and brokers abide by all applicable State and Federal laws, regulations, and requirements.”
“As required under applicable State law, employ as marketing representatives only individuals who are licensed by the State to conduct marketing (as defined in this subpart) of health insurance in that State, and whom the MA organization has informed that State it has appointed, consistent with the appointment process for agents and brokers provided for under State law.”
Note: the specific licensing steps, exams, and continuing education requirements are set by each state and are outside what this tool covers.
Carrier and FMO rules are often stricter than CMS rules. This tool reports what CMS sources say and is not legal advice. Enrollment guidance shown is the CY 2027 version. Regulation text reflects the CY 2027 marketing rules, which apply to marketing beginning October 1, 2026.
This answer was generated by mapdbot from the sources listed below on September 23, 2026 and checked against them. Regulation text: eCFR as of 09/15/2026. It is for licensed insurance agents, is not legal advice, and does not cover carrier or FMO rules.
Sources cited
Related questions
- Do I need a scope of appointment for an existing client? And does the waiting period still apply?
- Do I need to be a licensed agent just to hand out factual plan information or take down demographic info for an application?
- Do I still have to wait 48 hours after a client signs a scope of appointment before I can meet with them?
- My client wants to discuss a product that wasn’t listed on the SOA. Do I need a new one before we continue?