Agent Survival Guide Podcast

Learn more about the critical illness product (and how to cross-sell it!) with our free guide for insurance agents! Ready to cross-sell with confidence? Start by downloading your copy of Ritter's newest eBook today.   Download your FREE copy of The Complete Guide to Selling Critical Illness Plans   Additional Episodes You Might Like: 4 Ancillary Cross-Sales to Show Clients You Care How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly Making Cross‑Selling Less Awkward for Insurance Agents ft. Demetri Simos and Dawn Myers   Get Connected:

The Friday Five for April 17, 2026:   [00:57] CMS 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule [02:09] Google Announces New Chrome Features [04:56] March 2026 CPI/2026 FOMC Calendar [07:03] Protective Life Corporation Study on Gaps in Medicare Knowledge [10:17] CMS 2026 Prior Authorization Proposed Rule   Get Connected:

It's easy to feel isolated in the insurance industry. But if you talk with Dawn Myers, you'll quickly understand why she says isolation is just that, a feeling. And an optional one at that. She explains how connection, collaboration, and showing up changed everything for her.   Find Dawn Myers Online: LinkedIn Stay Paid: Relationships, Referrals & The Power of Partnerships   Get Connected:

Think what you've heard about Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans is true? Fun fact, it's probably not! Listen as we break down D-SNP myths to build up your knowledge.   Read the text version   Get Connected:

CMS recently published the 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule. Don't miss the ASG Podcast top takeaways for insurance agents.   Get Connected:

Unlock the secret of cross-selling insurance without coming across as salesy, scared, or awkward! Demetri Simos (Vice President of GTL) and Dawn Myers (VP of Sales & Marketing Delaware Valley Brokerage Service) join the Agent Survival Guide to talk about cross-selling insurance products. Listen to learn strategies you can implement in your own insurance business!   Connect with Our Guests: Dawn Myers on LinkedIn Demetri Simos on LinkedIn   Resources:

Tired of juggling phone calls, planner pages, and double-booked appointments? It might be time to level up your scheduling strategy. Listen as we compare appointment schedulers that help agents save time, stay compliant, and make booking a little easier.   Read the text version   Get Connected:

Learn about the value of Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) and how to get started selling! Read the text version   Learn how you can get started selling D-SNPs by calling Ritter Insurance Marketing today at 800-769-1847. Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.

The Friday Five for March 27th: Macbook Neo & WWDC26 Gas Buddy for Fuel Savings The Great Nee-Doh Shortage KFF State Health Facts Resource CMS Final Rule on Fax & Snail Mail   Get Connected:

Did you know that burnout doesn't always look like slowing down or quitting? Sometimes, it's hiding behind fantastic production. Dan Spitale talks about how to identify burnout and switch our sales focus from the ceiling to a more sustainable target.   Get the Book - C.O.A.C.H.: Raising the Floor   Follow Dan Spitale Online: Official Website: https://www.rtfperformancecoaching.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisingthefloor/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-spitale-region219/    Resources:  5 Tips for New Insurance Agents 5 Tips for Seasoned Insurance Agents Developing Power Habits ft. Dr. Noah St. John   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance      Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Preferred pharmacies can play a massive role in the affordability of a PDP or MAPD plan for your clients. Do you know what they are and how they can change the essential math for your clients?   Read the text version   Selling Medicare Part D The Complete Guide on How to Sell Prescription Drug Plans   Get Connected:

The Friday Five for March 20, 2026: Rueppel Recommends Audible launches Standard Plan Universal Health Services to Acquire Talkspace Manufacturer Participation in CMS 2028 Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Microsoft Announces Copilot Health   Get Connected:

The Agent Survival Guide is discussing crosswalking in the ACA marketplace and how it can be a big deal for your clients. If you don't know what that means or the affects it can have on coverage, you won't want to miss this episode. Read the text version   The Complete Guide to Selling Affordable Care Act Insurance Plans ACA 101: Selling Under-65 Health Insurance   Get Connected:

Don't let the fear of compliance keep you from following up with your Medicare clients. Find out how to follow up and stay within CMS guidelines for marketing and enrollment. Read the text version   Get Connected:

The Friday Five for March 13, 2026: Headline Quick Hits AI & Critical Thinking CMS Notification: 1.3 Million MBI Reassignments 2026 Medicare Part D Enrollment Stats Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Demonstration   Get Connected:

Don't miss the 2nd round of Medicare Part D negotiated drug prices. Get the details on the prescriptions and savings for Medicare beneficiaries in 2027.   Read the text version   Get Connected:

Do you know the strategies to meet your ambitious sales goals this OEP? We share the five tips that will have your clients trusting you with their insurance needs for years to come.   Learn How to Survive OEP Join Ritter on HealthSherpa with Code FB05  

The Friday Five for March 6, 2026: CMS Updates Deadline for GENEROUS CMS Makes Updates to Medicare.gov CMS Deferment of Minnesota Federal Medicaid Funding CMS DMEPOS Enrollment Moratorium CMS CRUSH Request for Information   Get Connected:

Review, organize, and plan for 2026 with a SWOT analysis! Discover what SWOT is and how it can help you create a plan for your insurance business. Read the text version   Get Connected:

Sarah loves Instagram, but does that mean it's a viable marketing tool for insurance agents? Listen as she evaluates the ‘gram for agent use and learn how you can do the same.     Get Connected:

The Friday Five for February 27, 2026: [01:02] ☕Starbucks Spring 2026 Menu  [02:45]

After the grind of Annual Enrollment, the reality of lock-in can be a little defeating, even for the most seasoned agents. If you've been feeling that way, listen to learn more about Special Needs Plans and their place in your post-AEP strategy.   Read the text version  

The Friday Five for February 20, 2026: TikTok USDS Update Apple Announces Video Podcasts Tide Launches Evo Detergent The Burden of Prior Authorization State of the Senior Market 2026   Register to Attend Craig Ritter's 2026 State of the Senior Market!   Get Connected:

Have a client that wants to switch Med Supp plans? If they live in a Med Supp birthday rule state, it might be easier than you think! Learn more about the states and their rules in this ASG Podcast episode.   Read the text version  

Stay organized with a planner created just for insurance agents selling Medicare! We highlighting what to focus on during the first quarter of the year.   Read the text version   Download your copy of the Medicare Sales Planner!   Get Connected:

A busy insurance agent can easily become overwhelmed by the number of tasks to complete. But the good news is that you don't have to rush to finish them all at once! Listen to learn what agents selling ACA plans should focus on during the first quarter of the year.   Read the text version   Download your copy of the Busy ACA Agent's Sales Calendar!  

This week, CMS released their 2027 Marketplace Proposed Rule. Join us as we pull out 5 takeaways insurance agents should know about.   Get Connected:

Can your clients afford hybrid long-term care insurance? It might be more affordable than they think. Learn more about the ways hybrid or linked-benefit LTCi can be funded in this episode.   Read the text version   Get Connected:

When the unexpected happens in your business, it's important to have all your bases covered. In this episode learn what Errors and Omissions Insurance is and how it could save your business thousands in legal costs.    Read the text version  

The Friday Five for February 6, 2026: IntegrityCONNECT Question Educational Resources for Insurance Agents Government Funding Bill Update Luffu AI for Family Caregivers ACA Enrollment Comparison   Get Connected:

Learn about ACA subsidies and their requirements to help your clients save on health insurance!   Read the text version  

Delve into the nuance of annuities as we compare fixed, indexed, and fixed indexed annuities. Learn more about each type, including how to help your clients choose between the three. Read the text version   Get Connected:

The Friday Five for January 30, 2026 Meta Announces Premium Subscriptions TikTok USDS Troubles & New Competitors FY 2026 Appropriations Bills 2025 Tax Season & H.R. 7006 CMS 2027 MA and Part D Advance Notice   Get Connected:

Get the details on IntegrityCONNECT! Join Sarah and Tina for a deep dive into frequently asked agent questions.   Read the text version   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: FAQs About the Medicare Call Recording Requirements How Health Insurance Agents Can Stay TCPA Compliant Meet Your Sales Team Integrity Official Site Integrity Support Email Ritter Events, Training, & Webinar List   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance     Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Is 2026 really the new 2016? Join Sarah as she talks about this internet trend, takes the time machine back to 2016 to compare data, and explains how agents can get in on the fun while it lasts!   Get Connected:

Get the breakdown of each Affordable Care Act metal tier plan right here!   Read the text version  

Learn more about the Medicare prescription payment plan program. Get the information you need now so you can answer questions from your clients.  

The Friday Five for January 16, 2026: Instagram “Your Algorithm” Personalization Apple Health+ on the Horizon? Apple Creator Studio ACA Subsidy Extension Passes House 2026 ACA Enrollment Snapshot #2   Get Connected:

Leads are crucial to the success of your insurance business. Take a step outside the box with these creative Medicare lead-generation ideas!     Read the text version    

Expand your Affordable Care Act client base with these six lead generation strategies!   Read the text version  

The Friday Five for January 9, 2026: Rural Health Transformation Program Allocations Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs (GUARD) Model Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing (GLOBE) Model Better Approaches to Lifestyle and Nutrition for Comprehensive hEalth (BALANCE) Model Clear, Accurate, and Actionable Health Care Prices      Get Connected:

Discover all the reasons why we think Gen Z is a great match for the insurance industry!    Read the text version  

Rapid disenrollments don't have to happen to you! Learn how better communication can smooth over most Medicare plan disenrollment issues. We outline 8 strategies that are simple for agents to implement.   Read the text version  

In this episode, we're tapping our past podcast guests for more advice. This time around, we asked what advice they would offer to more seasoned insurance agents.   

Just starting out in the insurance industry? There's a lot to learn! We've compiled some tips from past podcast guests on the advice they would give to new insurance agents.   

It's important that agents are equipped to handle Medicare grievances when they arise. Listen to learn how to prepare and best practices for avoiding these situations.   Read the text version  

The Affordable Care Act health insurance is a great option for many. But it may not be the right fit for your clients. Discover ACA alternatives that fit your clients' needs.   Read the text version  

Sarah reveals the top Agent Survival Guide Podcast episodes of 2025. Did your favorite episode make the cut? You'll have to listen to find out!  

Join our merry elves as we celebrate the newest Content Library release: A Happy, Healthy Christmas! We talk content with a cup of holiday cheer and a heaping side of nostalgia.   Resources: Content Library – A Happy, Health Christmas Packet Ritter Insurance Marketing Content Library YouTube Series – Cold Coffee & Stale Donuts   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance   Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/  

Sarah and Tina are back with another gift guide to help you survive holiday shopping! Listen as they chat about their favorite gifts to give and maybe one or two they're hoping to receive this year.  

Use these questions to help your client find the right Affordable Care Act coverage! Read the text version