Agent Survival Guide Podcast

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

The Friday Five for December 12, 2025: Wrapping Up AEP 2026 Spotify Wrapped 2025 Pebble Index 01 2026 ACA Enrollment Snapshot #1 KFF 2026 Medicare Advantage Spotlight   Get Connected:

New coverage year, new changes to Medicare Part D! Don't miss our refresher on the Part D Redesign updates coming in 2026. Familiarize yourself with these changes now so you can be a helpful resource for your clients!   Read the text version  

In this episode we're highlighting some important things to think about while AEP is still fresh in your mind. Read the text version  

Before you wrap it up and put a bow on it, does that gift for your Medicare client follow CMS guidelines? Listen to this episode of the Agent Survival Guide Podcast to find out and stay compliant!   Read the text version  

Dr. Noah St. John joins Sarah to talk about his Freedom Lifestyle Formula, Power Habits, and other strategies he's written about over the years. Find out why Dr. Noah says that willpower doesn't help change habits and there's more to success than just mindset. Get ready to unlock your potential with his honest and actionable strategies.     Find Dr. Noah St. John Online: Breakthrough With Noah Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Official Website Power Habits® The 7-Figure Life The Book of Afformations™ YouTube   Resources: How Insurance Agents Can Turn Anxiety into Fuel How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly How to Build Intentional Value ft. Neil Reich Optimize Your Online Presence ft. Aaron Kassover   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. Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.

As a certified insurance agent, staying CMS compliant is a crucial component to your success. Listen to this episode for a mini crash-course on best practices, guidelines, and resources to stay compliant.   Read the text version  

Medicare Supplement comes in a few different variations, and each has its own merits. In this episode of our ASG Podcast, learn more about Med Supp Plan N and why it deserves a spot in your portfolio.   Read the text version  

Your client's Medicare Beneficiary Identifier is an important piece of the enrollment application. Discover the multiple ways for a client to locate their MBI and why it's important.   Read the text version  

CMS recently published their 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Proposed Rule. In this week's Friday Five episode, we talk initial takeaways and the impact on agents and beneficiaries.   Get Connected:

Every career field has its challenges. One challenge you'll likely encounter at some point as an insurance agent is a difficult client. In this episode, we've got tips and advice about what to do in those situations!   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: 5 Medicare Myths Your Clients May Believe Field Notes on Digital Marketing Resources How Client Retention Boosts Insurance Sales Keys to Client Retention: Digital Communication Keys to Client Retention: Face-to-Face Communication PlanEnroll – Quoting & Enrollment Platform The Complete Guide to Client Loyalty and Retention FREE eBook Download The Ritter Platform What Agents Can't Say During Medicare Sales Appointments   References: Sloan, Kayla. “4 Reasons You Shouldn't Drop a Client on a Whim.” Due, 21 Feb. 2023, https://due.com/drop-a-client/. “Explore Your Medicare Coverage Options.” Medicare.Gov, https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.   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.

Double and triple check your enrollment applications for errors! Make sure your applications don't get flagged during the submissions process by following these tips. Read the text version   Register with Ritter & Unlock Digital Tools Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Announcing IntegrityCONNECT Meet Your Ritter Sales Team IntegrityCONNECT Leads FAQs PlanEnroll – Take Your Business to the Next Level Integrity Sales Technology – Ritter Docs What to Know About SOAs in Medicare Health and Prescription Drug Plan Sales IntegrityCONNECT   References: “Social Security Performance.” Social Security, www.ssa.gov/ssa-performance. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025. “ Title 42 Chapter IV Subchapter B Part 422 Subpart V § 422.2264.” Federal Register, www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-422/subpart-V/section-422.2264. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025. Ruhle, Jessica. “What Do Seniors Do Online? 2025 Data for Marketers.” Creating Results, 26 Mar. 2025, www.creatingresults.com/blog/2025/03/13/what-do-seniors-do-online-2025-data-for-marketers/.   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.

Serve your clients and stay CMS compliant. That's your priority as an insurance agent. Here at Ritter, we're happy to help! Check out this episode for a refresher on what you can't say during Medicare sales appointments and why. Read the text version  

The Annual Enrollment Period holds many sales opportunities; some you may not know the full value of! Discover how Medicare Supplements can benefit you and your clients during AEP!   Read the text version   Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: A Comprehensive Guide to Medicare Supplement Underwriting FREE eBook Download CSG Actuarial – Quote & Enroll Ancillary Solutions Cure Your Client's Needs with a PDP   Finding the Best Medicare Supplement Plan Letter for Your Client Guiding Your Clients Through Med Supp Underwriting How to Save Your Clients Money on Prescription Drugs Meet Your Ritter Sales Team Medicare Supplements Full the Gaps in Your Portfolio The Ideal Client for Medicare Supplement Plans What to Know When Replacing Existing Med Supp Plans for Clients When Do Med Supp Plans K, L, M, & N, Make Sense?   References: “Am Best.” Web.Ambest.Com, www.web.ambest.com/home. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025. “Get Ready to Buy.” Medicare.Gov, www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap/ready-to-buy. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025. “How Much Does Medicare Drug Coverage Cost?” Medicare.Gov, www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/part-d/basics/costs. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.   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.

Marketing is a vital part of any business. But when it comes to marketing your services as an agent selling Medicare, there are specific rules and regulations. To help you out, we've compiled a list of FAQs around compliant Medicare marketing. Press play to get started!   Read the text version  

Special delivery… the official ASG Podcast guide to holiday toy shopping in 2025! We've done the research, now it's time to report our findings. Which toy will come out at number one this year? You'll have to listen to find out!   Agent Survival Guide Podcast Toy List 2025: Bluey and Bingo Supermarket Playset: Amazon | Official Site | Target | Walmart Cows in Space: Amazon | Official Site | Target | Walmart DJ Furby: Amazon | Official Site | Target | Walmart Maggie the Feed & Follow Cow: Amazon | Official Site | Target | Walmart Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie MeowMazing Interactive Dollhouse: Amazon | Target | Walmart Gui Gui Slime Kit: Amazon | Official Site | Target | Walmart Jurassic Park Primal Hatch Interactive Toy: Amazon | Official Site | Walmart Lovevery Play Kits: Amazon | Official Site | Target Monopoly Scrabble: Amazon | Official Site | Walmart Moose Match Mayhem: Amazon | Official Site | Target | Walmart Nintendo Switch 2: Amazon | Official Site | Target | Walmart Rubik's Cube Pulse Cube: Amazon | Official Site | Target | Walmart Tamagotchi Paradise: Amazon | Official Site Toniebox 2: Amazon | Official Site | Target | Walmart UNO Show 'Em No Mercy: Amazon | Official Site | Target | Walmart   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.

Frustrated by Medicare plans going non-commissionable? We get it, and we've got some actionable tips for insurance agents navigating these changes.   Read the text version  

Sales events are a great way to generate Medicare leads. Learn best practices and how to stay CMS compliant while hosting a Medicare sales event in this episode!   Read the text version  

Get ready to host a Medicare educational event with help from the Agent Survival Guide! We highlight what agents need to know to stay compliant with your carriers and CMS Rules. Read the text version  

Learn more about how the Telephone Consumer Protection Act applies to insurance agents. ⚠️ Spoiler Alert: the TCPA also applies to text messages.   Read the text version  

The Friday Five for November 21, 2025: Update on Telehealth Prescription Flexibilities Google Calendar Tasks Feature Medigap F, G & J Deductibles for 2026 Medigap K & L Out-of-Pocket Limits for 2026 Medicare Part A & B Premiums & Deductibles + MA, MAPD & Medicare Part D Premium Projections   Get Connected: