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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.
Rabobank en de ontwikkelingsbank FMO willen bijdragen aan de duurzame ontwikkeling van Paraguay. Dat leidde onder andere tot een belang van 29% in de grootste bank van het land. Die Paraguayaanse bank blijkt nu een grootgrondbezitter te financieren die herhaaldelijk in verband is gebracht met illegale ontbossing. Onderzoeksjournalist Noah Moeys dook in alles wat er te vinden was over deze sojaboer en vertelt hoe de twee Nederlandse banken reageren op deze kwestie. TNO onderzoekt – in opdracht van het ministerie van Economische Zaken – de mogelijke vestiging van een kennisinstituut voor de chipindustrie in Almere. De verwachting is dat het centrum €450 mln gaat kosten en dat het gebouwd zal gaan worden naast het oude Floriade-terrein. Samen met technologieredacteur Bert van Dijk bespreken we waarom Almere de beoogde locatie is en hoe groot de kans is dat dit plan doorgang zal vinden. Redactie: Sophia Wouda & Floyd Bonder Presentatie: Floyd Bonder See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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
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
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
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
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:
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
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
Após golpe militar na Guiné-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco retirado para o Senegal. UNITA reúne-se em Congresso de hoje até domingo. Na véspera do encontro, o maior partido da oposição angolana suspendeu dois militantes. Governo moçambicano revê em baixa o crescimento económico para 2025.
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
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
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
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:
Congrats on making it this far into AEP! Take time to access what is and isn't working for your business and hear our tips for improvement! Read the text version
The Friday Five for November 14, 2025: iPhone Pocket Brings Back… Pockets. CMS Rural Health Transformation Program Government Shutdown Update Most-Favored Nation Drug Pricing CMS GENEROUS Model Get Connected:
Want to improve your selling skills? Learn how to make a better insurance sales pitch! We outline four game-changing sales presentation tips for insurance agents. Read the text version
Feeling frustrated this enrollment season? This episode is for you! We've got some ideas to help you take a break, take care, and make it through AEP and OEP. Get Connected:
CMS plans to simplify prior authorization for Medicare beneficiaries beginning in 2026. Listen to learn more about changes coming to Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare! Read the text version
Have you heard? The definition of Short-Term Limited Duration Insurance has changed. We unpack what it means for insurance agents! Read the text version
No tricks, just a treat of an episode that miiiight leave you sleeping with the lights on tonight. Our staff volunteered to tell some spooky stories that line up with locations featured in our Content Library Top Spooky Spots series. We hope you enjoy it! Content Library: The Top Spooky Spots for Halloween Previous Content Library Interviews: Content Library: Cooking for Beginners ft. Jeff Snyder Content Library: Mastering Medicare Insurance Coverage ft. Jeff Snyder Introducing a Content Marketing Solution for Insurance Agents 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/ Get Connected:
This just in! Social Security announced the Cost of Living Adjustment for 2026. Listen on the ASG podcast for the official numbers and how the COLA increase impacts your clients. Read the text version
The Friday Five for October 24, 2025: Field Notes & Countdown to OEP OpenAI Announces ChatGPT Atlas Apple Beta Updates for Liquid Glass ACA Premiums& Tax Credits Status Check Ask Integrity Plan Insights Get Connected:
Don't let anxiety take away your potential. In this episode, we've got tips to help insurance agents overcome anxiety, turning it into fuel for your success. Get Connected:
The Friday Five for October 17, 2025: Social Security 2026 COLA delayed Meet Rust-Out; the apathetic cousin of Burnout Instagram Goes PG-13 for Teens 13-17 A Chat with Jake McGeoy for our Maryland Agents eHealth Medicare AEP Consumer Insights Survey Get Connected:
You've got a full day of appointments… great! But do you have everything you need? Don't miss our list of small items that agents often forget. Remembering them can make a big difference in keeping you organized and stress-free when you're on the road. Read the text version Get Connected:
The Friday Five for October 10, 2025: Medicare Telehealth in Limbo Potential Delay for 2026 COLA? Public Support for Extending ACA Subsidies FFM Certification Now Available 5 Days Until AEP 2026 Get Connected:
CMS released their 2026 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D projections this week. Join Sarah as she highlights info for agents, from estimates on enrollment and premiums to plan accessibility and more! Get Connected:
You've probably heard that partnering with a field marketing organization is a great idea for independent agents. Today, we're diving into the WHY. Learn more about Ritter Insurance Marketing: a national FMO offering resources and support for agents like you. Read the text version Get Connected:
The Friday Five for September 26, 2025: AEP Countdown & Ritter Resources New D-SNP Client Resources Hacking Your Social Media Algorithm iOS 26 Updates to Apple CarPlay The Fight for ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Get Connected:
The Friday Five for September 19, 2025: Wrapping up the 2025 Ritter Summits Compliant Compensation for Medicare Sales, Renewals, or Services New Features for Spotify Free & Premium Introvert, Extrovert, Ambivert… Otrovert? Announcing the Launch of IntegrityCONNECT Get Connected:
The Friday Five for September 12, 2025: Ritter Summit Takeaways Part 2 Are Brokers Still in the Crosshairs? Policy and Market Updates for 2026 2026 Medicare & You Handbook Release Date for iOS, iPadOS, MacOS, and WatchOS 26 CMS & HHS Expand ACA Catastrophic Coverage Enrollment Ritter Summit Takeaways Part 2: Register for Ritter Insurance Marketing Summits Are Brokers Still in the Crosshairs? Policy and Market Updates for 2026: Watch the Webinar 2026 Medicare & You Handbook: Download Your Copy Release Date for iOS, iPadOS, MacOS, and WatchOS 26: Peters, Jay. “iOS 26 Is out on September 15th.” Theverge.Com, The Verge, 9 Sept. 2025, www.theverge.com/news/770784/apple-ios-26-release-date-liquid-glass. McAuliffe, Zachary. “I Was Right Yet Again: iOS 26 Is Coming Monday, Sept. 15.” Cnet.Com, CNET, 9 Sept. 2025, www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/i-was-right-yet-again-ios-26-is-coming-monday-sept-15/. Perry, Alex. “Apple iOS 26 Release Date: When You Can Download It.” Mashable.Com, Mashable, 9 Sept. 2025, mashable.com/article/apple-ios-26-release-date-how-to-download. Diaz, Maria. “iOS 26 Update Is Coming Soon - How to Download It (and Which iPhones Support It).” Zdnet.Com, ZDNET, 10 Sept. 2025, www.zdnet.com/article/ios-26-update-is-coming-soon-how-to-download-it-and-which-iphones-support-it/. Teague, Katie. “iOS 26: What to Know about the Free iPhone Software Update Arriving September 15.” Engadget.Com, Engadget, 11 Sept. 2025, www.engadget.com/mobile/ios-26-what-to-know-about-the-free-iphone-software-update-arriving-september-15-135749658.html. CMS & HHS Expand ACA Catastrophic Coverage Enrollment: August 22, 2025 Friday Five: Judge Vacates HHS MA Commissions Lawsuit “By the Numbers: House Bill Takes Health Coverage Away From Millions of People and Raises Families' Health Care Costs.” Cbpp.Org, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, www.cbpp.org/research/health/by-the-numbers-house-bill-takes-health-coverage-away-from-millions-of-people-and. Accessed 11 Sept. 2025. “CMS Broadens Access to Catastrophic Exchange Plans.” Modernhealthcare.Com, Modern Healthcare, 4 Sept. 2025, www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-regulation/mh-catastrophic-health-plans-open-enrollment-2026/. “Entities Approved to Use Enhanced Direct Enrollment.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 9 Aug. 2024, www.cms.gov/files/document/ede-approved-partner.pdf. Reed, Tina. “Exclusive: HHS to Expand Eligibility for Catastrophic Plans.” Axios.Com, Axios, 4 Sept. 2025, www.axios.com/2025/09/04/trump-hhs-expand-catastrophic-plan-eligibility. “Expanding Access to Health Insurance: Consumers to Gain Access to ‘Catastrophic' Health Insurance Plans in 2026 Plan Year.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 4 Sept. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/expanding-access-health-insurance-consumers-gain-access-catastrophic-health-insurance-plans-2026. “Guidance on Hardship Exemptions for Individuals Ineligible for Advance Payment of the Premium Tax Credit or Cost-Sharing Reductions Due to Income, and Streamlining Exemption Pathways to Coverage.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 4 Sept. 2025, www.cms.gov/files/document/guidance-hardship-exemptions.pdf. “HHS Expands Access to Affordable Health Insurance.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 4 Sept. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hhs-expands-access-affordable-health-insurance. “HHS Expands Access to Affordable Health Insurance.” HHS.Gov, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 4 Sept. 2025, www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-expands-access-affordable-catastrophic-health-coverage.html. Ortaliza, Jared, Matt McGough, Kaitlyn Vu, et al. “How Much and Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Going up in 2026.” Healthsystemtracker.Org, KFF, 6 Aug. 2025, www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/how-much-and-why-aca-marketplace-premiums-are-going-up-in-2026/. Minemyer, Paige. “Trump Administration Expands Access to ACA Catastrophic Plans.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 4 Sept. 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/trump-administration-expands-access-aca-catastrophic-plans. Resources: 2026 ACA & Medicare Cost Projections 3 Benefits of Selling ACA Insurance Plans 5 Medicare Myths Your Clients May Believe 2026 ACA Exchange & FFM Certification Info Judge Grants Stay on Many 2025 ACA Final Rule Provisions The ICHRA Opportunity for Agents ft. Lisa Marzolino & Danica Stover The Survivor's AEP Checklist Get Connected:
This week, we tackle 5 Medicare myths that your clients may believe. Learn how to respectfully refute these myths, educate your clients, and empower them to make informed choices. The Content Library from Ritter Insurance Marketing
Risk Management with Scott Heinila, CEO of Optimized Insurance Hosts Brad Wright and Michael Connaughton are joined by Optimized Insurance CEO, Scott Heinila. After graduating from California State University Long Beach (CSULB) with a Finance degree, Scott began his insurance career in 2001, dedicating his time to assisting Insurance Professionals and Financial Advisors within the three facets of Protective Portfolio Planning – annuities, life insurance, and long-term care insurance. He's an expert in the industry with 20+ years of experience, Scott has led roles such as the Director of Sales for a growing FMO, Regional Vice President with a leading fixed and indexed annuity insurance company, and most recently, the Executive Director for Producers Choice Network. In his current role, Scott is the CEO and Co-Founder of Optimized Insurance Planning, a wholesale insurance planning and marketing firm. He is also the President and Founder of Prism Wealth Preservation, a professional financial & insurance services firm specializing in working with pre-retirees, retirees, and business owners. Scott is also the host of the Optimized Advisor Podcast, dedicated to enhancing the professions, best practices, and personal well-being of Advisors. They discuss: Approaching risk management via annuities, life, and long-term care insurance Common advisor obstacles to utilizing each Resources for both advisors and clients Optimized Insurance: https://optimizedins.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/https-www.linkedin.com-company-optimized- insurance-planning-/ For more information, contact Bill Bonk: Bill@optimizedins.com
The Friday Five for August 29, 2025: Ritter Summits Takeaways & Shoutouts What I'm Watching Right Now Apple “Awe Dropping” Event Announced Spotify Slips Into the DMs Judge Grants Stay on Many 2025 ACA Final Rule Provisions Get Connected:
The Friday Five for August 22, 2025: Field Notes on OBBBA, Spotify, and TikTok D. Power Medicare Advantage Member Satisfaction Survey Sonder Health Plans Inc. Termination Short-Term Medical Plan Regulation Update Judge Vacates HHS MA Commissions Lawsuit Get Connected:
The Friday Five for August 15, 2025: Threads, Waze, AEP Countdown CMS 2026 Medicare Part D Bid Information Medicare Part B Cost Projections 2026 COLA Estimate CY2026 ACA Premium Rate Filings Get Connected:
The Friday Five for August 8, 2025: Ritter Insurance Marketing Summits Linda Yaccarino Enters Health Industry iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Public Beta Takeaways New Instagram Features 2025 MA Enrollment Stats & Trends Register to Attend Ritter Insurance Marketing Summits Work with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Linda Yaccarino Enters Health Industry: “eMed® Population Health Announces Appointment of Former X (Twitter) CEO Linda Yaccarino as New Chief Executive Officer.” Emed.Com, eMed, 5 Aug. 2025, www.emed.com/media/exploring-glp1. Capoot, Ashley. “Former X CEO Linda Yaccarino Takes Helm at Digital Health Company eMed.” CNBC.Com, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2025, www.cnbc.com/2025/08/05/former-x-ceo-linda-yaccarino-takes-helm-at-digital-health-company-emed.html. Roy, Sriparna, and Sneha S K. “Former X CEO Yaccarino Takes Helm at GLP-1 Focused Telehealth Firm eMed.” Reuters.Com, Reuters, 5 Aug. 2025, www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/former-x-ceo-yaccarino-takes-helm-glp-1-focused-telehealth-firm-emed-2025-08-05/. Silberling, Amanda. “Linda Yaccarino Joins Health Tech Platform eMed as CEO after Leaving X.” Techcrunch.Com, TechCrunch, 5 Aug. 2025, techcrunch.com/2025/08/05/linda-yaccarino-joins-health-tech-platform-emed-as-ceo-after-leaving-x/. iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Public Beta Takeaways: “Apple iOS 26 Will Screen Cold Calls.” Collincadmus.Com, Collin Cadmus, www.collincadmus.com/blog/apple-ios-26-will-screen-cold-calls. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025. Teague, Katie. “Can You Download the iOS 26 Beta Today? Here's a Comprehensive List of All Compatible iPhones.” Engadget.Com, Engadget, 6 Aug. 2025, www.engadget.com/mobile/can-you-download-the-ios-26-beta-today-heres-a-comprehensive-list-of-all-compatible-iphones-191854920.html. Stimac, Blake. “iOS 18 vs. iOS 26: How Much Does Liquid Glass Impact Your iPhone's Look?” CNET.Com, CNET, 4 Aug. 2025, www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/ios-18-vs-ios-26-how-much-does-liquid-glass-impact-your-iphones-look/. Halton, Clay. “I Tried the iOS 26 Beta—These 5 Features Make My iPhone Feel Like New Again.” Pcmag.Com, PC Mag, 5 Aug. 2025, www.pcmag.com/news/i-tried-the-ios-26-beta-these-5-features-make-my-iphone-feel-like-new-again. McAuliffe, Zachary. “Say Goodbye to Spam Calls With Call Screening in iOS 26.” CNET, cnet.com, 5 Aug. 2025, www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/say-goodbye-to-spam-calls-with-call-screening-in-ios-26/. New Instagram Features: “How to Repost a Reel or a Post on Instagram.” Help.Instagram.Com, Instagram, help.instagram.com/1059575985490156. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025. Gallaga, Omar. “Instagram Adds New Features, Including Reposts and Maps.” CNET.Com, CNET, 6 Aug. 2025, www.cnet.com/news/social-media/instagram-adds-new-features-including-reposts-and-maps/. Pathak, Khamosh. “Instagram's Latest Update Added Reposts and a Snap Map Clone.” Lifehacker.Com, Lifehacker, 6 Aug. 2025, lifehacker.com/tech/instagram-added-reposts-and-snap-map-clone. Malik, Aisha. “Instagram Takes on Snapchat with New ‘Instagram Map.'” Techcrunch.Com, TechCrunch, 6 Aug. 2025, techcrunch.com/2025/08/06/instagram-takes-on-snapchat-with-new-instagram-map/. Heathera. “New Instagram Features to Help You Connect.” About.Fb.Com, Meta Newsroom, 6 Aug. 2025, about.fb.com/news/2025/08/new-instagram-features-help-you-connect/. 2025 MA Enrollment Stats & Trends: Ochieng, Nancy, et al. “Medicare Advantage in 2025: Enrollment Update and Key Trends.” KFF.Org, KFF, 28 July 2025, www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/medicare-advantage-enrollment-update-and-key-trends/. Resources: 5 Things About ICHRA 5 Things From the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill 2026 D-SNP Market Snapshot 2026 Maximum Broker Commissions for Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D How to Organize a Turning 65 Seminar on a Budget ICHRA vs. QSEHRA vs. Group Health Plans: Sales Opportunities for Insurance Agents The One Big Beautiful Bill: What Health Insurance Agents Should Know The Pros and Cons of Working with Regional and National Carriers 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/ Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.