Podcasts about medicare beneficiaries

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:

Editor's Summary by Linda Brubaker, MD, and Preeti Malani, MD, MSJ, Deputy Editors of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, for articles published from March 14-20, 2026.

In this LTC NAC Chat podcast episode, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Jennifer LaBay, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, QCP, CRC, curriculum development specialist with AAPACN discuss when and why the SNF Advanced Beneficiary Notice should be used. Beneficiary Notice Guidelines Tool Simplifying the SNF ABN: Helping Residents Understand Their Options

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  

Confused by Medicare jargon like step therapy or prior authorization? You're not alone. In this episode, we break down exactly what these terms mean, which Medicare plans use them, and practical tips to get the care you need, without the headache. Whether you're new to Medicare or just want to make smarter healthcare decisions, this guide will help you navigate the approval process with confidence.

Host Davide Soldato and guest Dr. John K. Lin discuss the JCO article "Racial and Ethnic Disparities Along the Treatment Cascade Among Medicare Fee-For-Service Beneficiaries with Metastatic Breast, Colorectal, Lung, and Prostate Cancer." TRANSCRIPT The guest on this podcast episode has no disclosures to declare. Dr. Davide Soldato: Hello, and welcome to JCO After Hours, the podcast where we sit down with authors of the latest articles published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. I'm your host, Dr. Davide Soldato, a medical oncologist at Ospedale San Martino in Genoa, Italy. Today, we are joined by Dr. Lin, assistant professor in the Department of Health Services Research at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Lin and I will be discussing the article titled, "Racial and Ethnic Disparities Along the Treatment Cascade Among  Medicare Fee-for-Service Beneficiaries With Metastatic Breast, Colorectal, Lung, and Prostate Cancer." Thank you for speaking with us, Dr. Lin. Dr. Lin: Thank you so much for having me. I appreciate it. Dr. Davide Soldato: So, just to start, to frame a little bit the study, I just wanted to ask you what prompted you and your team to look specifically at this question - so, racial and ethnic disparities within this specific population? And related to this question, I just wanted to ask how this work is different or builds on previous work that has been done on this research topic. Dr. Lin: Yeah, absolutely. Part of the impetus for this study was the observation that despite people who are black or Hispanic having equivalent health insurance status - they all have  Medicare Fee-for-Service - we've known that treatment and survival differences and disparities have persisted over time for patients with metastatic breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer. And so, the question that we had was, "Why is this happening, and what can we do about it?" One of the reasons why eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in survival among Medicare beneficiaries with metastatic cancer has been elusive is because these disparities are occurring along a lot of dimensions. Whether or not it's because the patient presented late and has very extensive metastatic cancer; whether or not the patient has had a difficult time even seeing an oncologist; whether or not the patient has had a difficult time starting on any systemic therapy; or maybe it's because the patient has had a difficult time getting guideline-concordant systemic therapy because, more recently, these treatments have become so expensive. Disparities, we know, are occurring along all of these different facets and areas of the treatment cascade. Understanding which one of these is the most important is the key to helping us alleviate these disparities. And so, one of our goals was to evaluate disparities along the entire treatment cascade to try to identify which disparities are most important. Dr. Davide Soldato: Thank you very much. That was very clear. So, basically, one of the most important parts of the research that you have performed is really focusing on the entire treatment cascade. So, basically, starting from the moment of diagnosis up to the moment where there was the first line of treatment, if this line of treatment was given to the patient. So, I was wondering a little bit, because for this type of analysis, you used the SEER-Medicare linked database. So, can you tell us a little bit which was the period of time that you selected for the analysis? Why do you think that that was the most appropriate time to look at this specific question? And whether you feel like there is any potential limitation in using this type of database and how you handled this type of limitations? Dr. Lin: Yeah, absolutely. It's a great question. And I want to back up a little bit because I want to talk about the entire treatment cascade because I think that this is really important for our research and for future research. We weren't the first people to look at along the treatment cascade for a disease. Actually, this idea of looking along the treatment cascade was pioneered by HIV researchers and has been used for over a decade by people who study HIV. And there are a lot of parallels between HIV and cancer. One of them is that with HIV, there are so many areas along that entire treatment cascade that have to go right for somebody's treatment to go well. Patients have to be diagnosed early, they have to be given the right type of antiretrovirals, they have to be adherent to those antiretrovirals. And if you have a breakdown in any one of those areas, you're going to have disparities in care for these HIV patients. And so, HIV researchers have known this for a long time, and this has been a big cornerstone in the success of getting people with HIV the treatment that they need. And I think that this has a lot of parallels with cancer as well. And so, I am hoping that this study can serve as a model for future research to look along the entire treatment cascade for cancer because cancer is, similarly, one of these areas that requires multidisciplinary, complex medical care. And understanding where it is breaking down, I think, is crucial to us figuring out how we can reduce disparities. But for your question about the SEER-Medicare linked database, so we looked between 2016 and 2019. That was the most recent data that was available to us. And one of the reasons why we were excited to look at this is because there were some new treatments that were just released and FDA-approved around 2018, which we were able to study. And this included immunotherapy for non–small cell lung cancer, and then it also included androgen receptor pathway inhibitors, the second-generation ones, for prostate cancer. And the reason why this is important is because for some time, as we have developed these new therapies, there's been a lot of concern that there have been disparities in access to these novel therapies because of how expensive they are, particularly for the Medicare population. And so one of the reasons why we looked specifically at this time period was to understand whether or not, in more recent years, these novel therapies, people are having increasing disparities in them and whether or not increasing disparities in these more expensive, newer therapies is contributing to disparities in mortality. That being said, obviously, we're in 2025 and these data are by now six years old, and so there are additional therapies that are now available that weren't available in the past. But I think that, that being said, at least it's sort of a starting point for some of the more important therapies that have been introduced, at least for non–small cell lung cancer and prostate cancer. And the database, SEER-Medicare, is helpful because it uses the population cancer registry, which is the SEER registry cancer registry, linked to Medicare claims. So, any type of medical care that's billed through Medicare, which is going to basically be all of the medical care that these patients receive, for the most part, we're going to be able to see it. And so, I think that this is a really powerful database which has been used in a lot of research to understand what kind of care is being received that has been billed through Medicare. So, one of the limitations with this database is if there is care that's received that was not billed through Medicare, we're not going to be able to see that. And this does not happen probably that frequently, particularly because most patients who have insurance are going to be receiving care through insurance. However, we may see it for some of the oral Part D drugs. Some of those drugs are so expensive that patients cannot pay for the coinsurance during that time. And it's possible that some of those drugs patients were getting for free through the manufacturer. We potentially missed some of that. Dr. Davide Soldato: So, going a little bit into the results, I think that these are very, very interesting. And probably the most striking one is that when we look at the receipt of any type of treatment for metastatic breast, colorectal, prostate, and lung cancer - and specifically when we look at guideline-directed first-line treatments - you observed striking differences. So, I just wanted you to guide us a little bit through the results and tell us a little bit which of the numbers surprised you the most. Dr. Lin: So, what we were expecting is to see large disparities in receiving what we called guideline-directed systemic therapy. And guideline-directed systemic therapy during this time kind of depended on the cancer. So, we thought that we were going to see large disparities in guideline-directed therapy because these were the more novel therapies that were approved, and thus they were going to be the more expensive therapies. And so, what this meant was for colorectal cancer, this was going to be any 5-FU–based therapy. For lung cancer, this was going to be any checkpoint inhibitor–based therapy. For prostate cancer, this was going to be any ARPI, so this was going to be things like abiraterone or enzalutamide. And for breast cancer, this was going to be CDK4 and 6 TKIs plus any aromatase inhibitor. And so, for instance, for breast, prostate, and lung cancer, these were going to be including more expensive therapies. And so, what we expected to see was large disparities in receiving some of these more expensive, novel therapies. And we thought we were going to see fewer disparities in receiving some of the cheaper therapies, such as aromatase inhibitors, 5-FU, older platinum chemotherapies for lung cancer, and ADT for prostate cancer. We were shocked to find that we saw large racial and ethnic disparities in seeing some of the older, cheaper chemotherapies and hormonal therapies. So for instance, for breast cancer, 59% of black patients received systemic therapy, whereas 68% of white patients received systemic therapy. For colorectal, only 23% of black patients received any systemic therapy versus 34% of white patients. For lung, only 26% of black patients received any therapy, whereas 39% of white patients did. And for prostate, only 56% of black patients received any systemic therapy versus 77% of white patients. And so, we were pretty shocked by how large the disparities were in receiving these cheap, easy-to-access systemic therapies. Dr. Davide Soldato: Thank you very much. So, I just wanted to go a little bit deeper in the results because, as you said, there were striking differences even when we looked at very old and also cheap treatments that, for the majority of the patients that were included inside of your study, were actually basically available for a very small price to these patients who had the eligibility for Medicare or Medicaid. And I think that one of the very interesting parts of the research was actually the attention that you had at looking how much of these disparities could be explained by several factors. And actually, one of the most interesting results is that you observed that low-income subsidy status was actually a big determinant of these disparities in terms of treatment. So, I just wanted to guide us a little bit through these results and then just your opinion about how these results should be interpreted by policymakers. Dr. Lin: Yeah, absolutely. I'm going to explain a little bit about what low-income subsidy status is and dual-eligibility status. Some of the listeners may not know what low-income subsidy status or dual-eligibility status is. Low-income subsidy status is part of Medicare Part D. Medicare Part D is an insurance benefit that allows patients to receive oral drugs. So these are drugs that are dispensed through the pharmacy, such as the CDK4/6 inhibitors, as well as second-generation ARPIs in our study. For patients who have Medicare Part D and whose income is low enough - falls below a certain federal poverty level threshold - those patients will receive their oral drugs for much cheaper. And this is really important for some of these more novel therapies because for some of these more novel therapies, if you don't have low-income subsidy status, you may be paying thousands of dollars for a single prescription of those drugs. Whereas if you have low-income subsidy status, you may be paying less than $10. And so that difference, greater than $1,000 or $2,000 versus less than $10, one would think that the patient who's paying less than $10 would be much more likely to receive those therapies. So that's low-income subsidy status. Low-income subsidy status, importantly, doesn't apply for infused medications like immunotherapy. But it's important to know that most people with low-income subsidy status - about 88% - are also dual-eligible. What dual-eligible means is that they have both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare being the insurance that everybody has in our study who's greater than 65. And Medicaid is the state-run but federally subsidized insurance that patients with low incomes have. And so patients who are dual-eligible - and about 87% of those with low-income subsidy status are dual-eligible - those patients have both Medicaid and Medicare, and they basically pay next to nothing for any of their medical care. And that's because Medicare will reimburse most of the medical care and the copays or coinsurance are going to be covered by Medicaid. So Medicaid is going to pick up the rest of the bill. So, most of the patients who have low-income subsidy status who are dual-eligible, these patients pay almost nothing for their medical care - Part B or Part D, any of their drugs. And so, one would expect that if cost were the main determinant of disparities in cancer care, then one would expect that dual-eligibles, most of them would be receiving treatment because they're facing minimal to no costs. What we found is that when we broke down the racial and ethnic disparity by a number of factors - including LIS status/dual eligibility, age, the number of comorbidities, etcetera - what we found was that the LIS or dual-eligibility status explained about 20% to 45% of the disparities that we saw in receiving treatment. And what that means is despite these patients paying next to nothing for their drugs, these are the most likely patients to not be treated for their cancer at all. So they're most likely to basically be diagnosed, survive for two months, see an oncologist, and then never receive any systemic therapy for their cancer. And this is not just chemotherapies for colorectal or lung cancer. This includes cheaper, easier-to-tolerate hormonal therapies that you can just take at home for breast cancer, or you can get every six months for prostate cancer, that people who even have poorer functional status are able to take. However, for whatever reason, these dual-eligible or LIS patients are very unlikely to receive treatment compared to any other patient. The low likelihood of treating this group of patients, that explains a large portion of the racial and ethnic disparities that we see. Dr. Davide Soldato: And one thing that I think is very interesting and might be of potential interest to our listeners is, did you compare survival outcomes in these different settings? And did you observe any significant differences in terms of racial and ethnic disparities once you saw that there was a significant difference when looking at both receipt of any type of treatment and also guideline-directed treatments? Dr. Lin: We saw that there were large disparities in survival by race and ethnicity when you look overall. However, when you just account for the patients who received any systemic therapy at all - not just guideline-directed systemic therapy - those differences in survival essentially disappeared. And so, what that suggests is that if black patients were just as likely to receive any systemic therapy at all as white patients, we would expect that the survival differences that we were seeing would disappear. And this is not even just looking at guideline-directed systemic therapy. This was looking just at systemic therapy alone. And so, while guideline-directed systemic therapy should be a goal, our research suggests that if we are to close the gap in disparities in overall survival among black and white patients, we must first focus on patients just receiving any type of treatment at all. And that should be the very first focus that policymakers, that leaders in ASCO, that health system leaders, that physicians, that we should focus on: just trying to get any type of treatment to our patients who are poorer or black. Dr. Davide Soldato: Thank you very much. And this was not directly related to the research that you performed, but going back to this very point - so, increasing the number of patients that receive any kind of systemic treatment before looking at guideline-directed treatments - what would you feel would be the best way to approach this in order to decrease the disparities? Would you look at interventions such as financial navigation or maybe improving referral pathways or providing maybe more culturally adapted information to the patients? Because in the end, what we see is disparities based on racial and ethnicity. We see that we can reduce these disparities if we get these patients to the treatment. But in the end, what would you feel is the best way to bring patients to these types of treatments? Dr. Lin: I think the most important thing is to understand that these disparities are not primarily happening because of the high cost of cancer treatment. These disparities are happening because of other social vulnerabilities that these patients are facing. And so these vulnerabilities could be a lot of things. It could be mistrust of the medical system. It could be fear of chemotherapy or other treatments. It could be difficulty taking time off of work. It could be any number of things. What we do know is when we've looked at the types of interventions that can help patients receive treatment, navigation is probably the most effective one. And the reason why I think that is because when patients don't receive treatment because of social vulnerability, I sort of look at social vulnerability like links in a chain. Any weakest link is going to result in the patient not receiving treatment. This may be because they have a hard time taking time off of work. This may be because they had a hard time getting transportation to their physician. It may be because they had an interaction with a physician, but that interaction was challenging for the patient. Maybe they mistrusted the physician. Maybe they're worried about the medical system. If any of these things goes wrong, the patient is not going to be treated. The patient navigator is the only person who can spot any of those weak links within the chain and address them. And so, I think that the first thing to do is to get patient navigation systems in place for our vulnerable patients throughout the United States. And this is incredibly important because in Medicare, patient navigation is reimbursable. And so this is not something that's ‘pie in the sky'. This is something that's achievable today. The second thing is that it's really important that we see these vulnerabilities happening for patients who are dual-eligible, who have both Medicare and Medicaid. One of the reasons why this is important is because there has been a lot of research outside of what we've done that has shown vulnerabilities for dual-eligible patients who have Medicare for a number of different diseases. And the reason why is because, although patients are supposed to have the benefits of both Medicare and Medicaid, usually these two insurances do not play nicely together. It creates a huge, bureaucratic, complex mess and maze that most of these patients are unable to navigate. And so many of these patients are unable to actually receive the full reimbursement from both Medicare and Medicaid that they should be getting because those two insurers are not communicating well. And so the second thing is that national cancer organizations need to be supporting policies and legislation that is already being discussed in Congress to revamp the dual-eligible system so that it facilitates these patients getting properly reimbursed for their care from both Medicare and Medicaid and these systems working together well. The third thing is that Medicaid itself has many benefits that can allow patients to receive care, like they have transportation benefits so that patients can get to and from their doctor's appointments with ease. And so I think this will be additionally very, very helpful for patients. The last thing is, you know, it's possible that future innovations such as telemedicine and tele-oncology and cancer care at home can also make it easier for some of these patients who may be working a lot to receive care. But what I would say is that our study should be a call for healthcare delivery researchers to start piloting interventions to be able to help these patients receive systemic therapy. And so what this could look like is trying to get that care navigation and implement that in clinics so that patients can be receiving the care that they need. Dr. Davide Soldato: Thank you very much. That was a very clear perspective on how we can tackle this issue. So, I just wanted to close with a sort of personal question. I was wondering what led you to work specifically in this research field that is very challenging, but I think it's particularly critical in healthcare systems like in the United States. Dr. Lin: Yeah, absolutely. One of the most important things for me as an oncologist and a researcher is being able to know that all patients in the United States - and obviously abroad - who have cancer should be able to receive the kind of care that they deserve. I don't think that patients, because their incomes are lower or because their skin looks a certain color or because they live in rural areas, these shouldn't be determinants of whether or not cancer patients are receiving the care that they need. We can develop and pioneer the very best treatments and breakthroughs in oncology, but if our patients are not receiving them - if only 20% of our patients with colon cancer or lung cancer are receiving any type of systemic therapy, who are black - this is a big problem. But this is something that I think that our system can tackle. We need to get these breakthroughs that we have in oncology to every single cancer patient in America and every single cancer patient in the world. I think this is a goal that all oncologists should have, and I think that this is something that, honestly, is achievable. I think that research is a powerful tool to give us a lens into understanding exactly why it is that certain patients are not getting the care that they deserve. And my goal is to continue to use research to shed light on why our system is not performing the way that we all want it to be. Dr. Davide Soldato: Circling back to your research, actually the manuscript that was published was supported by a Young Investigator Award by the American Society of Clinical Oncology. So, was this the first step of a more broad research, or do you have any further plans to go deeper in this topic? Dr. Lin: Yeah, absolutely. First, I want to thank the ASCO Young Investigator Award for funding this research because I think it's fair to say that this research would not have happened at all without the support of the ASCO YIA. And the fact that ASCO is doing as much as it can to support the future generation of cancer researchers is incredible. And it's a huge resource, and having it come at the time that it did is critical for so many of us. So I think that this is an unbelievable thing that ASCO does and continues to do with all of its partners. For me, yeah, this is definitely a stepping stone to further research.  Medicare Fee-for-Service is only one part of the population. I want to spread this research and extend it to patients who have other types of insurances, look at other types of policies, and also try to conduct some of the cancer care delivery research that's needed to try to pilot some interventions that can resolve this problem. So hopefully this is the first step in a broader series of studies that we can all do collectively to try to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in cancer care and survival. Dr. Davide Soldato: So, I think that we've come at the end of this podcast. Thank you again, Dr. Lin, for joining us today. Dr. Lin: Thank you so much. It was a pleasure to be a part of this. Dr. Davide Soldato: So, we appreciate you sharing more on your JCO article, "Racial and Ethnic Disparities Along the Treatment Cascade Among Medicare Fee-for-Service Beneficiaries With Metastatic Breast, Colorectal, Lung, and Prostate Cancer." If you enjoy our show, please leave us a rating and review and be sure to come back for another episode. You can find all ASCO shows at asco.org/podcasts. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional medical care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests on this podcast express their own opinions, experience, and conclusions. Guest statements on the podcast do not express the opinions of ASCO. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity, or therapy should not be construed as an ASCO endorsement.

Sudo patch your Linux systems. Cisco has removed a critical backdoor account that gave remote attackers root privileges. The Hunters International ransomware group rebrands and closes up shop. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) notifies 103,000 people that their personal data was compromised. NimDoor is a sophisticated North Korean cyber campaign targeting macOS. Researchers uncover a massive phishing campaign using thousands of fake retail websites. The FBI's top cyber official says Salt Typhoon is largely contained. Microsoft tells customers to ignore Windows Firewall error warnings. A California jury orders Google to pay $314 million for collecting Android user data without consent. Ben Yelin shares insights from this year's Supreme Court session. Ransomware negotiations with a side of side hustle. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Miss an episode? Sign-up for our daily intelligence roundup, Daily Briefing, and you'll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow CyberWire Daily on LinkedIn. CyberWire Guest Today our guest is Ben Yelin from UMD CHHS, who is sharing a wrap up of this year's Supreme Court session. If you want to hear more from Ben, head on over to the Caveat podcast, where he is co-host with Dave as they discuss all things law and privacy.  Selected Reading Linux Users Urged to Patch Critical Sudo CVE (Infosecurity Magazine) Cisco warns that Unified CM has hardcoded root SSH credentials (Bleeping Computer) Hunters International ransomware shuts down after World Leaks rebrand (Bleeping Computer) Feds Notify 103,000 Medicare Beneficiaries of Scam, Breach (Data Breach Today) N Korean Hackers Drop NimDoor macOS Malware Via Fake Zoom Updates (Hackread) China-linked hackers spoof big-name brand websites to steal shoppers' payment info (The Record) Top FBI cyber official: Salt Typhoon ‘largely contained' in telecom networks (CyberScoop) Microsoft asks users to ignore Windows Firewall config errors (Bleeping Computer) California jury orders Google to pay $314 million over data transfers from Android phones (The Record) US Probes Whether Negotiator Took Slice of Hacker Payments (Bloomberg) Audience Survey Complete our annual audience survey before August 31. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here's our media kit. Contact us at cyberwire@n2k.com to request more info. The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've got details on the CMS decision to reverse their decision on the Disaster/Emergency SEP for Medicare Beneficiaries.   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 Myths about Selling ACA Health Plans: https://lnk.to/asg660  Building the Foundation for Success ft. Roy Snarr: https://lnk.to/snarr2025 Does Your Medicare Sales Approach Satisfy Different Budgets? https://lnk.to/G6g1fm Medicare Advantage Emergency-Related SEPs: https://ritterim.com/blog/medicare-advantage-emergency-related-seps/   References: “Medicare Advantage and Part D Enrollment and Disenrollment Guidance Updated: 2024.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid, https://www.cms.gov/files/document/cy2025cdenrollmentanddisenrollmentguidancepdf.pdf. Accessed 22 Apr. 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.

  The Friday Five for March 28, 2025: CMS Medicare $2 Drug List Model Cancelled Oz Confirmed by Senate Finance Committee CMS Withdraws Changes to MA and Part D FEMA SEP Sarah Appears on The Seven Figures or Bust Podcast Content Library for Insurance Agents Launches   CMS Medicare $2 Drug List Model Cancelled: “CMS Innovation Center Announces Model Portfolio Changes to Better Protect Taxpayers and Help Americans Live Healthier Lives.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 12 Mar. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/cms-innovation-center-announces-model-portfolio-changes-better-protect-taxpayers-and-help-americans. Bell, Allison. “Trump Administration Ends Medicare's $2 Drug Project.” Thinkadvisor.Com, ThinkAdvisor, 14 Mar. 2025, www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/03/14/trump-administration-ends-medicares-2-drug-project/.   Dr. Oz Confirmed by Senate Finance Committee: Simmons-Duffin, Selena. “5 Things to Know as Dr. Oz Gets One Step Closer to Leading Medicare and Medicaid.” Npr.Org, NPR, 25 Mar. 2025, www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/03/25/g-s1-55766/dr-mehmet-oz-medicare-medicaid-cms-trump. Tong, Noah. “Oz Confirmation Vote Advances out of Senate Finance Committee.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 25 Mar. 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/oz-confirmation-vote-advances-out-senate-finance-committee. Hubbard, Kaia. “Senate Committee Advances Dr. Mehmet Oz's Nomination to Head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.” Cbsnews.Com, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2025, www.cbsnews.com/news/dr-oz-centers-for-medicare-and-medicaid-senate-finance-committee-vote/. Olsen, Emily. “Senate Committee Advances Dr. Oz to Lead CMS.” Healthcaredive.Com, Healthcare Dive, 26 Mar. 2025, www.healthcaredive.com/news/dr-oz-nomination-cms-clears-senate-finance-committee/743570/.   CMS Withdraws Changes to MA and Part D FEMA SEP: CMS Withdraws Changes to Disaster SEP Availability for Medicare Beneficiaries: https://ritterim.com/blog/cms-withdraws-changes-to-disaster-sep-availability-for-medicare-beneficiaries/ Medicare Advantage Emergency-Related SEPs: https://ritterim.com/blog/medicare-advantage-emergency-related-seps/    Sarah Appears on The Seven Figures or Bust Podcast: Episode 79 – What Is CMS Doing? w/ Special Guest Sarah Rueppel! https://lnk.to/qzTwIw  The Seven Figures or Bust Podcast: https://sevenfigure.com/seven-figures-podcast/ The Seven Figure Medicare Agent Summit: https://sevenfiguremedicareagentsummit.com/   Content Library for Insurance Agents Launches: Check Out the Content Library: https://library.ritterim.com/ Introducing a Content Marketing Solution for Insurance Agents: https://lnk.to/contentlibrary Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://app.ritterim.com/public/registration/   Resources: 5 Insurance Marketing Tips to Help Agents Stand Out in a Crowd: https://lnk.to/asgf20250321 Apps for Content Creation: https://lnk.to/ASGA81 CMS 2025 Marketplace Integrity & Affordability Proposed Rule: https://lnk.to/asgf20250314 Get Access to Exclusive Leads When You Become a PlanEnroll Network Agent: https://lnk.to/3pKJsF   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.

  Ready to scale, but not sure where to start? Maximize your reach by building out your sales portfolio! We explain the benefits of a diverse insurance portfolio complete with the “how-to-do-it” framework.   Read the text version   Claim Your FREE Portfolio Review Today!   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: A Quick Guide to Cross-Selling Ancillary Insurance with Medicare Products: https://ritterim.com/selling-ancillary-with-medicare/  Are You Self-Sabotaging Your Insurance Sales Success? https://ritterim.com/blog/are-you-self-sabotaging-your-insurance-sales-success/ How Relationship Marketing Can Make the Difference in Your Agency: https://lnk.to/asg642 Interview: Boost Your Commissions with a New Hospital Indemnity Sales Strategy: https://ritterim.com/blog/interview-boost-your-commissions-with-a-new-hospital-indemnity-sales-strategy/  Interview: Relationship Marketing Strategies for Insurance Agents: https://lnk.to/9b3cTl Knight School Expand & Dominate Learning Path: https://ritterim.com/knight-school/expand-dominate/ Learn About the Ritter Certification Center: https://ritterim.com/ritter-certification-center/ Meet Your Ritter Sales Specialist: https://ritterim.com/meet-your-sales-team/  Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://app.ritterim.com/public/registration/ REWIND: 8 Relationship Marketing Strategies for Insurance Agents: https://lnk.to/9b3cTl Ritter Insurance Marketing Webinar and Events: https://ritterim.com/events/ The Beginner's Guide to D-SNPs: https://lnk.to/asg648 The Complete Guide on How to Sell Final Expense Insurance: https://ritterim.com/final-expense-ebook/ The Complete Guide to Selling Affordable Care Act Insurance Plans: https://ritterim.com/aca-ebook/   References: Lopes, Lunna, et al. “Americans' Challenges with Health Care Costs.” KFF.Org, KFF, 7 May 2024, www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/americans-challenges-with-health-care-costs/. Moynihan, Kyle. “Fidelity Investments® Releases 2024 Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate as Americans Seek Clarity Around Medicare Selection.” Fidelity, Fidelity, 8 Aug. 2024, newsroom.fidelity.com/pressreleases/fidelity-investments--releases-2024-retiree-health-care-cost-estimate-as-americans-seek-clarity-arou/s/7322cc17-0b90-46c4-ba49-38d6e91c3961. Cottrill, Alex, et al. “Income and Assets of Medicare Beneficiaries in 2023.” KFF.Org, KFF, 9 Feb. 2024, www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/income-and-assets-of-medicare-beneficiaries-in-2023/. Vandenboss, Kevin. “The Average Millionaire Has 7 Sources Of Income - Here Are 3 You Can Start Building Today.” Finance.Yahoo.Com, Yahoo! Finance, 30 May 2024, finance.yahoo.com/news/average-millionaire-7-sources-income-164311915.html. Farrell, Chris. “Why Multigenerational Households Are Making a Comeback in a Big Way.” Marketplace.Org, Marketplace, 3 Apr. 2024, www.marketplace.org/2024/04/03/multigenerational-households-housing-affordability/.   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://twitter.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.

Credits: 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™   CME/CE Information and Claim Credit: https://www.pri-med.com/online-education/podcast/frankly-speaking-cme-421 Overview: Join us as we discuss a recent meta-analysis examining randomized controlled trials to investigate healthcare costs, quality of care, and patient well-being when delivered by advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs). Explore the evidence behind ANPs' effectiveness and their potential to enhance patient outcomes while optimizing healthcare resources. Episode resource links: Melati Fajarini, Agus Setiawan, Chien-Mei Sung, Ruey Chen, Doresses Liu, Chiu-Kuei Lee, Shu-Fen Niu, Kuei-Ru Chou, Effects of advanced practice nurses on health-care costs, quality of care, and patient well-being: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, International Journal of Nursing Studies, Volume 162, 2025,104953, ISSN 0020-7489, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2024.104953 The miseducation of America's nurse practitioners, July 24, 2024      Perloff, J., Clarke, S., DesRoches, C. M., O'Reilly-Jacob, M., & Buerhaus, P. (2019). Association of State-Level Restrictions in Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice With the Quality of Primary Care Provided to Medicare Beneficiaries. Medical care research and review : MCRR, 76(5), 597–626. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077558717732402   Yang, B. K., Johantgen, M. E., Trinkoff, A. M., Idzik, S. R., Wince, J., & Tomlinson, C. (2021). State Nurse Practitioner Practice Regulations and U.S. Health Care Delivery Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Medical care research and review : MCRR, 78(3), 183–196. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077558719901216   Taylor K (2023) Bridging the Gap to Health Care Access: The Role of the Nurse Practitioner. Int Arch Public Health Community Med 7:091. doi.org/10.23937/2643-4512/1710091 Guest: Susan Feeney, DNP, FNP-BC, NP-C, Jill M. Terrien PhD, ANP-BC  Music Credit: Matthew Bugos Thoughts? Suggestions? Email us at FranklySpeaking@pri-med.com  

Credits: 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™   CME/CE Information and Claim Credit: https://www.pri-med.com/online-education/podcast/frankly-speaking-cme-421 Overview: Join us as we discuss a recent meta-analysis examining randomized controlled trials to investigate healthcare costs, quality of care, and patient well-being when delivered by advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs). Explore the evidence behind ANPs' effectiveness and their potential to enhance patient outcomes while optimizing healthcare resources. Episode resource links: Melati Fajarini, Agus Setiawan, Chien-Mei Sung, Ruey Chen, Doresses Liu, Chiu-Kuei Lee, Shu-Fen Niu, Kuei-Ru Chou, Effects of advanced practice nurses on health-care costs, quality of care, and patient well-being: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, International Journal of Nursing Studies, Volume 162, 2025,104953, ISSN 0020-7489, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2024.104953 The miseducation of America's nurse practitioners, July 24, 2024    Perloff, J., Clarke, S., DesRoches, C. M., O'Reilly-Jacob, M., & Buerhaus, P. (2019). Association of State-Level Restrictions in Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice With the Quality of Primary Care Provided to Medicare Beneficiaries. Medical care research and review : MCRR, 76(5), 597–626. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077558717732402   Yang, B. K., Johantgen, M. E., Trinkoff, A. M., Idzik, S. R., Wince, J., & Tomlinson, C. (2021). State Nurse Practitioner Practice Regulations and U.S. Health Care Delivery Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Medical care research and review : MCRR, 78(3), 183–196. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077558719901216   Taylor K (2023) Bridging the Gap to Health Care Access: The Role of the Nurse Practitioner. Int Arch Public Health Community Med 7:091. doi.org/10.23937/2643-4512/1710091 Guest: Susan Feeney, DNP, FNP-BC, NP-C, Jill M. Terrien PhD, ANP-BC  Music Credit: Matthew Bugos Thoughts? Suggestions? Email us at FranklySpeaking@pri-med.com  

Interview with Ishani Ganguli, MD, MPH, and David Cutler, PhD, authors of Telemedicine Adoption and Low-Value Care Use and Spending Among Fee-for-Service Medicare Beneficiaries. Hosted by Eve Rittenberg, MD. Related Content: Telemedicine Adoption and Low-Value Care Use and Spending Among Fee-for-Service Medicare Beneficiaries

Interview with Ishani Ganguli, MD, MPH, and David Cutler, PhD, authors of Telemedicine Adoption and Low-Value Care Use and Spending Among Fee-for-Service Medicare Beneficiaries. Hosted by Eve Rittenberg, MD. Related Content: Telemedicine Adoption and Low-Value Care Use and Spending Among Fee-for-Service Medicare Beneficiaries

  Medicare Supplement Plans offer many options to cover gaps in your client's coverage. Learn more about plans K, L, M, and N to help your client find the right one for them.   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: 2025 Medicare Part A and Part B Premiums and Deductibles: https://ritterim.com/blog/2025-medicare-part-a-and-part-b-premiums-and-deductibles/ Events & Webinars with Ritter: https://ritterim.com/events/ Get a FREE Portfolio Review: https://ritterim.com/portfolio/ The Value of Plan N for Medicare Shoppers ft. Ted Sims: https://lnk.to/ASGtedsims   References: “Compare Medigap Plan Benefits.” Medicare, Medicare, https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap/basics/compare-plan-benefits. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025. Freed, Meredith, Nancy Ochieng, et al. “Key Facts about Medigap Enrollment and Premiums for Medicare Beneficiaries.” KFF, KFF, 18 Oct. 2024, https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/key-facts-about-medigap-enrollment-and-premiums-for-medicare-beneficiaries/. “Market Advisor.” CSG Actuarial, CSG Actuarial, https://csg-actuarial-wordpress.appspot.com/software/market-advisor/. Accessed 29 Jan. 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 (fka) Twitter, https://twitter.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.

  Join Sarah as she counts down the top 5 Agent Survival Guide Podcast episodes of 2024! Find out if your favorite episode made the cut… and thanks for listening this year!   Number Five: [02:22] Number Four: [21:29] Number Three: [31:18] Number Two: [39:18] Number One: [01:04:19]   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   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://twitter.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/   Links to Individual Episodes: 5 Perks of Being a Part-Time Insurance Agent: https://pod.fo/e/28ab20 Agent's Guide to Email Communication Resources: https://pod.fo/e/28ab27 Developing a Retention Mindset ft. Blake Amos: https://pod.fo/e/28ab52 Key Changes for ACA Open Enrollment 2025 ft. Ross Baker: https://pod.fo/e/28aaeb Using a SWOT Analysis to Review Your Insurance Business: https://pod.fo/e/28ab7f   Additional Episodes You Might Like: 5 Things About Prepping for the Insurance License Exam: https://pod.fo/e/28ab2c 9 Essential Tools for Beginner Insurance Agents: https://pod.fo/e/28ab2e How Much Can Agents Make Selling Under-65 Insurance: https://pod.fo/e/28aaf7 Simplify Marketplace Enrollments with HealthSherpa: https://pod.fo/e/27a351 Steps to Get Ready for OEP: Federal & State Exchanges: https://pod.fo/e/28aaf6 What Today's Financial Environment Means for Medicare Beneficiaries & Agents: https://pod.fo/e/28aafb   Resources for Insurance Agents: Developing an Agency — Your Guide to Getting Started: https://www.ritterim.com/agency-guide/ Email Template for Client Check-in: https://ritterim.com/documents/client-check-in-email-template.docx FMO vs. IMO vs. NMO vs. MGA vs. GA: What's the Difference? https://ritterim.com/blog/fmo-vs-imo-vs-nmo-vs-mga-vs-ga-whats-the-difference/ How Professional Organizations Make You a Better Agent: https://ritterim.com/blog/how-professional-organizations-make-you-a-better-agent/ Increase Sales and Productivity with the Busy Medicare Agent's Sales Planner: https://www.ritterim.com/blog/increase-sales-and-productivity-with-the-busy-medicare-agents-sales-planner/ Modern Medicare Marketing for Today's Agents: https://www.ritterim.com/modern-marketing-guide/ Request a Portfolio Review from Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://ritterim.com/portfolio/ Ritter Agent Handbook: https://docs.ritterim.com/documents/compliance/Ritter-Agent-Handbook-2024.pdf Ritter Insurance Marketing Official Site: https://ritterim.com/ Stay Organized with the Busy ACA Agent's Sales Calendar: https://www.ritterim.com/blog/stay-organized-with-the-busy-aca-agents-sales-calendar/ The Complete Guide to Client Loyalty and Retention: https://ritterim.com/client-retention-guide/ The Complete Guide to Selling Affordable Care Act Insurance Plans: https://ritterim.com/aca-ebook/ The Ultimate Agent Resource List Pt. 1: Market Yourself: https://www.ritterim.com/blog/the-ultimate-agent-resource-list-pt.-1-market-yourself/ Your Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Started in Insurance Sales: https://ritterim.com/free-guide/?utm_source=asg_podcast_link   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.   The resources in Agent's Guide to Email Communication Reesources are the opinions of staff and agents who work with Ritter Insurance Marketing. We cannot guarantee that an agent's business will succeed if utilizing these recommendations. An agents is solely responsible for making all decisions and taking actions related to their business.

In this episode, Ashlie White, MSHLS, MA, and Olivia Keller from the Amputee Coalition joins us to talk about patient advocacy and what they have in store for 2025. Ashlie serves as the Amputee Coalition's Chief Strategy and Programs Officer and Olivia serves as the Public Policy Manager. Learn more about Ashlie and Olivia's work at amputee-coalition.org.Also discussed in this episode: GAO-25-106406: Limb Loss: Rehabilitation Services and Outcomes for Medicare Beneficiaries.So Every BODY Can Move's 28x28 campaign Many thanks to WillowWood for sponsoring this episode! Learn more about the META Flow foot.Learn more about SPS' new Fresno distribution center.  Visit spsco.comAlso, email us! The O&P Check-in is a bi-monthly podcast featuring the latest orthotics and prosthetics news, trends, best practices, regulations and policies. Designed for O&P professionals, join Brendan Erickson and a rotating co-host as they interview guests and share the latest advancements in the industry. 

Host Dr. Davide Soldato and Dr. Aaron Mitchell discuss the JCO article "Quality of Treatment Selection for Medicare Beneficiaries With Cancer" TRANSCRIPT Dr. Davide Soldato: Hello and welcome to JCO After Hours, the podcast where we sit down with authors from some of the latest articles published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. I am your host, Dr. Davide Soldato, medical oncologist at Hospital San Martino in Genoa, Italy. Today, we are joined by JCO author Dr. Aaron Mitchell. Dr. Mitchell is a medical oncologist working at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center where he is also part of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Dr. Mitchell specializes in treating genitourinary malignancy and has a research focus on improving how the healthcare system helps people with these and other cancers. So today, Dr. Mitchell will be discussing the article titled, “Quality of Treatment Selection for Medicare Beneficiaries with Cancer.” Thank you for speaking with us, Dr. Mitchell. Dr. Aaron Mitchell: Well, thank you for inviting me. I'm very glad to be here. Dr. Davide Soldato: So I just wanted to introduce the topic by asking a couple of questions, very general, about the background of the article. So basically you reported the data using the SEER-Medicare to assist to assess the determinants of optimal systemic therapies delivery and selection. So, in particular, you focused on individuals that were diagnosed with cancer who were Medicare beneficiaries and in particular were part of the low income subsidy, which is also known as LIS. So I just wanted to ask you if you could briefly explain to our listeners how this program works, and what was the rationale of the study, and if there is any element of novelty in your study compared to what was done before the study was published. Dr. Aaron Mitchell: Yeah. So that's a lot to cover, but yeah, a lot of opportunity to introduce the low income subsidy program which is a very important part of the Medicare program for prescription drugs, but often one that flies under the radar a little bit in the policy discussion. So this subsidy was created synchronously back with the Medicare Part D Program, which was created in 2006. There was some anticipation that for some high cost drugs, not all patients would be able to afford them even with the Part D program insurance as it was being created. And so they created a pathway to give an additional subsidy to some patients who had low income, who were anticipated to being at need and needing that assistance to afford high cost drugs. As the number of high cost drugs has really risen since 2006, this program has played an important role in helping patients afford drugs, especially those who need very expensive cancer drugs.  And what this program does is, once you meet the eligibility requirements, which require patients to have both quite a low income. So if you're single, that is at 135% of the federal poverty limit or below, and it also places some restrictions on assets. You also have to have low assets, so low income and low assets in order to qualify for the subsidy. But then once you do, the subsidy is really quite large. Patients who qualify for the LIS at the full subsidy level will pay about $10 per month per drug, even for specialty cancer drugs. So if you think about drugs such as those that we use to treat prostate cancer, my specialty, drugs like enzalutamide or XTANDI that run $15,000 to $20,000 per month, the out of pocket cost for a low income subsidy beneficiary is $10. So that is a huge discount. $10 isn't nothing, but even for someone with a low income, if they've got one or two cancer drugs that are at this rate, it's something that they can often afford.  This program applies to Part D cancer drugs that are prescription drugs basically. By and large, these are oral pills that patients are taking on a daily basis at home. These are the drugs that the low income subsidy program applies to. So if a patient needs a drug like that to treat their cancer, then they are able to receive it at very low cost. And what you'll see is a patient- in the studies that have been done, when a patient has low income, low enough for them to be able to qualify for this program, they then have better access to these drugs. You see increased adherence rates, you see increased prescription fill rates. And then when someone, when their income is just high enough to no longer qualify for this program, and they go back to regular Medicare Part D coverage, that's when the problems arise. So it's like as your income moves up the scale, you actually get more problems affording your cancer drugs. So that's the state of the literature so far.  And what we realize though, is that all these studies that have looked at the low income subsidy have really focused on just the Part D drugs themselves, the oral drugs. And that's certainly not all of cancer care. There is a growing number of oral drugs, but for many cancers, especially when you're talking about immunotherapy drugs or new systemic radioligand therapies, these are not Part D drugs, these are Part B drugs. And so even if you are low income and you're qualifying for this subsidy, it's not going to help you if you need a Part B drug. Yes, there are certainly a whole host of other programs and different avenues that we can get patients assistance, but some percentage of them, even though they're low income and high need, would not have assistance with a Part B drug.  So now, in coming back, the long answer to your question, our rationale was, let's look at these Part D low income subsidy patients and let's see what their access looks like, not just to the oral drugs, but to cancer care writ large. And can we study where they're fitting into the system, not only when they need oral drugs, but when they need any kind of cancer care across the board? Dr. Davide Soldato: So basically, just to summarize, it was an extension of previous literature, but specifically evaluating whether novel regimens that use, for example intravenous drugs, they were covered at the same level and whether there were any inequities in access to cancer treatment under this specific program, which is the LIS. Dr. Aaron Mitchell: Yes, I'd say that's a fair summary. Dr. Davide Soldato: Okay. So more or less, you included 9,000 patients inside of the study and 25% of them were beneficiaries of the LIS program. And you specifically looked at factors that could be associated with not receiving therapies at all, and also whether the quality of care that these patients were receiving were any different compared to those who were not part of the LIS program. So I just wanted to see if you could guide us a little bit in the results, whether you see any kind of differences when we look at access to any type of systemic therapies and whether being a part of the LIS program modified access to the drugs. Dr. Aaron Mitchell: Let me take this opportunity also to highlight a feature of our study that differentiates us a little bit from previous work that's been done. And this is around the specific definition of quality that we use. I know quality is in the title of the manuscript, but I think it's important to emphasize exactly what we mean in this study when we say quality, and it's something very specific. So our measure of quality references back to the NCCN guidelines, which I don't think our audience needs much of an introduction to that. It's the most worldwide recognized standard of care guidelines for oncology practice. And we specifically looked not only at the NCCN guidelines, but at their evidence block scoring system. So what we did was we looked not only at one set of guidelines, but we looked at guidelines across time. We looked at guidelines across our full study period, which was, give or take, 2015-2018, depending on the cancer. And we looked at each point in time to see what was the treatment regimen that was recommended by the NCCN guidelines as being preferred. Some of them make that designation, some of them don't. If there was not a designation of preferred, then we turned to the evidence blocks. And the evidence blocks, we then apply several different measures to kind of rank treatments from those that get high scores for efficacy and safety to those that get low scores for efficacy, safety and the quality of evidence. So we basically come up with a kind of a rank list of the recommended treatments at each point in time. And then we look at the ones that are the highest, we say which are the most highly recommended treatments at any given point in time. That then becomes our definition of quality treatment. And I'm saying this with air quotes, we use the term “optimal treatment” in the study. Did they get that treatment? If there were ties, you could have gotten either of the two treatments that got the equally good score, did you get that treatment versus did you get anything else?  So then getting back to our analysis, what we really did was kind of a two-stage study. First, we put all of our patients into our pool, into one big analytic model. And we looked to see what are the factors that predict or are associated with a patient either getting no systemic therapy or any systemic therapy. And then as a second question, we look at the patients who got some form of systemic therapy, and then we ask, again, what percentage of those got the optimal treatment or high quality treatment as opposed to one of the more lowly recommended treatment regimens? So that's how we asked it. We found that patients who were low income subsidy recipients, the low income ones, they were both less likely to receive any systemic therapy. And then even the ones that receive systemic therapy, the ones who made it in the door to see their doctor or their part of the system, they still were less likely to get the optimal treatment that was recommended for their cancer type at the time that they were diagnosed. Dr. Davide Soldato: So basically, even when you are a part of this subsidiary program, you still have a lower access to any type of treatment. And even if you get treatment, you kind of get the ones that were not the preferred according to the NCCN guidelines, or at least they were not scoring as well as those specific regimens. But I think that what our audience might be wondering about is that frequently there are also some other types of characteristics, for example, age or number of comorbidities, which can be associated with having a low socioeconomic status. So I was wondering whether in the analysis you kind of looked specifically also at patient factors, for example, income rather than age or comorbidities, and whether you found any significant association with those and whether it was something that you planned to do in your study. Dr. Aaron Mitchell: Yes. So we looked at many patient factors and those included age and they included the degree of comorbidity. And what we saw with respect to those characteristics was not too surprising. We saw that patients who were older were less likely to receive systemic therapy. We saw that patients who had more comorbidities were also less likely to get systemic therapy. And then across our different designations of treatments, we saw that those patients were also less likely to get the optimal treatment for their cancer. This result though, we would say it certainly needs more study in the future, but it's not immediately concerning. And that is because for patients who have more age, more comorbidity, those often correlate with frailty. And so it could be that these patients aren't getting optimally treated or it could be that their oncologists are just making clinically appropriate decisions about patient selection.  We saw as we were doing this work that the treatment regimens that are often getting the highest recommendations from the NCCN, hence, it would become our definition of high quality optimal treatment, are often ones that are aggressive. They're often ones that are multi-drug combinations. They're often ones that it's not just your old antineoplastics, it's the antineoplastics plus an additional immunotherapy or plus a targeted drug. So it's the ones that are more aggressive by and large, and that might be in some cases more than a patient who is older, more frail, could be able to tolerate. And so the oncologist might be making inappropriate judgment to say I'm going to do something a little bit less aggressive here and make an appropriate trade off between anti cancer efficacy and safety.  I think we've got kind of a bookmark there and we can look at those trends in the future. So we saw that kind of as expected, and then we turned and looked towards the low income subsidy. And our premise there is, well, your income shouldn't predict what you're getting clinically. In an ideal world, you'd be able to get the appropriate treatment for a patient, and not depend on whether their income is above or below 135% of the poverty limit. So that one seems more like on its face an immediate concern. Dr. Davide Soldato: Thank you very much for the explanation. I was just wondering, did you make some kind of selection when you were analyzing specific diseases or settings where you included just metastatic patients or you also included patients with early stage neoadjuvant treatments? Because I think that it is also very interesting from the perspective of the objectives that we have as oncologists when we are administering systemic treatments. Dr. Aaron Mitchell: Yeah, thank you for bringing that up. That was also one of the goals of our study was to be broad. And we wanted to look for factors, whether it be low income subsidy, whether it be age, socioeconomic background, etc., things that would be broad predictors of outcomes, and by which I mean care delivery outcomes across the board. So not just for, let's say, metastatic breast cancer, but also across any cancer that a patient might walk in the door with, what are the systemic predictors. And so when you mentioned before that our overall cohort is approximately 9,000 patients, that's 9,000 patients split over a variety of what we call clinical scenarios or clinical indications. And that includes multiple solid tumor as well as liquid tumor malignancies. It includes both patients who are initiating systemic therapy with palliative intent for metastatic disease. It also includes several groups of patients who are getting adjuvant therapy. So we want it to be as broad as possible. Our selection of those scenarios was really done with the goal of being as broad as possible and really bringing in everything that we could within the constraints of our data source. And that was really the only limitation that we applied in concept was tumor types that are common enough to have a meaningful sample of patients to analyze. So, one, are there enough patients? And then two, are you able to identify this specific group of patients within SEER-Medicare data? Because when the NCCN divides groups of patients by biomarkers that are not available in SEER-Medicare, we can't really say, “Oh, we're going to study this group of patients.” That would then be one that we have to leave on the side and not include. But everything else where one of those things didn't apply, we tried to include it as best we could. Dr. Davide Soldato: Thank you very much for the explanation. And among the scenarios that you included in the study, were there any striking differences in terms of access to treatment and access to quality treatment the way you define the study? Dr. Aaron Mitchell: Yes, there were differences between these different cancer types, these different cancer indications, but they're not differences that I want to over interpret or read too much into. Certainly, every cancer indication is going to be different, but when we start getting into the individual cancer types, the sample size does get smaller. And we've not done formal tests of comparison or heterogeneity among cancer types. So I don't want to say that the differences which we certainly do see, like numerically, there are differences in the proportion of patients who are getting optimal treatment versus no treatment. I don't want to say that it's because the low income subsidy status or patient age has a bigger impact, let's say for lung cancer than breast cancer. I want to say that is heterogeneity for potential future study when we are able to do a similar follow up analysis with say a larger sample size. I don't want to over interpret those differences at the moment. Dr. Davide Soldato: I was just wondering in case there was anything in particular that you wanted to highlight. But in the end, I think that we also have to acknowledge that the data are based on claims data, observational data. So maybe you're right when you say we should not over interpret this type of difference.  And this is just to speculate a little bit, do you think that if you would look at this same specific question in a more contemporary diagnosis frame, like for example, you refer to the fact that most of the diagnoses were between 2016 and 2018. Now that we have more and more of these drugs that would qualify as Part B in the adjuvant or new adjuvant setting, do you think that you would see more differences compared to what you observed in the current study or do you think that it would be more or less the same? Of course this was not part of the analysis that you did, but it's just to have your opinion on the topic in general. Dr. Aaron Mitchell: My expectation would be that since not much has changed with respect to the low income subsidy program from the time period of our study until now, my baseline expectation would be that those results would hold. On the other hand, it is the case that there have been improvements to the standard Medicare Part D benefit since the time of our study. So the low income subsidy patients would be paying the same low out of pocket costs that I mentioned before, about $10 a month give or take, for a specialty cancer drug. But what has started to happen is that for everyone else, their coverage has improved. Because in the US we're in the process of closing, or I think now we finally finished, but you know, a few years lag in claims data, we've closed what used to be called the donut hole, where there was this big coverage gap where patients had to pay a large amount out of pocket for drugs. So there might therefore be a narrowing of the difference, let's say between our low income subsidy participants, the lowest income patients, and then everyone else. But not so much because the low income subsidy status improved or changed, but just because the baseline level of coverage for everyone else may have improved, narrowing that gap. So I'd say that would be very possible.  And if your question is more geared towards not so much policy changes, but treatment landscape changes, I would say the big thing that I would maybe guess, and again, this is very much speculation, but you introduce the speculation in TBD on follow up. I think the big change in the landscape has been the broadening indication and uptake of immunotherapy drugs, our PD-1, PD-L1 inhibitors, for a variety of cancer types. And I think the way that that would manifest in our data, were we to repeat it in a more contemporary data set, would be, I think that the access for, let's say, that any systemic therapy among older patients might change. And that is because rather than just having your cytotoxics in hand, the clinical oncologists now know that for many cases there's if not first line therapy, then second line therapy for patients who don't qualify, you can go straight to it, to someone who's not a chemo candidate, you've got a much more tolerable treatment in your back pocket. And so I think that for patients who are more old or more comorbid, we might start to see that a greater proportion of them receive some systemic therapy, it just might not be the cytotoxic agent that is still most highly recommended. It might be, say a single agent, PD-L1 inhibitor, because their oncologist wants to be able to give them something. So I wouldn't be surprised if that gap starts to narrow as well if you're measuring no systemic therapy versus any systemic therapy. Dr. Davide Soldato: And going back to the policy part of the study that you did, do you think that the results of the study that you published in the JCO can better inform policy makers on how to make these treatments more available and be sure that the largest possible proportion of patients gets a systemic treatment and gets the optimal systemic treatment? Dr. Aaron Mitchell: Yes, I do think that this study has some direct and indirect policy implications. I think that our finding is one to highlight the low income subsidy program and maybe help it not to fly under the radar so much anymore. I think all the work that has been done on how much it has helped patients who need oral cancer medications is great, and it shows how beneficial this program can be. We're now shining the light kind of everywhere else and saying, “Okay. That's great. Here's how well it can work when it covers an oral drug, but we've got this group of low income patients who are still at need and they're still very clearly not able to access everything else. When it's not axitinib that they need, it's a pembrolizumab, they're still very much behind the curve and they need some help.” So I think that's one thing just to call attention to this as an ongoing problem. Low income patients, it's not a solved problem yet. It's something that needs further attention.  And then for direct policy implications that are on the table, I think we're about to see the Medicare program be able to start negotiating not just Part D drugs, but also in future years, Part B covered drugs and try to lower the price for everyone, both for insurance, both for Medicare itself. And then to the extent that that boils over to the patient's out of pocket responsibility, it'll start to reduce the patient out of pocket costs as well. So I think we can look forward to hopefully an aggressive negotiation program by Medicare to start to directly lower the prices of Part B cancer drugs that these patients are unable to afford. Dr. Davide Soldato: Thank you very much. You did the research you published in the JCO, but you really seem very passionate about the topic of care delivery and quality of care and policy. So I just wanted to ask on a personal note, how did you come to this area of research which is frequently not one that is very cared for by oncologists? It's more frequently something that biostatisticians or public health scientists put their attention to. I just had this curiosity and I wanted to ask you if you could explain a little bit how you came to this area of research. Dr. Aaron Mitchell: Thank you for asking. That's a great question. I'll tell my favorite story about my journey there. I entered medical school planning to be a clinical investigator or maybe even a basic science researcher, and I had some background in that. I went to medical school at NYU where the teaching hospital is Bellevue, which is a large, well known public hospital within New York City. And my eyes started to open regarding the inequities in the system. You always hear about it, you read about the problems in the US healthcare system, but then when you see it on a day to day basis and you can walk four blocks from a private, very well resourced hospital to see a patient with a similar condition four blocks down the road at a under resourced public hospital getting very different treatments and receiving very different outcomes, the injustice in the system really hits you on a visceral level. And it was really, I would say, as soon as I started my clinical rotations in medical school that I realized maybe that's where I can make the most impact with my career and just really fell into it. By the time I was done with medical school, I then knew that I wanted to do something that was in the health policy space. And then by the time I was done with residency, I was like, “Oh, someone had mentioned the words health services research” and the light went on. It's like, “Oh, that's me. That's what I want to do.” Dr. Davide Soldato: Thank you very much. That was a nice story. And I really think that we should all work towards trying to make sure that the inequities inside of the system are eliminated as much as possible.  So I think that this concludes our interview for today. So thank you again, Dr. Mitchell, for joining us. Dr. Aaron Mitchell: You're very welcome and thank you so much for your interest. Dr. Davide Soldato: We appreciate you sharing more on your JCO article titled, “Quality of Treatment Selection for Medicare Beneficiaries with Cancer.”  If you enjoy our show, please leave us a rating and review and be sure to come back for another episode. You can find all ASCO shows at asco.org/podcasts.   The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional medical care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions.  Guests on this podcast express their own opinion, experience and conclusions. Guest statements on the podcast do not express the opinions of ASCO. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity or therapy should not be construed as an ASCO endorsement.

  All clients have different needs, health concerns, and budgets! Learn how to approach budget conversations tactfully to help clients find plans that fit their varying needs.   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: Ancillary Products at Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://ritterim.com/products/ancillary/ A Review of Integrity's Top Medicare Quoting Tools: https://ritterim.com/blog/a-review-of-the-integrity-offered-medicare-quoting-software Carrier Partners at Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://ritterim.com/products/by-carrier/ How Insurance FMOs Work: https://ritterim.com/how-insurance-fmos-work/ Learn more about PlanEnroll: https://ritterim.com/planenroll/ Learn more about MedicareCENTER: https://integrity.com/medicarecenter/ Medicare Products at Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://ritterim.com/products/medicare/ Not partnered with Integrity? Register here: https://identity.integrity.com/register PlanEnroll Client User Guide PDF: https://learningcenter.tawebhost.com/Client-Sync-Consumer-User-Guide.pdf Ritter Insurance Marketing Registration: https://app.ritterim.com/public/registration/ The Basics of Selling Insurance from Home: https://ritterim.com/blog/the-basics-of-selling-insurance-from-home/ The Benefits of Joining a Top Insurance FMO: https://ritterim.com/blog/the-benefits-of-joining-a-top-insurance-fmo/   References: “Compare Medigap Plan Benefits.” Medicare.Gov, Medicare, www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap/basics/compare-plan-benefits. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024. Cottrill, Alex, et al. “Income and Assets of Medicare Beneficiaries in 2023.” KFF, KFF, 9 Feb. 2024, www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/income-and-assets-of-medicare-beneficiaries-in-2023/. “Fidelity® Releases 2023 Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate: For the First Time in Nearly a Decade, Retirees See Relief as Estimate Stays Flat Year-over-Year.” Newsroom.Fidelity.Com, Fidelity, 21 June 2023, newsroom.fidelity.com/pressreleases/fidelity--releases-2023-retiree-health-care-cost-estimate--for-the-first-time-in-nearly-a-decade--re/s/b826bf3a-29dc-477c-ad65-3ede88606d1c.   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://twitter.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/

  The Friday Five for November 1, 2024: CMS Updates Enrollment Process for EDE & DE Platforms WPS Data Breach Leads to Issue of New Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers Student Loan Forgiveness Update Apple AirPods Pro Hearing Tools Launch Apple Intelligence iOS 18.1 Features   CMS Updates Enrollment Process for EDE & DE Platforms: “CMS Roundup (October. 18, 2024).” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 18 Oct. 2024, www.cms.gov/newsroom/cms-round-up/cms-roundup-october-18-2024. “Direct Enrollment and Enhanced Direct Enrollment.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/marketplace/agents-brokers/direct-enrollment-partners. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024. “HealthCare.Gov Contact Information.” HealthCare.Gov, HealthCare.gov, www.healthcare.gov/contact-us/. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024. “HealthSherpa for Agents.” HealthSherpa.Com, HealthSherpa, www.healthsherpa.com/agents/features. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.   WPS Data Breach Leads to Issue of New Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers: Alder, Steve. “CMS Confirms 3.1 Million Individuals Affected by MOVEit Hack on Wisconsin Physicians Service.” Hipaajournal.Com, The HIPAA Journal, 25 Sept. 2024, www.hipaajournal.com/cms-wisconsin-physicians-service-moveit-hack/. “CMS Notifies Additional Individuals Potentially Impacted by MOVEit Data Breach.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 16 Nov. 2023, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-notifies-additional-individuals-potentially-impacted-moveit-data-breach. “CMS Notifies Individuals Potentially Impacted by Data Breach.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 6 Sept. 2024, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-notifies-individuals-potentially-impacted-data-breach. “CMS Responding to Data Breach at Contractor.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 28 July 2023, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-responding-data-breach-contractor. Olsen, Emily. “CMS Says Data Breach at Contractor Could Affect More than 946,000 Medicare Beneficiaries.” Healthcare Dive, Healthcare Dive, 9 Sept. 2024, www.healthcaredive.com/news/cms-wisconsin-physicians-service-insurance-corporation-moveit-data-breach/726416/. Goodin, Dan. “Casualties Keep Growing in This Month's Mass Exploitation of Moveit 0-Day.” Arstechnica.Com, Ars Technica, 27 June 2023, arstechnica.com/security/2023/06/casualties-keep-growing-in-this-months-mass-exploitation-of-moveit-0-day/. “Over 940,000 Medicare Beneficiaries Impacted by Data Breach.” Jdsupra.Com, JD Supra, 24 Oct. 2024, www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/over-940-000-medicare-beneficiaries-1539983/. Reed, Jonathan. “The MOVEIT Breach Impact and Fallout: How Can You Respond?” Securityintelligence.Com, Security Intelligence, 23 Oct. 2024, securityintelligence.com/news/the-moveit-breach-impact-and-fallout-how-can-you-respond/.   Student Loan Forgiveness Update: Gibson, Kate. “Biden Administration Extends Repayment Freeze for 8 Million Student Loan Borrowers.” Edited by Alain Sherter, Cbsnews.Com, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2024, www.cbsnews.com/news/student-loan-forgiveness-payment-biden/. Cavanaugh, Lynn. “Biden Freezes Student Loan Repayments for 6 Months for 8M Borrowers.” Benefitspro.Com, BenefitsPro, 22 Oct. 2024, www.benefitspro.com/2024/10/22/biden-freezes-student-loan-repayments-for-6-months-for-8m-borrowers/. “Biden-Harris Administration Releases Proposed Rules to Authorize Debt Relief to Nearly Eight Million Borrowers Experiencing Hardship.” Ed.Gov, U.S. Department of Education, 25 Oct. 2024, www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/biden-harris-administration-releases-proposed-rules-authorize-debt-relief. Cavanaugh, Lynn. “Biden's New Student Loan Forgiveness Plan: A 3rd Attempt at Debt Cancellation for 8M.” Benefitspro.Com, BenefitsPro, 28 Oct. 2024, www.benefitspro.com/2024/10/28/bidens-new-student-loan-forgiveness-plan-a-3rd-attempt-at-debt-cancellation-for-8m/. Johnston, Courtney. “Biden's New Student Loan Forgiveness Plan Could Offer Debt Relief to 8 Million Borrowers.” Cnet.Com, CNET, 25 Oct. 2024, www.cnet.com/personal-finance/loans/bidens-new-student-loan-forgiveness-plan-could-offer-debt-relief-to-8-million-borrowers/. “Department of Education Updates on Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE Plan).” Ed.Gov, U.S. Department of Education, 24 Oct. 2024, www.ed.gov/higher-education/manage-your-loans/save-plan. “SAVE Plan Court Actions: Impact on Borrowers.” Studentaid.Gov, Federal Student Aid, 2 Oct. 2024, studentaid.gov/announcements-events/save-court-actions. “Student Debt Relief Hardship.” Ed.Gov, U.S. Department of Education, www.ed.gov/media/document/nprm-hardship-sldr. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024. Zimmer, Evan. “Student Loan Payment Pause Extended for 6 More Months for SAVE Borrowers.” Cnet.Com, CNET, 21 Oct. 2024, www.cnet.com/personal-finance/loans/student-loan-payment-pause-extended-for-6-more-months-for-save-borrowers/.   Apple AirPods Pro Hearing Tools Launch: “Airpods Pro 2 - Hearing Health.” Apple, Apple, www.apple.com/airpods-pro/hearing-health/. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024. Welch, Chris. “Apple's Airpods pro Just Got Much Better - No Matter What Port Is on the Case.” Theverge.Com, The Verge, 18 Sept. 2023, www.theverge.com/23878402/apple-airpods-pro-usb-c-adaptive-audio-conversation-awareness-test-review. Steele, Billy. “Apple's Airpods pro Hearing Health Tools Could Normalize Wearing Earbuds Everywhere.” Engadget.Com, Engadget, 29 Oct. 2024, www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/apples-airpods-pro-hearing-health-tools-could-normalize-wearing-earbuds-everywhere-140054858.html. “Apple Introduces Airpods 4 and a Hearing Health Experience with Airpods Pro 2.” Apple.Com, Apple, 29 Oct. 2024, www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2/. “How Apple Developed the World's First End-to-End Hearing Health Experience.” Apple.Com, Apple, 30 Oct. 2024, www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/10/how-apple-developed-the-worlds-first-end-to-end-hearing-health-experience/. Welch, Chris. “How to Take the Apple Hearing Test.” Theverge.Com, The Verge, 28 Oct. 2024, www.theverge.com/24278477/apple-hearing-test-how-to. Shastri, Devi. “Apple Airpods Pro's New Hearing Aid Feature Could Help People Face a Problem They'd Rather Ignore.” Apnews.Com, AP News, 28 Oct. 2024, apnews.com/article/hearing-aids-airpods-apple-android-fsa-hsa-e0f243bcaff9b4c5b5068b546012b338. Cadwell, Blake. “How to Use Airpods as Hearing Aids (with Screenshots).” Edited by Amy Sarow, Soundly.Com, Soundly., 28 Oct. 2024, www.soundly.com/blog/airpods-as-hearing-aids. Ulanoff, Lance. “I'm Done Being Rude to People Thanks to Adaptive Audio on Airpods Pro 2.” Techradar.Com, TechRadar, 19 Sept. 2023, www.techradar.com/audio/im-done-being-rude-to-people-thanks-to-adaptive-audio-on-airpods-pro-2. Carey, Bridget. “I Tested the Apple Airpod pro 2 Hearing Aid Software Early. Here's Everything You Need to Know.” Cnet.Com, CNET, 21 Oct. 2024, www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/i-tested-the-apple-airpod-pro-2-hearing-aid-software-early-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/.   Apple Intelligence iOS 18.1 Features: Crouse, Megan. “Apple Intelligence Cheat Sheet: A Complete Guide for 2024.” Techrepublic.Com, TechRepublic, 29 Oct. 2024, www.techrepublic.com/article/apple-intelligence-cheat-sheet/. Disotto, John-Anthony. “Apple Intelligence Features Explained - Everything You Need to Know about Apple AI and When You Can Use It.” Techradar.Com, TechRadar, 11 Sept. 2024, www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/apple-intelligence-features-explained-everything-you-need-to-know-about-apple-ai-and-when-you-can-use-it. “Apple Intelligence Is Available Today on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.” Apple.Com, Apple Newsroom, 29 Oct. 2024, www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/10/apple-intelligence-is-available-today-on-iphone-ipad-and-mac/. Ortiz, Sabrina. “Can't Find Apple's AI Features after Upgrading to iOS 18.1? Do This.” Zdnet.Com, ZDNET, 29 Oct. 2024, www.zdnet.com/article/cant-find-apples-ai-features-after-upgrading-to-ios-18-1-do-this/. Carlson, Jeff. “If You Want Apple Intelligence on Your iPhone, Here's What You Need to Do.” Cnet.Com, CNET, 29 Oct. 2024, www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/if-you-want-apple-intelligence-on-your-iphone-heres-what-you-need-to-do/. Miller, Chance. “iOS 18.2 with New Apple Intelligence Features Coming in December, Apple Confirms.” 9to5mac.Com, 9to5Mac, 28 Oct. 2024, 9to5mac.com/2024/10/28/ios-18-2-release-date/. Michaels, Philip. “iOS 18 Memory Movie Is One of Apple Intelligence's Best Features - Here's How to Use It.” Tomsguide.Com, Tom's Guide, 26 Sept. 2024, www.tomsguide.com/phones/iphones/how-to-create-a-memory-movie-with-apple-intelligence-on-your-iphone. Priday, Richard. “I Tried All New Apple Intelligence Features in IOS 18.1 - Here's the Best (and Worst).” Tomsguide.Com, Tom's Guide, 28 Oct. 2024, www.tomsguide.com/phones/iphones/i-tried-all-new-apple-intelligence-features-in-ios-18-1-heres-the-best-and-worst. Carlson, Jeff. “These 3 Apple Intelligence Features in IOS 18.1 Are the Ones You'll Actually Use.” Cnet.Com, CNET, 30 Oct. 2024, www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/these-3-apple-intelligence-features-in-ios-18-1-are-the-ones-youll-actually-use/.   Resources: 1 Million New Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers to be Issued After WPS Data Breach: https://ritterim.com/blog/1-million-new-medicare-beneficiary-identifiers-to-be-issued-after-wps-data-breach/ ACA 101: Selling Under-65 Health Insurance: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG6248 CMS Implements Marketplace Security Enhancements for EDE & DE Pathways: https://ritterim.com/blog/cms-implements-marketplace-security-enhancements-for-ede-and-de-pathways/ How Ask Integrity Can Streamline Your Medicare Sales Appointments: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG6255 How to Ask Your Current Clients for Referrals: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG623   How to Stay Compliant During All Medicare Sales: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG628 Key Changes for ACA Open Enrollment 2025 ft. Ross Baker from HealthSherpa: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG2024RossBaker Simplify Marketplace Enrollments with HealthSherpa: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG627   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://twitter.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/   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

  The Friday Five for October 25, 2024: Adobe Fresco Now Completely Free for Everyone Amazon and Walmart Announce Pharmacy Delivery Expansions Stride 2025 Open Enrollment Study KFF Analysis on Med Supp Enrollment Data Medigap Deductibles and OOP Costs for 2025   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Adobe Fresco Now Completely Free for Everyone: Foley, Joe. “Adobe Fresco Is Now Completely Free for All.” Creative Bloq, Creative Bloq, 23 Oct. 2024, www.creativebloq.com/art/digital-art/adobe-fresco-is-now-completely-free-for-all. Gan, Jeremy. “Adobe Fresco's Previously Paywalled Features Are Now Free for Everyone.” Engadget, Engadget, 23 Oct. 2024, www.engadget.com/apps/adobe-frescos-previously-paywalled-features-are-now-free-for-everyone-141956420.html. Weatherbed, Jess. “Adobe Made Its Painting App Completely Free to Take on Procreate.” The Verge, The Verge, 23 Oct. 2024, www.theverge.com/2024/10/23/24277533/adobe-fresco-painting-app-free-availablility-procreate. “Digital Painting and Drawing App | Adobe Fresco.” Adobe.Com, Adobe, www.adobe.com/products/fresco.html. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.   Amazon and Walmart Announce Pharmacy Delivery Expansions: Accelerating Convenience: Walmart Launches Nationwide Same-Day Pharmacy Delivery, Helping Customers Live Better, 22 Oct. 2024, corporate.walmart.com/news/2024/10/22/accelerating-convenience-walmart-launches-nationwide-same-day-pharmacy-delivery-helping-customers-live-better. “Amazon Pharmacy Plans to Expand Same-Day Delivery of Medications to Nearly Half the US in 2025.” Amazon.Com, Amazon, 9 Oct. 2024, www.aboutamazon.com/news/retail/amazon-pharmacy-expands-same-day-prescription-delivery-united-states. Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, M.D. “Amazon Pharmacy's Rapid Growth Will Soon Make Instant Access to Medication the New Normal.” Forbes.Com, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024, www.forbes.com/sites/saibala/2024/10/14/amazon-pharmacys-rapid-growth-will-soon-make-instant-access-to-medication-the-new-normal/. Palmer, Annie. “Amazon Same-Day Prescription Delivery Expanding to Nearly Half of U.S. in 2025.” Cnbc.Com, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2024, www.cnbc.com/2024/10/09/amazon-same-day-prescription-delivery-expanding-to-half-of-us-in-2025.html. Tong, Noah. “Walmart Offers Same-Day Prescription Delivery with Plans to Reach 49 States.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 22 Oct. 2024, www.fiercehealthcare.com/retail/hlth24-walmart-simplify-online-pharmacy-orders-49-states. Gibson, Kate. “Walmart Plans to Deliver Prescriptions Nationwide in as Little as 30 Minutes.” Edited by Alain Sherter, Cbsnews.Com, CBS, 22 Oct. 2024, www.cbsnews.com/news/walmart-prescription-delivery-amazon/.   Stride 2025 ACA Open Enrollment Study: “2025 Annual Open Enrollment Survey - A New Report from Stride.” Blog.Stridehealth.Com, Stride Health, 17 Oct. 2024, blog.stridehealth.com/open-enrollment-2025survey. Popke, Michael. “Almost 75% of ACA Buyers Will Not Compare Plans for 2025.” Benefitspro.Com, BenefitsPro, 21 Oct. 2024, www.benefitspro.com/2024/10/21/almost-75-of-aca-buyers-will-not-compare-plans-for-2025/.   KFF Analysis on Med Supp Enrollment Data: Freed, Meredith, Nancy Ochieng, et al. “Key Facts about Medigap Enrollment and Premiums for Medicare Beneficiaries.” KFF, KFF, 18 Oct. 2024, www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/key-facts-about-medigap-enrollment-and-premiums-for-medicare-beneficiaries/. “Medicare Supplement Enrollment Down Slightly in 2023.” Markfarrah.Com, Mark Farrah Associates, 28 May 2024, www.markfarrah.com/mfa-briefs/medicare-supplement-enrollment-down-slightly-in-2023. Freed, Meredith, Nancy Ochieng, et al. “Medigap May Be Elusive for Medicare Beneficiaries with Pre-Existing Conditions - Issue Brief - 10506.” KFF, KFF, 18 Oct. 2024, www.kff.org/report-section/medigap-may-be-elusive-for-medicare-beneficiaries-with-pre-existing-conditions-issue-brief/.   Medigap Deductibles and OOP Costs for 2025: “F, G & J Deductible Announcements.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/medigap/f-g-j-deductible-announcements. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024. “K & L Out-of-Pocket Limits Announcements.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/medigap/k-l-out-of-pocket-limits-announcements. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024.   Resources: ACA 101: Selling Under-65 Health Insurance: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG6248 Helping Clients with Marketplace Eligibility Appeals: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG624 How to Ask Your Current Clients for Referrals: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG623 KFF 2025 Medicare Part D Snapshot Report: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20241018 The 2025 COLA Increase & How It Affects Your Clients: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGN20241015 The Value of Plan N for Medicare Shoppers ft. Ted Sims: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGTedSims2024   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://twitter.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/

  The Friday Five for October 4, 2024: KFF Study on Medicare Beneficiaries' Tendency to Shop Ritter's First Annual ACA Summit Agent Reaction to MedicareCENTER & Upcoming Webinar Instagram Best Practices & New Pro Dashboard Features 2025 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Premiums   KFF Study on Medicare Beneficiaries' Tendency to Shop: Ochieng, Nancy, et al. “Nearly 7 in 10 Medicare Beneficiaries Did Not Compare Plans during Medicare's Open Enrollment Period.” KFF, KFF, 27 Sept. 2024, www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/nearly-7-in-10-medicare-beneficiaries-did-not-compare-plans-during-medicares-open-enrollment-period/.   Ritter's First Annual ACA Summit: Register to Attend the Inaugural ACA Summit   Agent Reaction to MedicareCENTER & Upcoming Webinar: Learn more about MedicareCENTER: https://integrity.com/medicarecenter/ Register to Attend: Sales Tech Train & Talk - Understanding MedicareCENTER   Instagram Best Practices & New Pro Dashboard Features: “About the Instagram Professional Dashboard.” Help.Instagram.Com, Instagram, help.instagram.com/257516379077270. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024. “How Can I Check My Account Type on Instagram?” SocialBu Help, SocialBu, help.socialbu.com/article/331-how-can-i-check-my-account-type-on-instagram. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024. Sato, Mia. “Instagram's ‘Best Practices' Tell Creators How They Should Post.” The Verge, The Verge, 1 Oct. 2024, www.theverge.com/2024/10/1/24259462/instagram-best-practices-business-profiles-tips-reach. “Introducing Best Practices, an Education Hub for Creators on Instagram.” Abaout.Fb.Com, Meta, 30 Sept. 2024, about.fb.com/news/2024/10/best-practices-education-hub-creators-instagram/. “Instagram Creator Education: Best Practices.” Instagram for Creators, Instagram, creators.instagram.com/best-practices#instagram. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024. Instagram Creators Account, Meta, www.instagram.com/creators/. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.   2025 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Premiums: “Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Programs to Remain Stable as CMS Implements Improvements to the Programs in 2025.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 27 Sept. 2024, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-advantage-and-medicare-prescription-drug-programs-remain-stable-cms-implements-improvements. Freed, Meredith, et al. “Medicare Advantage in 2024: Enrollment Update and Key Trends.” KFF, KFF, 8 Aug. 2024, www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/medicare-advantage-in-2024-enrollment-update-and-key-trends/. “Medicare Enrollment for June 2024.” Data.CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Data, data.cms.gov/tools/medicare-enrollment-dashboard. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024. “Medicare Monthly Enrollment.” Data.CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Data, data.cms.gov/summary-statistics-on-beneficiary-enrollment/medicare-and-medicaid-reports/medicare-monthly-enrollment. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.   Resources: 4 Ways PlanEnroll Will Make This Your Best AEP Yet: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG617R5 Best Video Editing Apps for Social Media: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA69 Get Your Medicare Advantage Sales Contracts Here — Recommendations for 2025: https://ritterim.com/blog/get-your-medicare-advantage-sales-contracts-here-recommendations-for-2025/ Prescription Drugs Your Medicare Clients Could See Lower Coinsurances for in 2024: https://ritterim.com/blog/prescription-drugs-your-medicare-clients-could-see-lower-coinsurances-for-in-2024/ Tech News Roundup: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240927   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   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://twitter.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/

  Learn more about the new Medicare prescription payment plan program ahead of the 2025 Annual Enrollment Period. Get the information you need now so you can answer client questions this AEP!   Read the text version   Resources: 5 Things About the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240726 Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://app.ritterim.com/public/registration/ The Complete Guide on How to Sell Prescription Drug Plans: https://ritterim.com/pdp-ebook/ What the Inflation Reduction Act Means for Your Medicare & ACA Clients: https://ritterim.com/blog/what-the-inflation-reduction-act-means-for-your-medicare-aca-clients/   References: “Fact Sheet: Medicare Prescription Payment Plan.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/files/document/medicare-prescription-payment-plan-fact-sheet.pdf Accessed 23 August 2024. “Fact Sheet: Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Final Part One Guidance.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/files/document/fact-sheet-medicare-prescription-payment-plan-final-part-one-guidance.pdf Accessed 23 August 2024. “Fact Sheet: Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Final Part Two Guidance.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/files/document/fact-sheet-medicare-prescription-payment-plan-final-part-two-guidance.pdf. Accessed 23 August 2024.  Cottrill, Alex, et al. “Income and Assets of Medicare Beneficiaries in 2023.” KFF, KFF, 9 Feb. 2024, www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/income-and-assets-of-medicare-beneficiaries-in-2023/. “Inflation Reduction Act and Medicare.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/inflation-reduction-act-and-medicare Accessed 23 August 2024. Cubanski, Juliette, and Anthony Damico. “Medicare Part D in 2024: A First Look at Prescription Drug Plan Availability, Premiums, and Cost Sharing.” KFF, KFF, 8 Nov. 2023, www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/medicare-part-d-in-2024-a-first-look-at-prescription-drug-plan-availability-premiums-and-cost-sharing/. “Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Implementation Timeline.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 1 July 2024, www.cms.gov/files/document/medicare-prescription-payment-plan-timeline.pdf Seshamani, Meena. “Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Draft Part Two Guidance” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 15 Feb. 2024, www.cms.gov/files/document/medicare-prescription-payment-plan-draft-part-two-guidance.pdf  Seshamani, Meena. “Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part 1 Guidance.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 21 Aug. 2023, www.cms.gov/files/document/medicare-prescription-payment-plan-part-1-guidance.pdf  “Welcome to Medicare.” Medicare, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.medicare.gov/. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.   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://twitter.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/

    The Friday Five for September 27, 2024: The Ritter Report & Ask Integrity Shoppers Spotify AI Playlists in Beta for U.S. Premium Accounts Hands-On with Apple iPhone 16 Pro Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses Update & New Frames Self-Care Tips for Agents During AEP   The Ritter Report & Ask Integrity Shoppers: Learn about Ask Integrity™: https://integrity.com/ask-integrity/  Learn more about PlanEnroll: https://ritterim.com/planenroll/ MedicareCENTER: https://integrity.com/medicarecenter/ Not partnered with Integrity? Register here: https://identity.integrity.com/register Register for The Ritter Report Call: https://bit.ly/4dltNfa   Spotify AI Playlists in Beta for U.S. Premium Accounts: “Ai Playlist Is Rolling out in Beta in the US, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand-Get Started with These pro Tips.” Spotify, Spotify, 24 Sept. 2024, newsroom.spotify.com/2024-09-24/ai-playlist-expanding-usa-canada-ireland-new-zealand/. Shanklin, Will. “Spotify's AI Playlists Are Rolling out for Premium Users in the US.” Engadget, Engadget, 24 Sept. 2024, www.engadget.com/ai/spotifys-ai-playlists-are-now-available-for-premium-users-in-the-us-130008423.html. Weatherbed, Jess. “Spotify's AI Playlist Builder Is Now Available in the US.” The Verge, The Verge, 24 Sept. 2024, www.theverge.com/2024/9/24/24252971/spotify-ai-playlist-builder-beta-available-us-canada.   Hands-On with Apple iPhone 16 Pro: “iPhone - Compare Models.” Apple, Apple, www.apple.com/iphone/compare/?modelList=iphone-16-pro-max%2Ciphone-14-pro-max. Accessed 25 Sept. 2024. “iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.” Apple, Apple, www.apple.com/iphone-16-pro/. Accessed 25 Sept. 2024.   Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses Update & New Frames: “Discover Ray-Ban | Meta Smart Glasses: Specs & Features | Ray-Ban® US.” Ray-Ban.Com, Ray-Ban, www.ray-ban.com/usa/discover-ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses/clp. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024. “Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.” Meta, MEta, www.meta.com/smart-glasses. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024. Shakir, Umar. “The Biggest News from Meta Connect 2024.” The Verge, The Verge, 25 Sept. 2024, www.theverge.com/24254101/meta-connect-2024-announcements-products.   Rueppel Recommends: ComicBook. “Disney+: Every Movie and TV Show Arriving in October 2024.” Comicbook.Com, Comicbook.com, 19 Sept. 2024, comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/disney-plus-streaming-movies-tv-shows-new-october/#18. Ridgely, Charlie. “Everything Coming to Hulu in October 2024.” Comicbook.Com, Comicbook.com, 22 Sept. 2024, comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/hulu-streaming-october-2024-new-movies-tv-shows/#20. Ridgely, Charlie. “Netflix: Every Movie and TV Show Arriving in October 2024.” Comicbook.Com, Comicbook.com, 25 Sept. 2024, comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/netflix-october-2024-new-movies-tv-shows-streaming/. “Scamanda.” Apple Podcasts, Lionsgate Sound, podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scamanda/id1685691481. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024. “Scamanda.” Spotify, Lionsgate Sound, open.spotify.com/show/3UNxeZPD5fDSzm26mqTjgc. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.   Resources: 4 Ways PlanEnroll Will Make This Your Best AEP Yet: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG617R5 Apps for Tracking Business Expenses: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA67 Are You Self-Sabotaging Your Insurance Sales Success? https://link.chtbl.com/ASG616 Ask ASG Mailbag: Send Us Your Questions: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240920 What Today's Financial Environment Means for Medicare Beneficiaries & Agents: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG618   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://twitter.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/

  The Friday Five for September 20, 2024: AEP Countdown & Ask Integrity Shoppers FOMC September 2024 Meeting New Features From iOS 18 Release Instagram Teen Account Changes Ask ASG Mailbag: Send Us Your Questions   Ask ASG Mailbag: Send Your Insurance Marketing & Sales Questions to ASGPodcast@RitterIM.com   AEP Countdown & Ask Integrity Shoppers: Learn about Ask Integrity™: https://integrity.com/ask-integrity/   Learn more about PlanEnroll: https://ritterim.com/planenroll/ MedicareCENTER: https://integrity.com/medicarecenter/ Not partnered with Integrity? Register here: https://identity.integrity.com/register   FOMC September 2024 Meeting: “Consumer Price Index - August 2024.” BLS.Gov, U.S. Bureau of Labor & Statistics, 11 Sept. 2024, www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf. “Employment Situation Summary - 2024 M08 Results.” BLS.Gov, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 Sept. 2024, www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm. Mercado, Darla. “Fed Blog Recap: Chair Jerome Powell Defends Central Bank's Decision to Go Big with First Cut.” CNBC, CNBC, 18 Sept. 2024, www.cnbc.com/2024/09/18/fed-meeting-live-updates-traders-await-september-interest-rate-cut.html. “Federal Reserve Issues FOMC Statement.” FederalReserve.Gov, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 18 Sept. 2024, www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20240918a.htm. Mena, Bryan, et al. “First Fed Rate Cut since Covid.” CNN, Cable News Network, 18 Sept. 2024, www.cnn.com/business/live-news/federal-reserve-interest-rate-09-18-24/index.html. “Meeting Calendars and Information.” FederalReserve.Gov, The Federal Reserve, www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomccalendars.htm. Accessed 18 September 2024. “Personal Income and Outlays, July 2024.” BEA.Gov, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), 30 Aug. 2024, www.bea.gov/news/2024/personal-income-and-outlays-july-2024.   New Features from iOS 18 Release: Nield, David. “How to Use Apple's Distraction Control Feature in Safari.” Wired, Conde Nast, 6 Sept. 2024, www.wired.com/story/how-to-use-safari-distraction-control-feature/. “iOS 18: Get Rid of Website Distractions in Safari.” MacRumors.Com, MacRumors, 16 Sept. 2024, www.macrumors.com/how-to/ios-18-get-rid-of-website-distractions-in-safari/. “iOS 18 Is Available Today, Making iPhone More Personal and Capable than Ever.” Apple.Com, Apple, 16 Sept. 2024, www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/09/ios-18-is-available-today-making-iphone-more-personal-and-capable-than-ever/. “Watchos 11 Is Available Today.” Apple.Com, Apple Newsroom, 18 Sept. 2024, www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/09/watchos-11-is-available-today/.   Instagram Teen Account Changes: Roth, Emma. “Instagram Is Putting Every Teen into a More Private and Restrictive New Account.” Verge.Com, The Verge, 17 Sept. 2024, www.theverge.com/2024/9/17/24246423/instagram-teen-account-private-restrictive. “Instagram's New Privacy Protections for Minors Could Hamper App's Ads Biz.” Thedrum.Com, The Drum, 17 Sept. 2024, www.thedrum.com/news/2024/09/17/instagram-s-new-privacy-protections-minors-could-hamper-the-app-s-ads-biz-experts. Ortutay, Barbara. “Instagram Makes Teen Accounts Private as Pressure Mounts on the App to Protect Children.” AP News, Associated Press, 17 Sept. 2024, apnews.com/article/instagram-meta-teen-accounts-kids-425a05cc37f81b6ff2b7439d3884c54a. “Introducing Instagram Teen Accounts: Built-in Protections for Teens, Peace of Mind for Parents.” About.Fb.Com, Meta, 17 Sept. 2024, about.fb.com/news/2024/09/instagram-teen-accounts/. “New Protections to Give Teens More Age-Appropriate Experiences on Our Apps.” About.Fb.Com, Meta, 11 Jan. 2024, about.fb.com/news/2024/01/teen-protections-age-appropriate-experiences-on-our-apps/.   Ask ASG Mailbag: Send Your Insurance Marketing & Sales Questions to ASGPodcast@RitterIM.com   Resources: 4 Ways PlanEnroll Will Make This Your Best AEP Yet: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG617R5 How to Keep Clients Safe from Insurance Fraud: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG619 Organization Tips and Tricks for the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period: https://ritterim.com/blog/organization-tips-and-tricks-for-the-medicare-annual-enrollment-period/    The Hidden Value of Selling Medicare Supplements During AEP: https://ritterim.com/blog/the-hidden-value-of-selling-medicare-supplements-during-aep/ What Today's Financial Environment Means for Medicare Beneficiaries & Agents: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG618   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://twitter.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/

  Use fact-finding and open communication to learn your clients' budget and coverage needs. We've got statistics, tips, and strategies for agents to help clients navigate today's financial environment.    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: Does Your Medicare Sales Approach Satisfy Different Budgets? https://ritterim.com/blog/does-your-medicare-sales-approach-satisfy-different-budgets/ How to Check Medicare Extra Help Eligibility for Your Client: https://ritterim.com/blog/how-to-check-medicare-extra-help-eligibility-for-your-client/  How to Keep Clients Safe From Insurance Fraud: https://ritterim.com/blog/how-to-keep-clients-safe-from-insurance-fraud/ Knight School Training: Cross-Selling Long-Term Care Insurance: https://ritterim.com/knight-school/expand-dominate/cross-sell/7/ Knight School Training: D-SNP Eligibility: https://ritterim.com/knight-school/solid-foundation/understanding-special-needs-plans/3/ Knight School Training: Understand What's Important to Your Client: https://ritterim.com/knight-school/learning-to-sell/assessing-needs/7/ Ritter Fact Finder PDF: https://ritterim.com/documents/ritter-fact-finder.pdf Why Trust Is an Insurance Agent's Most Important Non-Renewable Resource: https://ritterim.com/blog/why-trust-is-an-insurance-agents-most-important-non-renewable-resource/    References: Lee, Anne Marie. “Americans Are Spending the Biggest Share of Their Income on Food in 3 Decades.” CBS News, CBS Interactive, 26 Feb. 2024, www.cbsnews.com/news/inflation-consumer-spending-food-and-restaurants-disposable-income-2024/. “Cost of Long Term Care by State: Cost of Care Report.” Genworth, Genworth Financial, Inc, https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care. Accessed 1 Aug. 2024. “Federal Poverty Level (FPL) - Glossary.” HealthCare.Gov, https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/federal-poverty-level-fpl/. Accessed 1 Aug. 2024. “Food Prices and Spending.” USDA ERS - Food Prices and Spending, USDA, 27 June 2024, www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/ag-and-food-statistics-charting-the-essentials/food-prices-and-spending/?topicId=2b168260-a717-4708-a264-cb354e815c67. Committee of the Future Health Care Workforce for Older Americans, et al. “Health Status and Health Care Service Utilization.” Retooling for an Aging America: Building the Health Care Workforce, National Academic Press (US), Washington D.C., 2008, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK215400/. Accessed 1 Aug. 2024. Jayashankar, Aparna, and Anthony Murphy. “High Inflation Disproportionately Hurts Low-Income Households.” Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, 10 Jan. 2023, www.dallasfed.org/research/economics/2023/0110. “How Much Care Will You Need?” ACL Administration for Community Living, 18 Feb. 2020, https://www.acl.gov/ltc/basic-needs/how-much-care-will-you-need. Pollitz, Karen, et al. “KFF Survey of Consumer Experiences with Health Insurance.” KFF, KFF, 19 Dec. 2023, www.kff.org/private-insurance/poll-finding/kff-survey-of-consumer-experiences-with-health-insurance/. Alex Cottrill, Juliette Cubanski. “Income and Assets of Medicare Beneficiaries in 2023.” KFF, KFF, 9 Feb. 2024, www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/income-and-assets-of-medicare-beneficiaries-in-2023/. Klein, Michael. “Inflation and Prices.” Econofact, Econofact, 12 Feb. 2024, econofact.org/inflation-and-prices. Glasmeier, Amy K. “New Data Posted: 2023 Living Wage Calculator.” Living Wage Calculator, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1 Feb. 2023, https://livingwage.mit.edu/articles/103-new-data-posted-2023-living-wage-calculator. Taaka, Brian. “The Power of Reading the Room: A Vital Skill for Success in Life and Business.” LinkedIn, LinkedIn, 13 July 2023, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-reading-room-vital-skill-success-life-business-brian-taaka. Klien, Michael. “U.S. Inflation Trends and Outlook in 2024.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024, www.forbes.com/sites/forrester/2024/02/02/us-inflation-trends-and-outlook-in-2024/. Miglani, Jitender. “US Inflation Trends and Outlook, 2024.” Forrester, Forrester, 28 Jan. 2024, www.forrester.com/blogs/us-inflation-trends-and-outlook-2024/.   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://twitter.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/

Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma and Biotech world.Target has launched a collection designed by 'fur-fluencers' to attract pet owners, along with reality TV-styled social content and national ads featuring mascot Bullseye. PayPal's new ad campaign stars Will Ferrell and emphasizes the use of PayPal for both in-store and online transactions. Old Navy is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a '90s-inspired collection and campaign. JC Penney's football-themed campaign includes weekly deals promoted by celebrities like Shaquille O'Neal. Walmart is using Fubo's takeover ad format to connect content and commerce in a CTV environment, highlighting the importance of digital accessibility, the impact of generative AI on marketing strategies, and the evolution of in-store retail media.Steward Health Care has been auctioning off assets, with 15 hospitals transitioning to interim managers and the sale of its Arkansas facility. A data breach at a CMS contractor could affect over 946,000 Medicare beneficiaries. PBM executives have declined to revise controversial testimony given to a House committee. The Biden administration has finalized a rule raising mental health coverage standards for private plans. Medicare Advantage bonuses are expected to drop for the first time since 2015. Payers are exploring ways to improve the quality of provider data through technology.J&J led a $50 million financing round for imaging company SpectraWave, which will support commercial expansion and product additions for their system used in treating coronary artery disease. Apple announced a new sleep apnea feature for its smartwatch, while Roche is set to launch a new continuous glucose monitoring system in Europe. The FDA has found that many AI devices lack validation data, with only 28% being tested prospectively. Singapore is seen as an ideal hub for medtech companies looking to expand in Southeast Asia.A new lung cancer drug developed by Summit has shown a "striking" benefit over Keytruda in a detailed study, confirming earlier claims by the company. The positive results led to a significant increase in shares. In other news, three biotechs raised $700 million in IPOs, the House backed a bill restricting China's role in US biotech, and Centessa's sleepiness drug showed promising results.The Senate is expected to hold Steward CEO Ralph de la Torre in contempt for failing to appear before a subcommittee. In other news, Elevance is acquiring Indiana University Health's insurance business, and Steward Health Care has sold some assets and transitioned hospitals to interim managers. Abortion laws are changing in the US, with North Dakota overturning a near-total ban. California's data exchange framework is proving successful in improving health equity and streamlining information.Three biotechs, Bicara Therapeutics, Zenas Biopharma, and MBX Biosciences, raised $700 million in IPOs, marking the busiest week for biotech stock sales since February. Biotech IPOs are considered the industry's lifeblood, providing insight into mature startups waiting to test public markets. Moderna admitted during an investor presentation that they were overly optimistic about their RSV vaccine's market share potential compared to rivals GSK and Pfizer. Roche's subcutaneous Tecentriq received FDA approval, beating competitors Merck and Bristol Myers to market. Additionally, Gilead's shot succeeded in its second HIV trial.Biopharma Dive provides in-depth journalism and insight into trends shaping biotech and pharma, covering topics from clinical readouts to FDA approvals, gene therapy, drug pricing, and research partnerships. Subscribe to Biopharma Dive for daily news and insights in the industry.

Commentary by Dr. Candice Silversides

Commentary by Social Media Editor Anju Bhardwaj

  What if you could give being an insurance agent a practice run before giving up your full-time job? We get it! Learn how to start out as a part-time insurance agent before making the jump to a new career.   Read 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 Things About Prepping for the Insurance License Exam: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240607 9 Essential Tools for Beginner Insurance Agents: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG595   How Professional Organizations Make You a Better Agent: https://ritterim.com/blog/how-professional-organizations-make-you-a-better-agent/ Request a Portfolio Review from Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://ritterim.com/portfolio/ Ritter Insurance Marketing Official Site: https://ritterim.com/ The Benefits of Joining a Top Insurance FMO: https://ritterim.com/blog/the-benefits-of-joining-a-top-insurance-fmo/ Training Opportunities for Insurance Agents at Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG437 What Today's Financial Environment Means for Medicare Beneficiaries & Agents: https://ritterim.com/blog/what-todays-financial-environment-means-for-medicare-beneficiaries-and-agents/ Why Now is the Time to Start Selling Insurance: https://ritterim.com/blog/why-now-is-the-time-to-start-selling-insurance/ Your Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Started in Insurance Sales: https://ritterim.com/free-guide/    References: Captive Agent: What it is, How it Works, Pros and Cons: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/captive-agent.asp Five Tips for the Part-Time Agent: https://www.insurance-forums.com/practice-building/hiring-staffing/five-tips-for-the-part-time-agent/ Independent Agent: What It Is and What They Do: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/independent-agent.asp   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 (fka) Twitter, https://twitter.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/ 

  The Friday Five for June 21, 2024: AHIP 2024 Certification Down, CY 2025 Coming Soon Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage in Employer Plans Biden Administration Proposes Rule on Medical Debt Done Telehealth & The CDC Advisory on Stimulant ADHD Meds Amazon RxPass Expands to Medicare Beneficiaries   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 2025 Medicare Advantage & Part D Certification Info: https://ritterim.com/blog/2025-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-certification-info/     Are You Self-Sabotaging Your Insurance Sales Success? https://ritterim.com/blog/are-you-self-sabotaging-your-insurance-sales-success/ 5 Things About Prepping for the Insurance License Exam: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240607   Developing a Retention Mindset ft. Blake Amos (Cigna Healthcare): https://link.chtbl.com/2024BlakeAmos Join Us at the Summits! https://ritterim.com/blog/join-us-at-the-summits/ Training Opportunities for Insurance Agents at Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG437   AHIP 2024 Certification Down, CY 2025 Coming Soon: Medicare + Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Training: https://www.ahip.org/courses/medicare-fraud-waste-and-abuse-training What Is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It? https://ritterim.com/blog/what-is-ahip-certification-and-how-do-i-get-it/   Biden Administration Proposes Rule on Medical Debt: CFPB Proposes to Ban Medical Bills from Credit Reports: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-proposes-to-ban-medical-bills-from-credit-reports/ Even if Medical Debt Isn't on Your Credit Report, It Can Drag Down Your Credit: https://money.usnews.com/credit-cards/articles/even-if-medical-debt-isnt-on-your-credit-report-it-can-drag-down-your-credit In sweeping change, Biden administration to ban medical debt from credit reports: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/sweeping-change-biden-administration-ban-medical-debt-credit/story?id=110997906 Will CFPB's Ban On Medical Debts From Credit Reports Help Patients? https://www.forbes.com/sites/gebai/2024/06/16/cfpbs-ban-on-medical-debts-from-credit-reports-will-harm-patients/     Done Telehealth & The CDC Advisory on Stimulant ADHD Meds: CDC warns access to ADHD meds may be disrupted after arrests of health-care startup executives: https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/13/health/cdc-adhd-medication-alert/index.html  Disrupted Access to Prescription Stimulant Medications Could Increase Risk of Injury and Overdose: https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2024/han00510.asp#print FDA Drug Shortages Portal: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/drug-shortages Feds arrest Adderall telehealth CEO under Controlled Substances Act: https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/13/24178049/done-adhd-telehealth-controlled-substances-act-doj-fraud Founder/CEO and Clinical President of Digital Health Company Arrested for $100M Adderall Distribution and Health Care Fraud Scheme: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/founderceo-and-clinical-president-digital-health-company-arrested-100m-adderall-distribution Telehealth startup Done's CEO and clinical president arrested, charged with fraud: https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/health-tech/telehealth-startup-dones-ceo-and-clinical-president-arrested-charged-fraud     Amazon RxPass Expands to Medicare Beneficiaries: Amazon Pharmacy expands RxPass subscription service to Medicare patients: https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/health-tech/amazon-pharmacy-expands-rxpass-subscription-service-medicare-patients Amazon RxPass: https://pharmacy.amazon.com/rxpass   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 (fka) Twitter, https://twitter.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/

  The Friday Five for February 23, 2024: Apple Music Replay Monthly FDA Approves Severe Frostbite Treatment New Audio Features from Samsung Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Program KFF Poll on Affordability & ACA: Takeaways for Agents   Ask the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   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 Twitter, https://twitter.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/    Resources: 4 Perks of Partnering with an FMO: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG575 A Financial Snapshot of Medicare Beneficiaries in 2023: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240209 Halfway Through Medicaid Unwinding: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240216 Learning from Lost Medicare Insurance Sales: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG576 Social Media Marketing Apps: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA52   Apple Music Replay Monthly: Apple Music introduces a monthly version of Replay: https://techcrunch.com/2024/02/20/apple-music-introduces-a-monthly-version-of-replay/ Apple Music Reply will recap listening habits monthly: https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/20/24078224/apple-music-reply-will-recap-listening-habits-monthly   FDA Approves Severe Frostbite Treatment: FDA approves first treatment for severe frostbite: https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/14/health/iloprost-frostbite-fda/index.html FDA Approves Iloprost for Severe Frostbite: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/fda-approves-iloprost-severe-frostbite-2024a10003cn?form=fpf US FDA approves first treatment for severe frostbite: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-fda-approves-first-treatment-severe-frostbite-2024-02-14/   New Audio Features from Samsung: Samsung details a host of audio upgrades coming to its phones, tablets, and TVs: https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/20/24078026/samsung-galaxy-buds-auracast-360-audio-auto-switch-support Samsung is upgrading a bunch of audio capabilities on its phones, tablets and earbuds: https://www.engadget.com/samsung-is-upgrading-a-bunch-of-audio-capabilities-on-its-phones-tablets-and-earbuds-133533584.html   Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Program: CMS Issues Additional Guidance on Program to Allow People with Medicare to Pay Out-of-Pocket Prescription Drug Costs in Monthly Payments: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-issues-additional-guidance-program-allow-people-medicare-pay-out-pocket-prescription-drug-costs Draft CY 2025 Part D Redesign Program Instructions Fact Sheet: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/draft-cy-2025-part-d-redesign-program-instructions-fact-sheet Fact Sheet: Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/medicare-prescription-payment-plan-fact-sheet.pdf   Maximum Monthly Cap on Cost-Sharing Payments Under Prescription Drug Plans: Draft Part One Guidance on Select Topics, Implementation of Section 1860D-2 of the Social Security Act for 2025, and Solicitation of Comments: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/medicare-prescription-payment-plan-part-1-guidance.pdf Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: Draft Part Two Guidance on Select Topics, Implementation of Section 1860D-2 of the Social Security Act for 2025, and Solicitation of Comments: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/medicare-prescription-payment-plan-draft-part-two-guidance.pdf Timeline: Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Implementation: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/medicare-prescription-payment-plan-timeline.pdf   KFF Poll on Affordability & ACA: Takeaways for Agents: Boost Your Commissions with a New HI Sales Strategy ft. Harry Rittner & Damon Logan: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG494 Cross-Selling Cancer, Heart Attack and Stroke, and Critical Illness Insurance: https://ritterim.com/knight-school/expand-dominate/cross-sell/6/ How to Cross-Sell Insurance: The Advisor Approach: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG409 KFF Health Tracking Poll February 2024: Voters on Two Key Health Care Issues: Affordability and ACA: https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/poll-finding/kff-health-tracking-poll-february-2024-voters-on-two-key-health-care-issues-affordability-and-aca/ Questions for our Sales Team? Reach out for answers: https://ritterim.com/meet-your-sales-team/

  The Friday Five for February 16, 2024: Gmail Spam Protection Rolling Out Threads Testing New Feature 2025 MA and Part D Advance Notice Draft of CY 2025 Part D Redesign Halfway Through Medicaid Unwinding   Ask the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   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 Twitter, https://twitter.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/    Resources: 4 Perks of Partnering with an FMO: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG575 A Financial Snapshot of Medicare Beneficiaries in 2023: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240209 Apps to Help You Stay Healthy: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA53 Things to Think About Post-OEP: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG572 What You Need to Know About 1035 Exchanges: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG573   Gmail Spam Protection Rolling Out: New Mass Gmail Rejections To Start April 2024, Google Says: https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2024/02/14/google-warns-of-mass-gmail-message-blocks-new-email-security-rules/?sh=4c19402532fa Tired of spam emails? Google has new protections for Gmail users: https://www.techradar.com/computing/tired-of-spam-emails-google-has-new-protections-for-gmail-users   Threads Testing New Feature: In battle with X, Threads gets trending topics where politics will be allowed: https://techcrunch.com/2024/02/12/in-battle-with-x-threads-gets-trending-topics-where-politics-will-be-allowed/ Threads is testing ‘Today's topics' to tell users what's trending in the US: https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/12/24071014/threads-topics-testing-us-test   CMA 2025 MA and Part D Advance Notice: 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice Fact Sheet: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2024-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-advance-notice-fact-sheet 2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice Fact Sheet: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2025-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-advance-notice-fact-sheet   CMS Draft of CY 2025 Part D Redesign: Draft CY 2025 Part D Redesign Program Instructions Fact Sheet: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/draft-cy-2025-part-d-redesign-program-instructions-fact-sheet   Halfway Through Medicaid Unwinding: Halfway through 'unwinding,' Medicaid enrollment is down about 10M: https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/halfway-through-unwinding-medicaid-enrollment-down-about-10-million Medicaid Enrollment and Unwinding Tracker: https://www.kff.org/report-section/medicaid-enrollment-and-unwinding-tracker-overview/

  The Friday Five for February 9, 2024: Google Bard now Google Gemini Last-Minute Valentine's Day Gifts Normalizing Loud Budgeting Gallup Poll on U.S. Healthcare Costs A Medicare Beneficiary Financial Snapshot   Ask the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   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 Twitter, https://twitter.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/    Resources: Increase Sales and Productivity with the Busy Medicare Agent's Sales Planner: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG570 Legislation on Social Media for Kids: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240202 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Do's and Don'ts: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG574 Social Media Marketing Apps: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA52 Stay Organized with the Busy ACA Agent's Sales Calendar: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG571 What You Need to Know About 1035 Exchanges: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG573   Google Bard now Google Gemini: Google Assistant Just Got Supercharged With AI. It Might Be the Biggest Update in Google's History. https://gizmodo.com/google-bard-now-gemini-in-assistant-new-subscription-1851237014 Google rebrands Bard AI to Gemini and launches a new app and subscription: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/08/google-gemini-ai-launches-in-new-app-subscription.html Google rebrands Bard chatbot as Gemini, rolls out paid subscription: https://www.reuters.com/technology/google-rebrands-bard-chatbot-gemini-rolls-out-paid-subscription-2024-02-08/   Last-Minute Valentine's Day Gifts: 28 Best Last-Minute Valentine's Day Gifts That'll Ship In Time: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2024/02/07/last-minute-valentines-day-gifts/?sh=53b150b5b570 33 Valentine's Day Gifts They'll Think Cost You A Fortune But Are Under $50: https://www.buzzfeed.com/jordanagrigs/valentines-day-gifts-seem-expensive-under-50-an 40 Best Valentine's Day Gifts to Make Them Feel All the Love: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/valentines-day-ideas/g46613524/valentines-day-gifts/ 64 Of The Best Valentine's Day Gifts For Him That Are Sure To Impress: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2024/02/05/best-valentines-day-gifts-for-him/?sh=76a668a12b83 The Verge's 2024 Valentine's Day gift guide: https://www.theverge.com/24048257/valentines-day-2024-gift-ideas-boyfriend-girlfriend-couples-husband-wife-partner   Normalizing Loud Budgeting: Financial experts love TikTok's “loud budgeting” trend — here's why: https://www.today.com/life/loud-budgeting-tiktok-financial-trend-rcna136988 ‘Loud budgeting' is having a moment — here's how to take advantage of it: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/07/loud-budgeting-is-having-a-moment-heres-how-to-take-advantage.html Loud budgeting is in, quiet luxury is out. Meet the TikToker who started the financial trend: https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/05/economy/loud-budgeting-financial-trend-tiktok/index.html   Gallup Poll on U.S. Healthcare Costs: Few Americans Know How Much Their Healthcare Costs: https://news.gallup.com/poll/609434/few-americans-know-healthcare-costs.aspx Few Americans say they know how much health care will cost: Gallup: https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4439775-few-americans-know-how-much-health-care-costs-gallup/   A Medicare Beneficiary Financial Snapshot: 10 Reasons Why Medicare Advantage Enrollment is Growing and Why It Matters: https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/10-reasons-why-medicare-advantage-enrollment-is-growing-and-why-it-matters/  Income and Assets of Medicare Beneficiaries in 2023: https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/income-and-assets-of-medicare-beneficiaries-in-2023/

Commentary by Dr. Candice Silversides

  The Friday Five for January 19, 2024: Apple Stolen Device Protection Agents as Early Adopters Rabbit R1 Update Notion Calendar App KFF Study on Medicare Part D Benefit Awareness   Ask the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Fill out the form: https://bit.ly/askasg email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   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 Twitter, https://twitter.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/    Resources: Get Focused with These Apps! https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA20    Goals That Matter MOST & CES 2024: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240112 How to Successfully Set SMART Goals: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG565 Project Management Apps: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA27   Stop Doom Scrolling with These Micro-Learning Apps: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA51 The Complete Guide to Client Loyalty and Retention: https://www.ritterim.com/client-retention-guide/   To-Do or Not To-Do Lists? Personal Planner Apps: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA004 Using a SWOT Analysis to Review Your Insurance Business: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG559   References: 10 Reasons to Be an Early Adopter: https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2024/01/16/be-an-early-adopter/ Apple Releasing iOS 17.3 Next Week With These New Features: https://www.macrumors.com/2024/01/17/apple-releasing-ios-17-3-next-week/ Apple to release iOS 17.3 next week, bringing Stolen Device Protection, collaborative playlists: https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/17/apple-to-release-ios-17-3-next-week/ FAQs about the Inflation Reduction Act's Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program: https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/faqs-about-the-inflation-reduction-acts-medicare-drug-price-negotiation-program/ How to Cut Down Your Screen Time but Still Get Stuff Done: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/17/technology/personaltech/screen-time-phone.html How to turn on iPhone Stolen Device Protection; and should you? https://9to5mac.com/2023/12/23/turn-on-iphone-stolen-device-protection/ KFF Health Tracking Poll: Health Care Issues Emerge as Important Topics on 2024 Campaign Trail, Plus Concerns Loom Large Around Medicaid Unwinding: https://www.kff.org/health-reform/poll-finding/kff-health-tracking-poll-november-2023/ Notion launches a stand-alone calendar app: https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/17/notion-launches-a-calendar-app/ Notion turns its Cron acquisition into an integrated calendar app: https://www.engadget.com/notion-turns-its-cron-acquisition-into-an-integrated-calendar-app-215644220.html Notion unveils a calendar app you'll actually want to use: https://www.fastcompany.com/91010971/notion-unveils-a-calendar-app-youll-actually-want-to-use Rabbit, Ballie, and the other gadgets of CES 2024: https://pod.link/vergecast/episode/2de8d23da3b7f8af465d13f9f5123f12 The Rabbit R1: all the latest news about this hare-raising AI gadget: https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/18/24042688/rabbit-r1-ai-gadget-handheld-news-updates-storystream The New Help for Medicare Beneficiaries with High Drug Costs That Few Seem to Know About: https://www.kff.org/policy-watch/the-new-help-for-medicare-beneficiaries-with-high-drug-costs-that-few-seem-to-know-about/

The real-world consequences of declining Medicare physician payment. From, 2001 to 2023, Medicare payment has declined 26% when adjusted for inflation. Alice Coombs, an anesthesiologist and internist at Virginia Commonwealth University Health joins to discuss the ways this underpayment impacts physicians and patient care, including longer wait times and less access to care. Dr. Coombs also shares how physicians can advocate for change based on her experience as the president of the Medical Society of Virginia. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts.

Enrolling in a Medicare plan can be complicated, confusing and costly. Join MarketWatch retirement reporter Alessandra Malito and Bob Rees, vice president of Medicare sales for eHealth, as they discuss the big questions beneficiaries have -- and the ones they may not know they need to ask.

  What do Medicare beneficiaries think about enrollment and their coverage? Join Sarah for a deep dive into a recent KFF focus group report. Get the key takeaways for insurance agents selling Medicare during AEP 2024.   Ask the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Fill out the form, email us, or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and Youtube Agent Survival Guide Podcast on Facebook   Sarah on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Threads Tina on LinkedIn   Resources: 5 Pillars of Integrity ft. Jason Meyers 2024 CMS Compliance Regulation Updates for Agents ft. Alyson Seighman Agent Apps | Wix vs. WordPress Are Your Medicare Marketing Materials Compliant? Do's and Don'ts of Medicare Compliance How to Get Your Medicare Enrollment Kits on Time Rules for Hosting a Compliant Medicare Educational Event Rules for Hosting a Compliant Medicare Sales Event Ways to Stay Productive on the Go   References: KFF Official Site Marketing Private Medicare Plans Series What Do People with Medicare Think About the Role of Marketing, Shopping for Medicare Options, and Their Coverage? (Summary) What Do People with Medicare Think About the Role of Marketing, Shopping for Medicare Options, and Their Coverage? (Report)

(7/31/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Ransomware attackers steal the personal information of more than 600,000 Medicare beneficiaries. The Defense Department now has an independent military prosecutor for the most serious offenses. And the FDIC makes plans to plug three holes in the cloud. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(7/31/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Ransomware attackers steal the personal information of more than 600,000 Medicare beneficiaries. The Defense Department now has an independent military prosecutor for the most serious offenses. And the FDIC makes plans to plug three holes in the cloud. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Dr. Christopher Beck interviews Dr. Peter Soukas about his algorithm for below the knee (BTK) critical limb ischemia (CLI) interventions as well as his implementation of new evidence-based guidance. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Medtronic HawkOne Directional Atherectomy System https://www.medtronic.com/hawkone --- SHOW NOTES Dr. Soukas serves as the director of vascular medicine, the interventional peripheral vascular lab, and the endovascular medicine fellowship at Brown University in Providence, RI. In addition, he holds the position of associate professor of medicine at The Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University. Dr. Soukas began his career as an interventional cardiologist. Over the course of his 13-year tenure in Providence, he has dedicated his career to the treatment of CLI and BTK disease. Prior to any interventional work, Dr. Soukas follows a comprehensive work-up including an ankle-brachial index (ABI), arterial duplex, and evaluating kidney function for safe administration of contrast. For a majority of cases, he uses the common femoral artery as the access point, but prefers to prep multiple access sites in the event of needing both anterograde and retrograde, or pedal, access. He discusses the use of the chronic total occlusion crossing approach based on plaque cap morphology (CTOP) classification on angiogram in determining the need for a retrograde approach. The type I morphology is characterized by the convexity of the plaque pointing away and is often treated successfully by an anterograde approach alone, as CTOP types II, III, and IV benefited from the addition of retrograde tibiopedal access. Once access is gained and the plaque morphology is evaluated using angiography, it becomes crucial to address any issues with the inflow to the affected vessel. This step ensures proper blood flow and provides a stable foundation for further interventions. Intravascular ultrasound is then used to assess the size and extent of the plaque, and then depending on the amount of calcification, either intravascular lithotripsy or calcium modifying technology can be used. Scoring balloons with low pressure may also be used for vessels that are moderately calcified and have been shown to have low rates of recoil and dissection. The main initiative of the procedure is to provide blood flow to the target angiosome which is dependent on the location of the wound. During his last remarks, Dr. Soukas comments on the future of BTK interventions, including Paclitaxel vs Sirolimus eluting stents, the use of self-expanding stents, and LimFlow, a minimally invasive technology that creates a channel between an artery and vein allowing the vein to provide blood flow to the foot. With the increasing prevalence of critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and high 12-month mortality rates in patients with amputations, Dr. Soukas ends the discussion by emphasizing how revascularization should be the preferred initial approach in treating CLTI due to the potential benefits it offers in terms of limb preservation and mortality reduction, urging practitioners to educate patients in being aggressive in their care. --- RESOURCES CTOP article: https://evtoday.com/articles/2018-may/using-plaque-cap-morphology-to-determine-cto-crossing-approach Disrupt PAD III Observational study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34380334/ PRELUDE BTK Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34802313/ Intravascular Ultrasound study: https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jcin.2022.01.001 Intravascular US in Medicare Beneficiaries: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35998803/ PROMISE II study: https://limflow.com/us/clinical-evidence/promise-ii-study-results/

Commentary by Dr. Valentin Fuster

Commentary by Dr. Valentin Fuster

As the healthcare industry moves towards achieving CMS's goal of having every Medicare beneficiary in an ACO or ACO-like model by 2030, we must focus on patients in institutional settings. For long-term care patients, better care and better health means ensuring patients receive advanced care planning and regular wellness visits. And it also requires providers and facilities to work together in preventing avoidable hospitalizations and unnecessary SNF and hospice utilization. Unfortunately, the needs of geriatric patients in an institutional setting are often overlooked as compared to other populations in the vast environment that falls within the influence of value-based care. LTC ACO -- the first ACO in the country focused specifically on the special needs of Medicare beneficiaries residing in long-term care facilities -- is changing that narrative. The mission of LTC ACO is to dramatically improve the quality and cost of healthcare delivered to these Medicare beneficiaries, rewarding participating providers for achieving these outcomes. Using this approach, it is their vision to revolutionize the way healthcare is provided to Medicare beneficiaries residing in long-term care facilities. Joining us this week in the Race to Value is Jason Feuerman, the President and Chief Executive Officer of LTC ACO. In addition to leading one of the only ACOs that is dedicated exclusively to management of long-term care facility residents, Jason supports managed care and strategic value-based initiatives for Genesis HealthCare, the biggest post-acute care operator in the country. In this episode, you will learn about LTC ACO implemented a program in the traditional Medicare population that mirrors Institutional Special Needs Plans (I-SNPs). He discusses how the ACO engages and incentivizes providers and facilities and has operationalized a data infrastructure to drive care interventions. They have woken up an entire ecosystem with their approach to value-based care and have generated well over $40M in Shared Savings throughout their lifespan. By focusing on improving care outcomes and engaging providers, they have become the industry-leading exemplar for improving patient outcomes in long-term care!   Episode Bookmarks: 01:30 Introduction to Jason Feuerman and LTC ACO, the first ACO focused specifically on the special needs of Medicare Beneficiaries residing in long-term care facilities. 03:00 LTC ACO was launched by Genesis Healthcare, the biggest post-acute care operator in the country, with significant experience in MA risk and bundled payment models. 06:00 Lessons Learned from MA: How Institutional Special Needs Plans (I-SNPs)provided an operational thesis for LTC ACO in the Medicare Shared Savings Program. 07:00 By improving quality and driving down unnecessary costs, LTC ACO returns the Shared Savings earned to LTC facilities and the physicians who support them. 08:00 “Waking up the ecosystem” by providing outcomes data to long-term care providers. 10:00 Achieving capital efficiency in a model where there is no downside risk. 12:00 How capital requirements for delegated Medicare Advantage differ from the MSSP model. 13:00 Less than 15% of residents in long-term care facilities are in a MA plan. (Limited business opportunities in Medicare Advantage) 15:30 Applying the same tenets of I-SNPs to a Medicare ACO (e.g. aligning providers and providing rewards with surpluses) 16:00 “Waking up an Ecosystem”:  Most LTC providers do not know what happens to their patients once they leave the long-term care institutional setting. 17:00 How data can be used to inform long-term care providers how their patients are doing across the continuum. 18:30 The use of AI for population-based predictive analytics to identify potential health risk (see recent Press Release regarding ClosedLoop AI partnership) 19:00 “Long-term care providers gravitate towards population health data and how they can contribute to bending the cost curve....

It's In the News, a look at the top stories and headlines from the diabetes community happening now. Top stories this week: Dexcom G7 is now available in the United States, Insulet buys assets from Bigfoot and another California company, new studies about cannabis and type 1 and COVID and diabetes, different predictors of type 2 in women and men, plus scholarships for T1D students. Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Take Control with Afrezza  Omnipod - Simplify Life Learn about Dexcom  Check out VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures Learn more about AG1 from Athletic Greens  Drive research that matters through the T1D Exchange The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter here Here's where to find us: Facebook (Group) Facebook (Page) Instagram Twitter Check out Stacey's books! Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com  Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.com Episode Transcription:  Hello and welcome to Diabetes Connections In the News! I'm Stacey Simms and these are the top diabetes stories and headlines happening now XX In the news is brought to you by T1D Exchange dedicated to improving outcomes for the entire T1D population XX Our top story. Today's the day. February 17th is the day Dexcom's G7 becomes available in the United States. Now.. whether you can get it still depends on your insurance, your doctor – a new prescription is needed – and the availability at your pharmacy. Whether you want to get it may depend on if you use a compatible pump system – the G7 will NOT work with Tandem's CIQ or Omnipod 5 for several more months. The G7 will be accessible to all Medicare patients with diabetes who meet the eligibility criteria as of today.. so no wait there. Much more to come on the launch I'm sure.. https://investors.dexcom.com/news/news-details/2023/Dexcom-G7-Continuous-Glucose-Monitoring-System-Will-Be-Available-to-Medicare-Beneficiaries-at-Launch/default.aspx?fbclid=IwAR0cKhAv5C8TMZ8v8f98rlhnvBQ0JkFj3SLRyc7RdMeOAO3_Tpl95cKNX20 XX People who've had Covid-19 have a higher risk of developing diabetes, and that link seems to have persisted into the Omicron era, a new study finds. Mounting evidence suggests Covid-19 infections are tied to a new diagnosis of diabetes, though it's not clear whether this relationship is a coincidence or cause-and-effect. Big study here, 23,000 adults who'd had Covid-19 at least once. The raw data showed that people who'd had Covid-19 had higher risks of being diagnosed with diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure after their infections. But when the researchers adjusted those numbers to account for the benchmark diagnosis, only the risk of diabetes remained significantly elevated. Covid-19 increased the odds of a new diabetes diagnosis by an average of about 58%. The new study is notable because it adds recent data, said Wander, who was not involved in the research. It also used strategies to try to address shifts in health care during the pandemic. Another strength of the study was that it included people who were diagnosed between March 2020 and June 2022, so it was able to estimate the risk even after the Omicron variant swept through the US. https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/14/health/covid-diabetes-risk-study/index.html XX Insulet making a couple of interesting acquisitions.. $25 million in assets from Automated Glucose Control LLC in California. And the same amount $25 million of assets from Bigfoot Biomedical. AGC and Insulet have had a partnership since 2016 which mostly involved the algorithm that led to Omnipod 5. Bigfoot has also claimed patents regarding more hands-off insulin delivery, The acquisition effectively doubles Insulet's IP portfolio, Eric Benjamin, the company's executive VP of innovation, strategy and digital products, said in a press release. XX Dr. Halis Akturk and colleagues began noticing patterns among people with T1D in Colorado hospital emergency departments (ED) after cannabis was legalized in the state. They have since conducted several nationwide retrospective studies on those living with T1D that also use cannabis, including hospitalization records and T1D Exchange Registry participant surveys. They found that T1D participants had repeated return visits to the ED in the following weeks, and DKA was frequently misdiagnosed. Based on that research, Dr. Akturk's team has recently developed a key to differentiating between DKA and a new syndrome that mimics DKA, one they've named HK-CHS: Hyperglycemic Ketosis-Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome. To treat HK-CHS, your care team will typically increase fluids, treat the high blood glucose with insulin, and balance your electrolytes, or anion gap. You will be advised to stop using cannabis until the symptoms resolve. These treatments will bring your blood glucose levels back into target range and get your gut moving again, which will ease the nausea and vomiting. Depending on your dose, frequency, and duration of use, symptoms may take several days to several weeks to resolve. https://t1dexchange.org/cannabis-t1d-risks/ XX About two thirds of people with type 1 diabetes in the United States have overweight or obesity, nearly the same proportion as Americans without diabetes, new nationwide survey data suggest. What's more, among people with overweight or obesity, those with type 1 diabetes are less likely to receive lifestyle recommendations from healthcare professionals than those with type 2 diabetes, and are less likely to actually engage in lifestyle weight management activities than others with overweight or obesity, with or without type 2 diabetes. "the lack of evidence for safe, effective methods of diet- and exercise-based weight control in people with type 1 diabetes may be keeping doctors from recommending such methods," these researchers say. "Large clinical trials have been done in type 2 diabetes patients to establish guidelines for diet- and exercise-based weight management, and we now need something similar for type 1 diabetes patients." https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/988199 XX New research showing men and women have different risk factors when it comes to type 2 diabetes. In healthy women, low serum level of the adipose tissue protein adiponectin was an independent strong predictor of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes in the future. In healthy men, instead, low serum level of the liver protein IGFBP-1, was an independent strong predictor of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes This means that these proteins, which are measures of insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue (adiponectin) and liver and muscle (IGFBP-1), can predict whether one has a high risk of getting type 2 diabetes in 10 years. A previous study performed in Shanghai in 2016 showed gender differences in the same direction. In men with prediabetes the risk of future type 2 diabetes was significantly reduced if they increased their physical activity and muscle mass . In contrast, the same study showed that women with prediabetes must avoid increasing waist circumference and abdominal obesity or reducing large waist circumference to prevent type 2 diabetes. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-women-men-shown-factors-diabetes.html XX Tempramed/ VIVI Cap XX XX 2023 Diabetes Scholars applications are now open! If you're a high school senior living with type 1 diabetes in the US, you can apply to get money for college. https://diabetesscholars.org/apply-now/?fbclid=IwAR2txFmkmxp9qoMf5ZkKX0f83oxj3aOr69rCXeqozRDxq7Dt94e9QdBQrjg XX On the podcast next week.. Diatech Diabetes is a medical device company based out of Memphis, TN committed to changing the way infusion set failure detection is done with our infusion set failure detection system, SmartFusion. The last episode is with Dr Phyllisa Deroze all about explaining to your child when you, the parent, have diabetes. That's In the News for this week.. if you like it, please share it! Thanks for joining me! See you back here soon. ---- The T1D Exchange Registry is a research study conducted online over time, designed to foster innovation and improve the lives of people with T1D. The platform is open to both adults and children with T1D living in the U.S. Personal information remains confidential and participation is fully voluntary. Once enrolled, participants will complete annual surveys and have the opportunity to sign up for other studies on specific topics related to T1D. The registry aims to improve knowledge of T1D, accelerate the discovery and development of new treatments and technologies, and generate evidence to support policy or insurance changes that help the T1D community. By sharing opinions, experiences and data, patients can help advance meaningful T1D treatment, care and policy.

RPI is actively managing Health, Wealth and Legacy solutions for over 2,000 retiree clients from our Central Iowa Headquarters since 2008. We are an established succession planning firm for retiring Medicare Insurance Agents and a Wealth/ Legacy Resource for a growing Network of Elite Independent Senior Market Advisors.HEALTH- With our proprietary Carrier Connect Platform, we educate Medicare Beneficiaries on the multitude of plan types and companies available in their local market, set expectations for their optimal healthcare experience, and support them over time with our Proactive Service Model ™WEALTH- Financial professionals do fabulous work getting people to retirement, so they can work with us. We leverage the strategies, tactics, products and technology to craft bulletproof retirement income strategies- for retirees that don't want to run into worries or run out of money.LEGACY- Most people prefer to leave their legacy to loved ones, rather than their greedy Uncle or a local care facility. We implement innovative planning concepts to mitigate these risks, in some cases without exclusively tying up valuable assets.Learn More: https://www.retireprotected.com/Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-josh-d-millang-president-of-retirement-protectors-discussing-ira-maximization-concepts

The US's largest value-based payment model, the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP), recently underwent changes designed to retain those organizations already involved and to encourage participation from new organizations. This week on Sg2 Perspectives, Sg2 Associate Principal Keely Macmillan joins us to talk about these changes (eg, a more gradual glide path to downside risk, the advancement of health equity) and how provider organizations—whether they are part of MSSP or not—should move forward. Learn more about MSSP and how Sg2 can help with your organization's value-based care strategy in Sg2's blog post and educational web series.   We are always excited to get ideas and feedback from our listeners. You can reach us at sg2perspectives@sg2.com, find us on Twitter as @Sg2HealthCare, or visit the Sg2 company page on LinkedIn.    

RPI is actively managing Health, Wealth and Legacy solutions for over 2,000 retiree clients from our Central Iowa Headquarters since 2008. We are an established succession planning firm for retiring Medicare Insurance Agents and a Wealth/ Legacy Resource for a growing Network of Elite Independent Senior Market Advisors.HEALTH- With our proprietary Carrier Connect Platform, we educate Medicare Beneficiaries on the multitude of plan types and companies available in their local market, set expectations for their optimal healthcare experience, and support them over time with our Proactive Service Model ™WEALTH- Financial professionals do fabulous work getting people to retirement, so they can work with us. We leverage the strategies, tactics, products and technology to craft bulletproof retirement income strategies- for retirees that don't want to run into worries or run out of money.LEGACY- Most people prefer to leave their legacy to loved ones, rather than their greedy Uncle or a local care facility. We implement innovative planning concepts to mitigate these risks, in some cases without exclusively tying up valuable assets.Learn More: https://www.retireprotected.com/Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-josh-d-millang-president-of-retirement-protectors-discussing-long-term-care-strategies

RPI is actively managing Health, Wealth and Legacy solutions for over 2,000 retiree clients from our Central Iowa Headquarters since 2008. We are an established succession planning firm for retiring Medicare Insurance Agents and a Wealth/ Legacy Resource for a growing Network of Elite Independent Senior Market Advisors.HEALTH- With our proprietary Carrier Connect Platform, we educate Medicare Beneficiaries on the multitude of plan types and companies available in their local market, set expectations for their optimal healthcare experience, and support them over time with our Proactive Service Model ™WEALTH- Financial professionals do fabulous work getting people to retirement, so they can work with us. We leverage the strategies, tactics, products and technology to craft bulletproof retirement income strategies- for retirees that don't want to run into worries or run out of money.LEGACY- Most people prefer to leave their legacy to loved ones, rather than their greedy Uncle or a local care facility. We implement innovative planning concepts to mitigate these risks, in some cases without exclusively tying up valuable assets.Learn More: https://www.retireprotected.com/Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-josh-d-millang-president-of-retirement-protectors-discussing-the-medicare-advantage-madness