Explore every episode of the podcast Agent Survival Guide | Empowering Insurance Agents to Survive Today and Thrive Tomorrow
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| International Podcast Day 2022 | 30 Sep 2022 | 00:26:56 | |
We're back with more podcast recommendations all in the name of celebrating International Podcast Day 2022! Sarah has updates, recommendations, and a brand-new feature this year. Listen, like, and follow along... we hope you find some new favorites! 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/ and Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-lamoreux-6384b7199/ Podcast Recommendations:
Aftershock: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-aftershock-83996090/ Arcadia, CA: https://arcadiacalifornia.lawofnames.com/ Articles of Interest: https://www.radiotopia.fm/podcasts/articles-of-interest The Beautiful Liar: https://qcodemedia.com/the-beautiful-liar Bridgewater: https://www.grimandmild.com/bridgewater From Now: https://qcodemedia.com/from-now The Midnight Symphony: https://www.themidnightsymphony.com/ Missing Pages: https://thepodglomerate.com/shows/missing-pages/ Normal Gossip: https://defector.com/tag/normal-gossip/ Overleaper: https://www.realm.fm/shows/overleaper The Polybius Conspiracy: https://www.radiotopia.fm/showcase/the-polybius-conspiracy Sam Archer Third Grade Detective: https://www.gokidgo.com/samarcher The Trojan Horse Affair: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/podcasts/trojan-horse-affair.html X Marks the Spot: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/x-marks-the-spot-the-legend-of-forrest-fenn/id1626203378 Young Ben Franklin: https://gzmshows.com/shows/listing/young-ben-franklin/ More Recommendations:
Behind the Scenes of the Agent Survival Guide Podcast: https://agentsurvivalguide.podbean.com/e/behind-the-scenes-of-the-asg-podcast-%C7%80-asg100-%F0%9F%8E/ International Podcast Day 2019: https://agentsurvivalguide.podbean.com/e/international-podcast-day-2019/ Top 5 Podcasts of 2019: https://agentsurvivalguide.podbean.com/e/top-5-podcasts-of-2019-the-friday-five/ Podcasts We're Currently Listening To: https://agentsurvivalguide.podbean.com/e/podcasts-we-re-currently-listening-to-the-friday-five/ Podcast Recommendations for Summer 2020: https://agentsurvivalguide.podbean.com/e/podcast-recommendations-for-summer-2020-the-tuesday-ten/ International Podcast Day 2020: https://agentsurvivalguide.podbean.com/e/international-podcast-day-2020/ Top 5 Podcasts of 2020: https://agentsurvivalguide.podbean.com/e/top-5-podcasts-of-2020-the-friday-five/ Podcasts We're Currently Listening To (Winter 2021): https://agentsurvivalguide.podbean.com/e/january-1-2021-the-friday-five/ March 12, 2021 | The Friday Five: https://agentsurvivalguide.podbean.com/e/march-12-2021-the-friday-five/ Podcast Recommendations for Summer 2021: https://agentsurvivalguide.podbean.com/e/podcast-recommendations-for-summer-2021/ International Podcast Day 2021: https://agentsurvivalguide.podbean.com/e/international-podcast-day-2021-1632944993/ Top 5 Podcasts of 2021: https://agentsurvivalguide.podbean.com/e/top-5-podcasts-of-2021/ Winter 2021 Podcast Recommendations: https://agentsurvivalguide.podbean.com/e/winter-2021-podcast-recommendations/ Podcast Recommendations for Summer 2022: https://agentsurvivalguide.podbean.com/e/podcast-recommendations-for-summer-2022/ References:
Bridgewater Season 2 Update from Twitter: https://twitter.com/BridgewaterPod/status/1570019391907004418?s=20&t=YRxCMwOz98h2Txojk_49XA Podcast Statistics and Data [August 2022]: https://www.buzzsprout.com/blog/podcast-statistics Radiotopia from PRX Announces Forthcoming Series from Acclaimed Indie Podcasters Avery Trufelman, Ian Chillag, and Kaitlin Prest: https://medium.com/prxofficial/radiotopia-from-prx-announces-forthcoming-series-from-acclaimed-indie-podcasters-cd4d42db8447 The Infinite Dial 2022: http://www.edisonresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Infinite-Dial-2022-Webinar-revised.pdf
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| Lessons Learned After 400 Episodes | 03 Feb 2022 | 00:16:05 | |
After 400+ episodes of the Agent Survival Guide Podcast, we've learned some things! Rather than keep that knowledge to ourselves, we're sharing it with you... and asking for your stories, too!!! What’s the best business lesson you ever learned? We want to know! Email the ASG Podcast or call the hotline at 1-717-562-7211! Mentioned in this episode:
Contact the Team at Ritter Insurance Marketing Register for your FREE RitterIM.com account Should You Hire an Assistant for Your Insurance Business? More episodes you’ll like:
4 Myths About Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) Sales 8 Reasons Why Medicare Agents Should Sell ACA Plans How Insurance Agents Can Learn About Their Social Media Audience How to Successfully Set SMART Goals Winter 2021 Podcast Recommendations Articles to Share with Your Clients:
Getting Your Home Ready for Winter Storms The Difference of Cooking with Fresh and Dry Herbs What are State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs? Ritter Insurance Marketing eBooks & Guides:
Developing an Agency – Your Guide to Getting Started Modern Medicare Marketing for Today’s Agents The Complete Guide to Client Loyalty and Retention The latest from Ritter’s Blog:
8 Reasons Why Medicare Agents Should Sell ACA Plans The Part D SEP Triggers That Can Help You Post-AEP Why Young Professionals Should Consider Becoming Insurance Agents Subscribe & Follow:
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| Top 10 Holiday Toys 2021 | The Tuesday Ten | 23 Nov 2021 | 00:22:35 | |
Survive holiday toy shopping with Sarah! She's done her research, created the spreadsheets, and compiled her list of must-have toys. Listen to hear her picks for the Top Holiday Toys of 2021. Mentioned in this episode:
Baby Alive Lulu Achoo – Amazon | Target | Walmart Beyblade Burst Surge Speedstorm Motor Strike Battle Set – Amazon | Target | Walmart Bluey Ultimate Caravan Adventures Caravan Playset – Amazon | Walmart Chuckle & Roar Pop It! XL – Target CoComelon Official Deluxe Interactive JJ Doll with Sounds – Amazon | Target | Walmart Crayola Light Up Tracing Pad – Amazon | Target | Walmart Disney Princess Ultimate Celebration Castle – Amazon | Target | Walmart Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Ultimate Learning Bot – Amazon | Target | Walmart Kinetic Sand Sandisfactory Set – Amazon | Target | Walmart Lego Super Mario Adventures with Luigi Starter Course – Amazon | Target | Walmart LOL Surprise OMG Movie Magic Studios – Amazon | Target | Walmart Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron – Amazon | Target | Walmart Nintendo Switch – Amazon | Target | Walmart Osmo Math Wizard and the Magical Workshop – Amazon | Target Pokemon 25th Anniversary Celebrations Elite Trainer Box – Amazon | Walmart Purse Pets – Amazon | Target | Walmart Squeakee The Balloon Dino – Amazon | Target | Walmart Squishmallows – Amazon | Target | Walmart Star Wars Galactic Snackin' Grogu – Amazon | Target Tamagotchi Pix – Amazon | Target | Walmart TeeTurtle The Original Reversible Octopus Plushie – Amazon | Walmart Vtech KidiZoom PrintCam – Amazon | Target | Walmart WowWee Got2Glow Fairy Finder – Amazon | Target | Walmart WowWee My Squishy Little Dumplings – Amazon | Target | Walmart More episodes you’ll like:
2022 Medicare Part A & B Premiums and Deductibles 3 Tips to Help Your Clients Avoid Health Insurance Scams November 12, 2021 | The Friday Five November 19, 2021 | The Friday Five Tips on Dealing with a Difficult Client Articles to Share with Your Clients:
3 Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers Getting Creative with Thanksgiving Classics Subscribe & Follow:
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| International Podcast Day 2021 | 30 Sep 2021 | 00:24:28 | |
Celebrate International Podcast Day with the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! We ♥ podcasts, so we’re back with another fun episode of podcast recommendations. Sarah shares what she’s been listening to AND what’s coming soon that she’s excited about! Mentioned in this episode:
Toxic: The Britney Spears Story The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel More episodes you’ll like:
Podcast Recommendations for Summer 2021 Podcasts We’re Currently Listening To (Winter 2021) International Podcast Day 2020 Podcast Recommendations for Summer 2020 Podcasts We’re Currently Listening To International Podcast Day 2019 Behind the Scenes of the ASG Podcast Subscribe & Follow:
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| Top 10 Holiday Toys 2020 | The Tuesday Ten | 24 Nov 2020 | 00:09:57 | |
It’s back! Our official list of 2020’s top 10 holiday toys! We did the research so you don’t have to! Sarah has a thing for research, spreadsheets, and really delights in the finding the perfect gift. Let her help you survive holiday toy shopping! Mentioned in this episode:
Blume Rainbow Sparkle Surprise – Amazon | Target | Walmart Hatchimals Pixies Crystal Flyers – Amazon | Target | Walmart LEGO Super Mario Adventures with Mario Starter Course – Amazon | Target | Walmart Little Live Pets Gotta Go Flamingo – Amazon | Target | Walmart L.O.L. Surprise Clubhouse – Amazon | Target | Walmart Na! Na! Na! Ultimate Surprise – Amazon | Target | Walmart Nintendo Switch – Amazon | Target | Walmart O.M.G. Remix Fashion Dolls – Amazon | Target | Walmart PAW Patrol Dino Patroller – Amazon | Target | Walmart Present Pets – Amazon | Target | Walmart Squeakee the Balloon Dog – Amazon | Target | Walmart Star Wars The Child Animatronic Edition – Amazon | Target Vtech KidiZoom Creator Cam – Amazon | Target | Walmart More episodes you’ll like:
November 20, 2020 | The Friday Five The Friday Five for November 20, 2020: Amazon Pharmacy; Pfizer and BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine; A Zoom Thanksgiving?; TikTok Rolls Out Parental Controls; Thanksgiving Desserts (and BONUS: sides!) Build Your Brand with Community Involvement Connect with your local community and grow your insurance business at the same time! Use our helpful tips to get started. Carriers and Plans Participating in CMS Model to Save Consumers on Insulin Costs Get the scoop on the Part D Senior Savings Model! This new initiative brings major insulin savings to your Medicare clients. They could pay just $35 for a one-month supply of insulin. Learn all the details in this can't miss episode of our Agent Survival Guide Podcast. How Selling Insurance Helps Give Back In the insurance industry, there's plenty of opportunities to give back. Discover how agents make a difference in their communities every day, and how you can, too! The Agents Survival Guide Podcast Turns 3! Celebrate with us!!! Three years, more than three hundred episodes published, dozens of rabbit holes explored, and countless cups of coffee consumed. Thanks for sticking with us! Listen for details on our 3rd Birthday Giveaway! 🥳 Articles to Share with Your Clients:
Dishes to Impress Your Friends: Cariofi Alla Giudia Carciofi alla Giudia is a classic Italian-Jewish fried artichoke dish that takes everything you love about potato chips and improves upon it. Ready to learn how to make them? Subscription Boxes for Seniors Bring Wellness to Your Doorstep Subscription boxes can be very beneficial for seniors, especially if they promote a hobby or healthy eating. We look at a few of the ways subscription boxes for seniors can be utilized. Why Do We Celebrate That? Classic Christmas Traditions Christmas is a holiday with many classic traditions, from the Christmas tree to parties and wassailing. But when you think about it, why do we celebrate that? The latest from Ritter’s Blog:
2021 Medicare Part A and Part B Premiums and Deductibles CMS recently released their numbers for 2021 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs. Let’s see how these changes might affect your clients in the coming year. Navigating Insurance Sales During the Medicare AEP & COVID You need commissions, but you don’t want to catch, or spread, COVID. Can you compliantly check temperatures or ask health questions in person? Will more carriers allow remote Medicare sales? How can you have a profitable Annual Enrollment Period during the current health crisis? How to Get Started in Medicare Sales Starting out as an insurance agent in the Medicare industry can seem daunting. There are many ins and outs of selling Medicare and quite a list of things you need to decide and do. Subscribe & Follow:
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| Top 10 Holiday Toys 2019 | The Tuesday Ten | 26 Nov 2019 | 00:16:23 | |
Let us help you survive the holidays! We’ve done all the research (we 💖 research) and we’ve compiled our official list of the top ten holiday toys for 2019. You don’t want to miss this one! Mentioned in this episode: (In alphabetical order) Baby Shark Fingerlings– Amazon | Target | Walmart Baby Shark Hand Puppet – Amazon | Walmart Barbie Dream Plane – Amazon | Target | Walmart Blume Doll – Amazon | Target | Walmart Frozen 2 Singing Elsa Doll – Amazon | Target | Walmart Frozen 2 Anna and Elsa Doll Set – Amazon | Target Frozen 2 Ultimate Arendelle Castle Play Set – Amazon | Target | Walmart Hatching Toothless – Amazon | Target | Walmart Hot Wheels id Smart Track Kit – Amazon | Target Hot Wheels Colossal Crash Track Set – Amazon | Target | Walmart Imaginext Transforming Batmobile – Amazon | Target | Walmart Juno My Baby Elephant – Amazon | Target | Walmart Kindi Kids Snack Time Friends – Amazon | Target | Walmart L.O.L. Amazing Surprise – Amazon | Target | Walmart L.O.L. Glamper – Amazon | Target | Walmart L.O.L. Winter Disco Dolls – Amazon | Target | Walmart L.O.L. Winter Disco Fluffy Pets – Amazon | Target | Walmart L.O.L. Winter Disco Lils – Amazon | Target | Walmart Lego Hidden Side Newbury Haunted High School – Amazon | Target | Walmart Melissa & Doug Slice-and-Bake Wooden Cookie Play Set – Amazon | Target | Walmart Melissa & Doug Top and Bake Wooden Pizza Counter Play Set – Amazon | Target | Walmart Melissa & Doug Turtle Ball Pit – Amazon | Walmart NERF Fortnite AR-L Elite Dart Blaster – Amazon | Target | Walmart NERF Fortnite Sp-L Elite Dart Blaster – Amazon | Target | Walmart NERF Fortnite Ap-R & Llama Targets – Amazon Nintendo Switch (HADSKABAA or HADSKAAAA) – Walmart Nintendo Switch Lite – Amazon | Target | Walmart PJ Masks PJ Seeker – Amazon | Target | Walmart Pictionary Air – Amazon | Target | Walmart Ryan’s World Treasure Safe – Walmart Scruff-A-Luv Electronic Mystery Plush – Amazon | Target | Walmart Treasure X Alien Dissection Kit with Slime, Action Figure, and Treasure – Amazon | Target | Walmart Treasure X Kings Gold Treasure Tomb – Amazon | Target | Walmart How to tell if you’re buying the old Nintendo Switch or the new one More episodes you’ll like:
Build Your Brand with Community Involvement | ASG189 Connect with your local community and grow your insurance business at the same time! Use our helpful tips to get started. How Selling Insurance Helps Give Back | ASG190 In the insurance industry, there are plenty of opportunities to give back. Discover how agents make a difference in their communities every day, and how you can, too! November 22, 2019 | The Friday Five The Friday Five for November 22, 2019: The Trump Administration announces health care transparency rules, Slack shares drop, Microsoft Teams' user base rises, beware of "juice-jacking" while traveling, Facebook and Instagram hide like counts, and find out what’s new and coming soon from the Agent Survival Guide team! The latest from Agent Survival Guide:
2020 Medicare Part A and Part B Premiums and Deductibles CMS just released their numbers for 2020 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs. Let’s take a look and see how these numbers might affect... (read more) 5 Major Things to Expect in the Medicare Advantage Market for 2020 Spoiler alert: With the way the market’s looking for 2020, we feel confident saying now’s a FANTASTIC time to be selling Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Here’s why. The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)... (read more) What Agents Forget to Do When Preparing for Appointments When you’re thinking of everything you need to do to prepare for appointments this Annual Enrollment Period, be sure to think of things outside your memorized to-do list. Pens? Check. Scopes of... (read more) Subscribe & Follow:
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| FMO vs. IMO vs. NMO vs. MGA vs. GA: What’s the Difference? | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:16:30 | |
From FMO to IMO and MGA to GA, we’re unpacking what these acronyms mean and how insurance hierarchies work. Learn more about these organizations and where your insurance business falls on the spectrum!
Read the text version Get Connected: 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: 3 Advantages of Being an Independent Insurance Agent 4 Reasons Why Ritter Insurance Marketing Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency Best Practices for Training Downline Agents Learn More About Integrity Tools What Are Insurance Hierarchies & How Do They Work? 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
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. | |||
| Learning to Delight in the Limelight ft. Linda Ugelow | 27 Jan 2025 | 00:44:54 | |
How unstoppable would you be if you lost the fear of being seen? Linda Ugelow, author of Delight in the Limelight, joins Sarah to talk about how agents can overcome the fear of public speaking, conquer the fear of being on camera, and learn to rightfully bask in the limelight.
Order Your Copy of Delight in the Limelight Connect with Linda Ugelow: Resources: 5 Tips for New Insurance Agents 5 Tips for Seasoned Insurance Agents Developing Power Habits ft. Dr. Noah St. John How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly How to Ask Your Current Clients for Referrals References: Ugelow, Linda. Delight in the Limelight: Overcome Your Fear of Being Seen and Realize Your Dreams. Page Two Books, Inc, 2021. 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. | |||
| ACA Enrollment Periods Explained | 30 Jul 2025 | 00:06:06 | |
We dive into the Affordable Care Act enrollment periods and how to help your clients navigate them!
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: ACA Basics - Knight School Training Takeaways From the 2025 Marketplace Integrity and Affordability CMS Final Rule Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing The Complete Guide to Selling Affordable Care Act Insurance Plans FREE eBook Download The Pros and Cons of Selling Insurance What is the Health Insurance Marketplace? References: “CMS Finalizes Major Rule to Lower Individual Health Insurance Premiums for Americans.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid, 20 June 2025, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-finalizes-major-rule-lower-individual-health-insurance-premiums-americans. “Cost Changes for Pennie Enrollees Coming in 2026.” Pennie, https://pennie.com/costs/. Accessed 2 July 2025. “Getting Health Coverage Outside Open Enrollment.” HealthCare.Gov, https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage-outside-open-enrollment/special-enrollment-period/. Accessed 2 July 2025. “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Marketplace Integrity and Affordability.” Federal Register, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/25/2025-11606/patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act-marketplace-integrity-and-affordability. Accessed 2 July 2025. “When Can You Get Health Insurance?” HealthCare.Gov, https://www.healthcare.gov/quick-guide/dates-and-deadlines/. Accessed 2 July 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. | |||
| How to Recruit Agents to Your Downline | 29 Jul 2025 | 00:09:34 | |
Ready to recruit? Don't miss our episode with tips on where to find applicants, training resources, and more!
Read the text version Resources: Before You Recruit: Setting Up Your Agency for Success Developing an Agency - Your Guide to Getting Started FMO vs. IMO vs. NMO vs. MGA vs. GA: What's the Difference? Tech Takeaways for Forward-Thinking Insurance Agents Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing References: Falk, Stefan. “8 Signs You’re an Ambivert—They’re ‘Underrated’ and ‘More Successful’ than Introverts or Extroverts: Psychology Expert.” Cnbc.Com, CNBC, 21 Feb. 2025, www.cnbc.com/2025/02/21/psychology-expert-signs-youre-an-ambivert-why-theyre-more-successful-than-introverts-and-extroverts.html. “The True Cost of a Bad Hire-and How to Avoid Making One.” Forbes.Com, Forbes Magazine, 30 June 2025, www.forbes.com/sites/allbusiness/2025/06/30/the-true-cost-of-a-bad-hire-and-how-to-avoid-making-one/. “Monthly Labor Review Projection Overview and Highlights 2020-30.” Bls.Gov, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2021/article/projections-overview-and-highlights-2020-30.htm#_ednref1. Accessed 18 July 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. Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. | |||
| 5 Things From the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill | 11 Jul 2025 | 00:17:39 | |
In this week’s Friday Five, Sarah gives her first impressions on what agents need to know about the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill. Learn more about what’s changed for Medicare, Medicaid, ACA, and more!
Get Connected: 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: 2025 ACA Marketplace Integrity & Affordability Final Rule Takeaways 2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D Certification Info Key Takeaways From the 2025 Marketplace Integrity and Affordability CMS Final Rule References: Konish, Lorie. “‘Big Beautiful Bill’ May Help Some Seniors on Social Security. But It Doesn’t Eliminate Taxes on Benefits.” CNBC.Com, CNBC, 8 July 2025, www.cnbc.com/2025/07/07/why-big-beautiful-bill-doesnt-end-taxes-on-social-security-benefits.html. “Health Provisions in the 2025 Federal Budget Reconciliation Bill.” KFF.Org, KFF, 5 July 2025, www.kff.org/tracking-the-medicaid-provisions-in-the-2025-budget-bill/. Published: Nov 21, 2024. “How Much More Would People Pay in Premiums If the ACA’s Enhanced Subsidies Expired?” KFF, KFF.org, 15 Apr. 2025, www.kff.org/interactive/how-much-more-would-people-pay-in-premiums-if-the-acas-enhanced-subsidies-expired/. Ortaliza, Jared, et al. “How Will the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Affect the ACA, Medicaid, and the Uninsured Rate?” KFF.Org, KFF, 18 June 2025, www.kff.org/policy-watch/how-will-the-2025-budget-reconciliation-affect-the-aca-medicaid-and-the-uninsured-rate/. “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Congress.Gov, Congress, www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text. Accessed 9 July 2025. “‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ Tax Policies: Details and Analysis.” Taxfoundation.Org, Tax Foundation, 7 July 2025, taxfoundation.org/research/all/federal/big-beautiful-bill-senate-gop-tax-plan/. Muoio, Dave. “Trump Signs Big Tax and Spending Bill into Law as Industry Groups Decry Healthcare Cuts.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 6 July 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/house-votes-218-214-send-reconciliation-bill-trumps-desk. 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. | |||
| Field Notes on Partner Marketing Resources | 10 Jul 2025 | 00:09:43 | |
Partnerships can be a powerful growth strategy for your business. Learn more about marketing your business through collaboration and community involvement.
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 Insurance Marketing Tips to Help Agents Stand Out from the Crowd 5 Things to Consider When Creating Your Personal Brand Community-Based Marketing for Insurance Agents Community Engagement & ACA Marketing Suggestions for Agents How Relationship Marketing Can Make the Difference in Your Agency Modern Medicare Marketing for Today's Agents Operating From a People-First Mentality ft. Scott Zimmerman Ready to partner with an FMO? Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing! The Insurance Agent’s Guide to Establishing Successful Affinity Partnerships References: “Affinity Marketing: The Art of Building Connections.” Mailchimp.Com, Intuit, mailchimp.com/resources/affinity-marketing/. Accessed 10 June 2025. “Complementary Business Definition.” Lawinsider.Com, Law Insider, www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/complementary-business. Accessed 10 June 2025. “Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (CMS-4208-P).” CMS.Gov, CMS, 26 Nov. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-medicare-advantage-program-medicare-prescription. “Medicare Marketing Guidelines.” CMS.Gov, CMS, www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/managed-care-marketing/medicare-guidelines. Accessed 10 June 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. | |||
| Medicare Enrollment Periods Explained | 09 Jul 2025 | 00:12:41 | |
We’ve got the breakdown of all the Medicare and Medicare Advantage enrollment periods that beginner agents need to know.
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: 10 Essential Tools for Beginner Insurance Agents: https://ritterim.com/blog/10-essential-tools-for-beginner-insurance-agents/ Apps for Comparing Healthcare & Prescriptions: https://lnk.to/ASGA85 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Do’s and Don’ts: https://ritterim.com/blog/medicare-advantage-open-enrollment-dos-and-donts/ Self-Guided Training with Knight School: https://ritterim.com/knight-school/ The Difference Between Medicare & Medicaid: https://lnk.to/ASGAE01 What is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It? https://lnk.to/asg672 References: Franchina, Chris. “AEP vs. OEP: Understanding the Differences for Medicare.” Policy Engineer, 11 Jan. 2025, https://policyengineer.com/aep-vs-oep-understanding-the-differences-for-medicare/. “Get Ready to Buy.” Medicare.Gov, https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap/ready-to-buy. Accessed 17 June 2025. “Joining a Plan.” Medicare, “Joining a Plan.” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan. Accessed 10 June 2025. Worstell, Christian. “Medicare AEP vs. OEP: Know Your Enrollment Periods.” Medicare AEP vs. OEP | How to Enroll or Change Your Medicare Plan | MedicareAdvantage.Com, MedicareAdvantage.com, 18 Mar. 2025, https://www.medicareadvantage.com/enrollment/medicare-aep-vs-oep. “Medicare Open Enrollment.” CMS.Gov, https://www.cms.gov/priorities/key-initiatives/medicare-open-enrollment-partner-resources. Accessed 10 June 2025. “Medicare Open Enrollment Fact Sheet 2025.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/files/document/2024-medicare-open-enrollment-fact-sheet.pdf. Accessed 10 June 2025. “Special Enrollment Periods.” Medicare, Medicare.gov, https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan/special-enrollment-periods. Accessed 10 June 2025. “What Is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period? | News & Articles | UnitedHealthcare.” UHC.Com, UnitedHealthcare, https://www.uhc.com/news-articles/medicare-articles/what-is-the-medicare-annual-enrollment-period. Accessed 10 June 2025. “What If I Missed My Initial Enrollment Period? | News & Articles | UnitedHealthcare.” UHC.Com, UnitedHealthcare, https://www.uhc.com/news-articles/medicare-articles/what-if-i-missed-my-initial-enrollment-period. Accessed 10 June 2025. “What Is the Medicare General Enrollment Period?” NOCA.Org, National Counsel of Aging, https://www.ncoa.org/article/a-closer-look-at-the-medicare-general-enrollment-period/. Accessed 10 June 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. | |||
| Field Notes on Digital Marketing Resources | 08 Jul 2025 | 00:22:26 | |
Take your business into the modern world of digital marketing. We’ve compiled the ultimate guide to getting started, tips, resources, and more!
Read the text version Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing Full-Service Digital Marketing Services: Firebelly MarketingHubstaff Talent Self-Service Digital Marketing Options: Resources: 3 Insurance Business Tools You Absolutely Can’t Live Without Ritter Insurance Marketing Agent Compliance Handbook How to Market Yourself Online Webinar Field Notes on Traditional Marketing Insurance Agents as TPMOs: What CMS Compliance Regulations Mean for You Introducing The Content Library for Health Insurance Agents Modern Medicare Marketing for Today’s Agents FREE eBook Download Ritter Insurance Marketing Registration Form Social Media Marketing for Insurance Agents FREE eBook Download The Ultimate Agent Resource List Pt. 2: Keeping in Touch with Clients References: Kumar, Naveen. “167 Digital Marketing Statistics 2025 [Facts & Growth].” DemandSage, 4 Mar. 2025, https://www.demandsage.com/digital-marketing-statistics/. “Digital Marketing: Everything You Need to Know to Get It Right.” HubSpot Blog, https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/what-is-digital-marketing. Accessed 16 June 2025. “Medicare Marketing Guidelines.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/managed-care-marketing/medicare-guidelines. Accessed 16 June 2025. Nguyen, Stephanie T. “Can-SPAM Act: A Compliance Guide for Business.” Federal Trade Commission, 24 Jan. 2025, https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/can-spam-act-compliance-guide-business/ . “Subpart V—Medicare Advantage Communication Requirements.” Code of Federal Regulations, eCFR.gov, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-422/subpart-V. Accessed 16 June 2025. “Writing Alt Text for Infographics: Quick Tips.” WCAG Audits, ADA Accessibility Audits & Section 508 Audits, Bureau of Internet Accessibility, 7 Nov. 2023, https://www.boia.org/blog/writing-alt-text-for-infographics-quick-tips. 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. | |||
| Field Notes on Traditional Marketing Resources | 07 Jul 2025 | 00:33:39 | |
Learn how to promote your insurance business with traditional marketing strategies. We cover what agents should know: marketing materials, use cases, and where to find resources!
Partner Resources: ReminderMedia Branded Magazine Info Ritter Agents working with ReminderMedia Design Resources: Print Resources: Office Depot Printing Services Staples Print & Marketing Services Ritter Resources: Get Access to Exclusive Leads When You Become a PlanEnroll Network Agent Read The Ultimate Agent Resource List Part 1 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing 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. | |||
| What is the Health Insurance Marketplace? | 02 Jul 2025 | 00:05:41 | |
In this episode of Agent Essentials, we’re covering the definition of the Health Insurance Marketplace!
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. The Complete Guide to Selling Affordable Care Act Insurance Plans Resources: FREE DOWNLOAD – The Complete Guide to Selling Affordable Care Act Insurance Plans: https://ritterim.com/aca-ebook/ How Much Can Agents Make Selling Under-65 Insurance: https://lnk.to/TlGBGH Meet Your Ritter Sales Team: https://ritterim.com/meet-your-sales-team/ Under-65 Health Products: https://ritterim.com/products/under-65/ State Based Marketplaces: “Covered California: The Official Site of California’s Health Insurance Marketplace.” Covered California, https://www.coveredca.com/. Accessed 12 June 2025. “Colorado’s Official Health Insurance Marketplace.” Connect for Health Colorado, 27 May 2025, https://connectforhealthco.com/. Accessed 12 June 2025. Access Health CT, https://www.accesshealthct.com/. Accessed 12 June 2025. “Welcome to DC Health Link | DC Health Link.” DC Health Link, https://www.dchealthlink.com/. Accessed 12 June 2025. “Find Affordable Health Insurance in Georgia.” Georgia Access, 23 Jan. 2025, https://georgiaaccess.gov/. Accessed 12 June 2025. “Your Health Idaho " Idaho’s Official Health Insurance Marketplace.” Your Health Idaho " Idaho’s Official Health Insurance Marketplace, 23 May 2025, https://www.yourhealthidaho.org/. Accessed 12 June 2025. “A Healthier, Happier Kentucky Starts Here.” Kynect, https://kynect.ky.gov/healthcoverage/s/?language=en_US. Accessed 12 June 2025. “Home.” Maryland Health Connection, 11 June 2025, https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/. “Welcome to the Massachusetts Health Connector.” MA Health Connector, https://www.mahealthconnector.org/. Accessed 12 June 2025. “A Plan That Fits. A Price That Works.” Home | CoverME.Gov, https://www.coverme.gov/. Accessed 12 June 2025. “MNsure Home.” MNsure, https://www.mnsure.org/. Accessed 12 June 2025. “Looking to Enroll in Health Insurance?” Nevada Health Link - Official Website, https://www.nevadahealthlink.com/. Accessed 12 June 2025. “GetCoveredNJ.” WWW.nj.gov, https://nj.gov/getcoverednj/. Accessed 12 June 2025. “BeWellnm - Your Health Insurance Marketplace in New Mexico.” BeWellnm, https://bewellnm.com/. Accessed 12 June 2025. “NY State of Health, the Official Health Plan Marketplace.” Ny.gov, 2013, https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/. Home | Pennie. https://pennie.com/. Accessed 12 June 2025. “Home.” HealthSource RI, https://healthsourceri.com/. Accessed 12 June 2025. “VHC Landing Page.” Vermont.gov, 2020, https://portal.healthconnect.vermont.gov/VTHBELand/welcome.action. Accessed 12 June 2025. “Home Page | Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace.” Www.marketplace.virginia.gov, https://www.marketplace.virginia.gov/. Accessed 12 June 2025. “Home | Washington Healthplanfinder.” Wahealthplanfinder.org, 2018, https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/. Accessed 12 June 2025. “English (United States) Home.” Illinois.gov, 2020, https://getcovered.illinois.gov/. References:“ACA Health Insurance Plans & Coverage: Aetna CVS Health.” Aetna CVS Health, https://www.aetnacvshealth.com/. Accessed 12 June 2025. “Fast, Easy ACA Enrollment.” HealthSherpa, https://www.healthsherpa.com/agents/features. Accessed 12 June 2025. “Individual & Family ACA Marketplace Plans | Individuals & Families | UnitedHealthcare.” UHC, UnitedHealthcare, https://www.uhc.com/individuals-families/aca-marketplace. Accessed 12 June 2025. “The Marketplace in Your State.” HealthCare.Gov, https://www.healthcare.gov/marketplace-in-your-state/. Accessed 3 June 2025. “State Health Insurance Marketplace Types.” KFF, 29 May 2025, https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/state-indicator/state-health-insurance-marketplace-types/. “Welcome to the Health Insurance Marketplace®.” HealthCare.Gov, https://www.healthcare.gov/. Accessed 3 June 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. | |||
| Setting Up Your Insurance Business Structure ft. Frank Lavery & Justin Abodalo | 01 Jul 2025 | 01:10:46 | |
Ever thought about incorporating your insurance business? Not sure if it’s the right move? In this episode, Sarah is joined by attorneys Frank Lavery and Justin Abodalo to learn more about business entities and how they’re structured. Frank focuses on the corporate law side, while Justin specializes in tax implications. Listen as theyir share their knowledge and weigh the pros and cons of each business structure option. Find Frank Lavery Online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-lavery-a05a57255/ McNees: https://www.mcneeslaw.com/people/frank-lavery/ Find Justin Abodalo Online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-abodalo-463b3547/ McNees: https://www.mcneeslaw.com/people/justin-abodalo/ References: Finnerty, Timothy, et al. “Closing Call for the Corporate Transparency Act: Fincen Removes Reporting Requirements for Domestic Business Entities.” Mcneeslaw.Com, McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC, 27 Mar. 2025, www.mcneeslaw.com/closing-call-corporate-transparency-act-fincen/. Abodalo, Justin. “New Digital World, New Category of Form 1099.” Mcneeslaw.Com, McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC, 2 Oct. 2024, www.mcneeslaw.com/new-digital-world-form-1099/. “Tax and Corporate Law Publications.” Mcneeslaw.Com, McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC, 30 Apr. 2025, www.mcneeslaw.com/practice/corporate-tax/. Resources: Building the Foundation for Success ft. Roy Snarr: https://lnk.to/snarr2025 Leveling Up: From Chill Mode to Growth Mode ft. Christian Brindle: https://lnk.to/brindle2025 Operating From a People-First Mentality ft. Scott Zimmerman: https://lnk.to/zimmerman2025 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing 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. | |||
| Should You Hire an Assistant for Your Insurance Business? | 28 Jul 2025 | 00:06:42 | |
Feel like you’re working past your capacity? It may be time to hire an assistant for your insurance business!
Read the text version Learn more about Ask Integrity Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: FREE eBook Download – The Complete Guide to Client Loyalty and Retention From Chill Mode to Growth Mode ft. Christian Brindle How Ask Integrity Can Streamline Your Medicare Sales Appointments How to Recruit Insurance Agents to Your Downline Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing Websites for Freelancers: References: Basu, Tyler. “How to Hire a Virtual Assistant: Entrepreneur’s Guide to Outsourcing.” THINKIFIC, https://www.thinkific.com/blog/hire-a-virtual-assistant-outsourcing-guide/. Accessed 25 June 2025. “When Do You and Your Business Need an Executive Assistant?” Indeed.Com, https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/when-do-you-and-your-business-need-an-executive-assistant. Accessed 25 June 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. | |||
| A 2026 D-SNP Market Snapshot ft. Lincoln Lafayette & Anthony Budhar | 26 Jul 2025 | 00:21:02 | |
D-SNP integration changes are about to hit year 2 in 2026. What does that mean for the market? Lincoln Lafayette and Anthony Budhar join Sarah to chat about the D-SNP market in 2026 and the opportunities for agents selling dual-eligible special needs plans.
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Connect with Lincoln & Anthony: 📧Reach out to Lincoln Lafayette Resources: Changes to Medicare in 2025 Affect Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans Midwest State D-SNP Disruption The Benefits of Selling D-SNPs The Complete Guide on How to Sell D-SNPs The Midwest D-SNP Market Shifts to Integrated Plans for 2026 — Will You? References: “Contract Year 2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule (CMS-4205-F).” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 4 Apr. 2024, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/contract-year-2025-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-final-rule-cms-4205-f. “Number of Dual-Eligible Individuals.” KFF.Org, KFF, 7 May 2025, www.kff.org/other/state-indicator/number-of-dual-eligible-individuals/?currentTimeframe=4&sortModel=%7B%22colId%22%3A%22Location%22%2C%22sort%22%3A%22asc%22%7D. Pena, Maria T., et al. “The Landscape of Medicare and Medicaid Coverage Arrangements for Dual-Eligible Individuals Across States.” KFF.Org, KFF, 24 Oct. 2024, www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/the-landscape-of-medicare-and-medicaid-coverage-arrangements-for-dual-eligible-individuals-across-states/. 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. | |||
| 5 Things About ICHRA | 25 Jul 2025 | 00:11:06 | |
This week's Friday Five is a mini-explainer on ICHRA: the Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Learn more about this type of coverage and partnership opportunities for Ritter Insurance Marketing agents to offer it.
Have questions about ICHRA or QSEHRA? Send them our way by email ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: 5 Things From the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill 2026 Midwest D-SNP Market Opportunity Community Engagement & ACA Marketing Suggestions Field Notes on Partner Marketing Resources How an ICHRA Partnership Can Support ACA Sales ICHRA vs. QSEHRA vs. Group Health Plans: Sales Opportunities for Insurance Agents The ICHRA Opportunity for Agents ft. Lisa Marzolino & Danica Stover What is the Health Insurance Marketplace? References: “6 Reasons to Appreciate All That ICHRAs Have to Offer.” Nexben.Com, Nexben, 24 June 2025, www.nexben.com/blog/6-reasons-to-appreciate-all-that-ichras-have-to-offer. “A Broker’s Guide to ICHRA Defined Contributions: Strategies, Affordability, and Examples.” Nexxben.Com, Nexben, 17 July 2025, www.nexben.com/blog/a-brokers-guide-to-ichra-defined-contributions-strategies-affordability-and-examples. Charaba, Chase. “A Look at the Growth of ICHRA.” Remodelhealth.Com, Remodel Health, 21 May 2025, remodelhealth.com/a-look-at-the-growth-of-ichra/. “Defining ICHRA Classes.” ICHRA.Com, ICHRA, 7 Apr. 2025, ichra.com/ichra-and-employee-classes/. Olsen, Emily. “Employer Healthcare Costs Projected to Rise 9% in 2025: AON.” Healthcaredive.Com, Healthcare Dive, 19 Aug. 2024, www.healthcaredive.com/news/employer-healthcare-costs-increase-2025-aon/724505/. “Growth Trends for ICHRA & QSEHRA Volume 4: 2024-2025.” Hracouncil.Org, HRA Council, 17 June 2025, www.hracouncil.org/resources/FINAL%20-%202025%20HRAC%20Data%20Report.pdf. “HRA Council.” Hracouncil.Org, HRA Council, www.hracouncil.org/. Accessed 22 July 2025. “ICHRA Guide for Individual Coverage HRAs 2025.” Takecommandhealth.Com, TakeCommand Health, 10 June 2025, www.takecommandhealth.com/ichra-guide. Cattanach, Jamie. “ICHRAs Are on the Rise. Here’s What You Need to Know about This New Coverage Option.” Valuepenguin.Com, ValuePenguin, 24 June 2025, www.valuepenguin.com/news/ichra-increasing-in-popularity. “Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA) Basics for ACA Agents.” Healthsherpa.Com, HealthSherpa, blog.healthsherpa.com/agents/agent-ichra/. Accessed 21 July 2025. “New: 2025 HRA Council Data Report.” Hracouncil.Org, HRA Council, www.hracouncil.org/report. Accessed 22 July 2025. “New Data Shows Continued Expansion of Health Reimbursement Arrangements: Latest HRA Council ICHRA & QSEHRA Report.” Hracouncil.Org, HRA Council, 17 June 2025, www.hracouncil.org/resources/2025%20HRA%20Council%20Data%20Report%20News%20Release.pdf. “The Power of an ICHRA: ICHRA Benefits for Employees, Employers, and Brokers.” Nexben.Com, Nexben, 17 Apr. 2025, www.nexben.com/blog/the-power-of-an-ichra-ichra-benefits-for-employees-employers-and-brokers. 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. | |||
| Field Notes on Productivity Tools | 21 Jul 2025 | 00:15:39 | |
Not enough hours in the day? ✋🏼 We've been there! In this episode, we explore problems that can be a time-suck for insurance agents. Our list of solutions could change the game for your business!
Read the text version
Free Downloads: Months of Medicare Sales Planner The Busy ACA Agent’s Sale Calendar Resources: 5 Things From the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill Field Notes on Digital Marketing Resources Field Notes on Traditional Marketing Resources Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing Send your questions to the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Setting Up Your Insurance Business Structure ft. Frank Lavery & Justin Abodalo The Ultimate Agent Resource List Pt. 1: Market Yourself The Ultimate Agent Resource List Pt. 2: Keeping in Touch with Clients The Ultimate Agent Resource List Pt. 3: Staying Organized Productivity Solution Websites: Microsoft Lens: Apple | Google 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. | |||
| 2026 Midwest D-SNP Market Opportunity | 18 Jul 2025 | 00:18:06 | |
The Friday Five for July 18, 2025:
Get Connected: 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Update on Regulation Banning Medical Debt from Credit Reporting: Wise, Alana. “Americans’ Medical Debt Can Stay in Credit Reports, Judge Rules. What Does That Mean?” NPR.Org, NPR, 15 July 2025, www.npr.org/2025/07/15/nx-s1-5468438/medical-debt-credit-reports-ruling. “Can Medical Collection Debt Impact Credit Scores?” Equifax.Com, Equifax, www.equifax.com/personal/education/credit/score/articles/-/learn/can-medical-debt-impact-credit-scores/. Accessed 16 July 2025. Picchi, Aimee. “Federal Judge Reverses a CFPB Rule to Strip Medical Debt from Credit Reports. Here’s What It Means.” Cbsnews.Com, CBS, 15 July 2025, www.cbsnews.com/news/federal-judge-reverses-medical-debt-rule-credit-reports-cfpb/. Morga, Adriana, and Cora Lewis. “Federal Judge Reverses Rule That Would Have Removed Medical Debt from Credit Reports.” Apnews.Com, AP News, 15 July 2025, apnews.com/article/cfpb-medical-debt-credit-reports-41f212ee6b89f9902deb267d75ab8443. Axelton, Karen. “How Does Medical Debt Affect Your Credit Score?” Experian.Com, Experian, 7 Feb. 2025, www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/medical-debt-and-your-credit-score/. “How Does Medical Debt Appear on My Credit Report?” Transunion.Com, Transunion, www.transunion.com/credit-disputes/credit-collections. Accessed 16 July 2025. Muoio, Dave. “Judge Grants CFPB, Trade Groups’ Request to Toss Biden-Era Medical Debt Rule.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 14 July 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/judge-grants-cfpb-trade-groups-request-toss-biden-era-medical-debt-rule. Google Announces NotebookLM Featured Notebooks: McHugh-Johnson, Molly. “8 Expert Tips for Getting Started with NotebookLM.” Blog.Google.Com, Google, 18 Oct. 2024, blog.google/technology/ai/notebooklm-beginner-tips/. Roth, Emma. “Google’s Curated AI ‘Notebooks’ Talk You through Topics from Parenting to Shakespeare.” Theverge.Com, The Verge, 14 July 2025, www.theverge.com/news/706854/google-notebooklm-featured-notebook-ai-topics. Perez, Sarah. “NotebookLM Adds Featured Notebooks from The Economist, The Atlantic, and Others.” Techcrunch.Com, TechCrunch, 14 July 2025, techcrunch.com/2025/07/14/notebooklm-adds-featured-notebooks-from-the-economist-the-atlantic-and-others/. Johnson, Steven. “Try Featured Notebooks on Selected Topics in NotebookLM.” Blog.Google.Com, Google, 14 July 2025, blog.google/technology/google-labs/notebooklm-featured-notebooks/. This week in Apple Rumors: Rossignol, Joe. “All 15 New iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Colors Revealed in Latest Leak.” MacRumors.Com, MacRumors, 16 July 2025, www.macrumors.com/2025/07/16/all-new-iphone-17-and-17-pro-colors-leaked/. Christoffel, Ryan. “IOS 26 Public Beta Rumored to Launch next Week.” 9to5Mac.Com, 9to5Mac, 15 July 2025, 9to5mac.com/2025/07/15/ios-26-public-beta-rumored-to-launch-next-week/. Threads Usage Up, Meta Testing Facebook Login: “Global Social Media Statistics.” Datareportal.Com, DataReportal, Apr. 2025, datareportal.com/social-media-users. Campbell, Ian Carlos. “Threads Is Testing Facebook Account Sign-Ups.” Engadget.Com, Engadget, 16 July 2025, www.engadget.com/social-media/threads-is-testing-facebook-account-sign-ups-191214734.html. Perez, Sarah. “Threads Is Nearing X’s Daily App Users, New Data Shows.” Techcrunch.Com, TechCrunch, 7 July 2025, techcrunch.com/2025/07/07/threads-is-nearing-xs-daily-app-users-new-data-shows/. Hutchinson, Andrew. “Threads Tests Option To Sign up for an Account Using Facebook.” Socialmediatoday.Com, Social Media Today, 15 July 2025, www.socialmediatoday.com/news/threads-tests-sign-up-using-facebook-profile-instead-of-instagram/753156/. 2026 Midwest D-SNP Market Opportunity: Changes to Medicare in 2025 Affect Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans Event Registration: Strategically Increasing Your Market Share with D-SNPs Midwest State D-SNP Disruption The Benefits of Selling D-SNPs The Midwest D-SNP Market Shifts to Integrated Plans for 2026 — Will You? Resources: 5 Things From the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill Field Notes on Digital Marketing Resources Field Notes on Partner Marketing Resources Field Notes on Traditional Marketing Resources Takeaways from Apple WWDC 2025 The Complete Guide on How to Sell D-SNPs 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 Difference Between Captive and Independent Agents | 16 Jul 2025 | 00:10:25 | |
Are you just starting out in the insurance industry and aren’t sure what path is right for you? In this episode we break down the pros and cons of becoming a captive or independent agent.
Work with Ritter Insurance Marketing Resources: 3 Advantages of Being an Independent Insurance Agent 10 Essential Tools for Beginner Insurance Agents AHIP Test Tips and Tricks for Medicare Certification FAQs About NABIP Medicare Certification FREE eBook Download - The Guide to Earning a Living Selling Health Insurance FREE eBook Download – How Insurance FMOs Work Licensing Requirements for Becoming a Health Insurance Agent References: Kagan, Julia. “Captive Agent: What It Is, How It Works, Pros and Cons.” Investopedia, Investopedia, https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/captive-agent.asp. Accessed 19 June 2025. Rosanes, Mark. “How Do Insurance Agents Make Money?” Insurance Business America, Insurance Business, 13 July 2023, https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/guides/how-do-insurance-agents-make-money-452548.aspx Tuovila, Alicia. “Independent Agent: What It Is and What They Do.” Investopedia, Investopedia, https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/independent-agent.asp. Accessed 19 June 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.
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. | |||
| Field Notes on Mail Communication Resources | 14 Jul 2025 | 00:09:42 | |
Don’t miss the ASG Podcast cheat sheet on keeping in touch with client the old-fashioned way – through mail. 💌 We’ve got resources, tips, strategies, and more!
Read the text version Mail Communication Resources: Ritter Resources: Field Notes on Digital Marketing Resources Field Notes on Traditional Marketing Resources How to Successfully Set SMART Goals Interview: Relationship Marketing Strategies for Insurance Agents Setting Up Your Insurance Business Structure ft. Frank Lavery & Justin Abodalo The Ultimate Agent Resource List Pt. 1: Market Yourself The Ultimate Agent Resource List Pt. 2: Keeping in Touch with Clients The Ultimate Agent Resource List Pt. 3: Staying Organized Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing REWIND: 8 Relationship Marketing Strategies for Insurance Agents Ritter & ReminderMedia Partnership Offers Agents New Marketing Solutions References: “Direct Mail Marketing Campaigns.” Lead Concepts, Lead Concepts, 1 May 2024, www.leadconcepts.com/direct-mail/. “Free Design Tool: Presentations, Video, Social Media | CANVA.” Canva, Canva, www.canva.com/. Accessed 7 July 2025 “Have You Thought about Postcards?” Custom Online Business Printing & Design | MOO US, MOO, www.moo.com/us/. Accessed 7 July 2025. “Lunacy – Free Design Software for WIN, Mac, Linux.” Lunacy – Free Design Software for Win, Mac, Linux, Lunacy, www.icons8.com/lunacy. Accessed 7 July 2025. “Medicare Marketing Guidelines.” CMS.Gov, www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/managed-care-marketing/medicare-guidelines. Accessed 7 July 2025. “Microsoft Designer - Stunning Designs in a Flash.” Microsoft Designer - Stunning Designs in a Flash, Microsoft, www.designer.microsoft.com/. Accessed 7 July 2025. “ReminderMedia Postcard Campaigs.” ReminderMedia.Com, ReminderMedia, 14 Aug. 2024, remindermedia.com/postcard/. Plummer, Michael. “Council Post: Three Reasons Mailers Aren’t Dead in 2022.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 15 July 2022, www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/07/14/three-reasons-mailers-arent-dead-in-2022/. “Printing & Marketing Services.” Staples.Com, Staples, www.staples.com/services/printing/. Accessed 7 July 2025. “Print & Copy Services: Office Depot.” Officedepot.com, Office Depot, www.officedepot.com/l/print-and-copy/print-services. Accessed 7 July 2025. “VistaPrint.” VistaPrint Official Website: Online Printing Services, VistaPrint, www.vistaprint.com/. Accessed 7 July 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. Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. | |||
| Field Notes on Commission Trackers | 12 Jul 2025 | 00:15:13 | |
Ready for a better commission tracking solution? Don’t miss our episode featuring suggestions on tracking your hard-earned commissions.
Register for your FREE RitterIM.com Account Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: AHIP Test Tips and Tricks for Medicare Certification Building the Foundation for Success ft. Roy Snarr Four Reasons Why Ritter Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency Operating From a People-First Mentality ft. Scott Zimmerman The Best Appointment Schedulers for Insurance Agents The Difference Between Medicare & Medicaid: What That Means for Insurance Agents The Ultimate Agent Resource List Pt. 3: Staying Organized What Are Agents Responsible for Under HIPAA? References: “Agencybloc Commissions Management.” Agencybloc.Com, AgencyBloc, www.agencybloc.com/commissions-management/. Accessed 10 June 2025. “AgencyComp Commissions Tracker.” Agencycomp.Com, AgencyComp, agencycomp.com/. Accessed 10 June 2025. “Commissionly Sales Commission Software.” Commissionly.Io, Commissionly, www.commissionly.io/. Accessed 10 June 2025. “Excel Help & Learning.” Support.Microsoft.Com, Microsoft Support, support.microsoft.com/en-us/excel. Accessed 23 June 2025. “Excel Quick and Simple Charts Tutorial.” YouTube.Com, YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfkNkrKMF5c. Accessed 23 June 2025. “How to Create a Chart in Microsoft Excel: Step-by-Step Guide.” wikiHow.Com, wikiHow, 31 Dec. 2024, www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Graph-in-Excel. “How to Create Excel Charts and Graphs.” Blog.Hubspot.Com, HubSpot Blog, blog.hubspot.com/marketing/how-to-build-excel-graph. Accessed 23 June 2025. “Medicare Marketing Guidelines.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/managed-care-marketing/medicare-guidelines. Accessed 23 June 2025. “Medicare PRO CRM.” Medicareproapp.Com, Medicare PRO, www.medicareproapp.com/. Accessed 10 June 2025. “Radius Agency Management System.” Radiusbob.Com, Radius, www.radiusbob.com/. Accessed 10 June 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. | |||
| 7 Actions You Can Take If Your Medicare Plans Go Non-Commissionable | 24 Nov 2025 | 00:15:47 | |
Frustrated by Medicare plans going non-commissionable? We get it, and we've got some actionable tips for insurance agents navigating these changes.
Read the text version 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: Finding the Best Medicare Supplement Plan Letter for Your Client Get Your Medicare Advantage Sales Contracts Here — Recommendations for 2026 How Much Money Can Agents Make Selling Ancillary Health Insurance? How to Ask Your Current Clients for Referrals Medicare Supplements Fill the Gaps in Your Portfolio Signs It's Time to Expand Your Insurance Portfolio & Make the Move! Why Plan N Is Becoming a Go-To Medicare Supplement Choice References: “Agent Broker Compensation.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid, www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/managed-care-marketing/medicare-marketing-guidelines/agent-broker-compensation. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025. McGough, Matt, et al. “How Has Healthcare Utilization Changed since the Pandemic?” Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker, 31 Jan. 2023, www.healthsystemtracker.org/chart-collection/how-has-healthcare-utilization-changed-since-the-pandemic/. Copeland, Lindsey. “More People Are Enrolling in Medicare Advantage at High Cost to Medicare and Taxpayers.” Medicare Rights Center, 31 July 2025, www.medicarerights.org/medicare-watch/2025/07/31/more-people-are-enrolling-in-medicare-advantage-at-hight-cost-to-medicare-and-taxpayers. MacDonald, Ilene. “Regulatory Roundup: Judge Vacates CMS Regulation to Limit Ma Broker, Agent Pay Caps; Elevance Health Loses Star Ratings Case; and More.” RISE Health, www.risehealth.org/insights-articles/article/regulatory-roundup-judge-vacates-cms-regulation-to-limit-ma-broker-agent-pay-caps-elevance-health-loses-star-ratings-case-and-more/. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025. “Welcome to Medicare.” Medicare, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.medicare.gov/. Accessed 11 Nov. 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. | |||
| Rules for Hosting a Compliant Medicare Sales Event | 22 Nov 2025 | 00:16:07 | |
Sales events are a great way to generate Medicare leads. Learn best practices and how to stay CMS compliant while hosting a Medicare sales event in this episode!
Read the text version 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: 3 Easy Ways to Build Your Insurance Sales Territory eBooks & Guides for Insurance Agents How to Stay Compliant During All Medicare Sales Ritter Insurance Marketing Carrier Pages Rules for Hosting a Compliant Medicare Educational Event What Not to Say During Medicare Educational and Sales Events References: “Subpart V—Medicare Advantage Communication Requirements.” Federal Register, www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-422/subpart-V. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025. “Subpart V—Part D Communication Requirements.” Federal Register, www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-423/subpart-V. Accessed 11 Nov. 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. | |||
| Prescription Drug Pricing: MFN & GENEROUS | 14 Nov 2025 | 00:19:37 | |
The Friday Five for November 14, 2025:
Get Connected: 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Phone Pocket Brings Back… Pockets. Articles of Interest – More Pockets Hart, Jordan. “Apple and Issey Miyake Design $230 Iphone Pocket Inspired by a ‘Piece of Cloth.’” Business Insider, Business Insider, www.businessinsider.com/apple-issey-miyake-design-iphone-pocket-2025-11. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025. “Crossbody Strap – Sienna.” Apple, www.apple.com/shop/product/mggn4ll/a/crossbody-strap-sienna. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025. Cross, Greta. “Internet Conflicted over Apple’s $230 Iphone Pocket Case. See New Product.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2025/11/11/iphone-pocket-apple-phone-case/87214270007/. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025. “Introducing Iphone Pocket: A Beautiful Way to Wear and Carry iPhone.” Apple Newsroom, 12 Nov. 2025, www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/11/introducing-iphone-pocket-a-beautiful-way-to-wear-and-carry-iphone/. Jewiss, Connor. “The Iphone Pocket Is the Apple Accessory You Never Saw Coming.” CNET, www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/the-iphone-pocket-is-the-apple-accessory-you-never-saw-coming/. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025. Rural Health Transformation Program:“All 50 States Seek to Transform Rural Health with CMS.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/all-50-states-seek-transform-rural-health-cms. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025. Muoio, Dave. “All 50 States Submit Applications for $50B Rural Health Transformation Program.” Fierce Healthcare, www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/cms-opens-state-applications-50b-rural-health-transformation-program. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025. Government Shutdown Update: Swenson, Ali. “An Emerging Shutdown Deal Doesn’t Extend Expiring Health Subsidies. Here’s What Could Happen to Them.” AP News, AP News, 10 Nov. 2025, www.apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-tax-credits-affordable-care-act-2b5ae3651ff16783a00e00dc1ce264bf. “Division A - Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026.” United States Senate Committee on Appropriations, www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/continuing_appropriations_act_2026_bill_text.pdf. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025. “Division B - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2026.” United States Senate Committee on Appropriations, www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/agfy26conf.pdf. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025. “Division C - Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026.” United States Senate Committee on Appropriations, www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/lbfy26aconf.pdf. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025. “Division D - Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026.” United States Senate Committee on Appropriations, www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/mcvafy26conf.pdf. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025. “Federal Shutdown Deal Would Wipe out Hard-Won THC Consumables Market in Texas.” Dallas News, The Dallas Morning News, 12 Nov. 2025, www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2025/11/11/federal-shutdown-deal-would-wipe-out-hard-won-thc-consumables-market-in-texas/. Caballero, Martín. “Senate Advances Hemp Ban amid Growing Prohibition Fears.” Brewbound, 11 Nov. 2025, www.brewbound.com/news/senate-advances-hemp-ban-amid-growing-prohibition-fears/. Gringlas, Sam. “Senate Approves Shutdown Ending Legislation, Sending Bill to the House for a Vote.” NPR, NPR, 11 Nov. 2025, www.npr.org/2025/11/10/g-s1-97245/senate-shutdown-vote. Yarrow, Grace. “Senators Reject Paul’s Hemp Plans.” Politico, www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/11/10/congress/senators-reject-pauls-hemp-plans-00646064. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025. “Speaker Johnson Won’t Guarantee Vote in House on ACA Subsidies.” ABC7 Los Angeles, 12 Nov. 2025, www.abc7.com/live-updates/government-shutdown-updates-house-speaker-mike-johnson-commits-vote-senate-funding-deal/18139514/entry/18140103/. Usigan, Ysolt. “THC Ban Hidden in Government Spending Bill Could Shut down Delta-8 Market, so Stock up Now.” VICE, 12 Nov. 2025, www.vice.com/en/article/federal-thc-ban-on-hemp-products/. Lalljee, Jason. “The Bill to Reopen the Government Would Shut down These THC Products.” AXIOS, www.axios.com/2025/11/12/government-shutdown-bill-thc-hemp-products. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025. Tsirkin, Julie, and Frank Thorp V. “The Government Shutdown May Last Longer Because of a Fight over Hemp.” NBCNews.Com, NBCUniversal News Group, 10 Nov. 2025, www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/government-shutdown-may-last-longer-fight-hemp-rcna243075. Faguy, Ana. “Trump Signs Spending Bill to End Longest Shutdown in US History.” BBC News, BBC, 13 Nov. 2025, www.bbc.com/news/articles/c891nvwvg2zo. Stech, Katy, et al. “Trump Signs Funding Bill to End Longest US Government Shutdown.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 13 Nov. 2025, www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/12/house-bill-government-shutdown-vote. Desjardins, Lisa. “What’s in the Senate Shutdown Deal.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, 11 Nov. 2025, www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/whats-in-the-senate-shutdown-deal. Most-Favored Nation Drug Pricing: Krishnan, Manisha. “A Proposed Federal THC Ban Would ‘wipe out’ Hemp Products That Get People High.” Wired, 12 Nov. 2025, www.wired.com/story/proposed-federal-thc-ban-would-wipe-out-hemp-products-that-get-people-high/. “AstraZeneca Announces Historic Agreement with US Government to Lower the Cost of Medicines for American Patients.” AstraZeneca, www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/press-releases/2025/astrazeneca-announces-historic-agreement-with-us-government-to-lower-the-cost-of-medicines-for-american-patients.html. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025. Sagonowsky, Eric. “AstraZeneca CEO Visits White House to Formalize MFN Agreement with Trump.” Fierce Pharma, www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/art-deal-az-visit-white-house-formalize-mfn-agreement-trump-msnbc-reports. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025. “Agent of Record.” Insuranceopedia, 14 Jan. 2025, www.insuranceopedia.com/definition/674/agent-of-record. “Delivering Most-Favored-Nation Prescription Drug Pricing to American Patients.” The White House, The United States Government, 12 May 2025, www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/05/delivering-most-favored-nation-prescription-drug-pricing-to-american-patients/. Democrats Defect on the Shutdown - The New York Times, www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/briefing/democrats-defect-on-the-shutdown.html. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025. “Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Announces Actions to Lower Costs and Expand Access to in Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and High-Quality Fertility Care.” The White House, The United States Government, 16 Oct. 2025, www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/10/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-announces-actions-to-lower-costs-and-expand-access-to-in-vitro-fertilization-ivf-and-high-quality-fertility-care/. “Pfizer Reaches Landmark Agreement with U.S. Government to Lower Drug Costs for American Patients.” Pfizer, www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-reaches-landmark-agreement-us-government-lower-drug?cid=em_PfizerNewsroomAlert&ttype=em. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025. Stiles, Matt. “How Each House Member Voted on Ending the Government Shutdown | CNN Politics.” CNN, Cable News Network, 13 Nov. 2025, www.cnn.com/2025/11/12/politics/house-vote-government-shutdown-vis. “Lilly and U.S. Government Agree to Expand Access to Obesity Medicines to Millions of Americans.” Lilly Investors, Eli Lilly and Company, 6 Nov. 2025, www.investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-and-us-government-agree-expand-access-obesity-medicines. “Novo Nordisk Announces Agreement with the U.S. Administration to Bring GLP-1s to More Americans at a Lower Cost.” Novo Nordisk, www.novonordisk.com/content/nncorp/global/en/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=916450. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025. Kim Constantino, Annika. “Trump Announces Deals with Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk to Slash Weight Loss Drug Prices, Offer Some Medicare Coverage.” CNBC, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025, www.cnbc.com/2025/11/06/trump-eli-lilly-novo-nordisk-deal-obesity-drug-prices.html. Kansteiner, Fraiser, and Eric Sagonowsky. “Updated: Pfizer Offers Price Concessions, $70b US Outlay in Trump’s ‘Most Favored Nation’ Push.” Fierce Pharma, www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/pfizer-plans-offer-price-concessions-trumps-most-favored-nation-push-reports. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025. CMS Generating Cost Reductions for U.S. Medicaid (GENEROUS) Model: “CMS Announces New Drug Payment Model to Strengthen Medicaid and Better Serve Vulnerable Americans.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 6 Nov. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-announces-new-drug-payment-model-strengthen-medicaid-better-serve-vulnerable-americans. “Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Announces Second Deal to Bring Most-Favored-Nation Pricing to American Patients.” Whitehouse.Gov, The United States Government, 10 Oct. 2025, www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/10/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-announces-second-deal-to-bring-most-favored-nation-pricing-to-american-patients/. “GENEROUS (GENErating Cost Reductions fOr U.S. Medicaid) Model.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7 Nov. 2025, www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/generous. “Generous Model Request for Applications from Applicable Manufacturers.” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 10 Nov. 2025, www.cms.gov/files/document/generous-rfa.pdf. “Lilly and U.S. Government Agree to Expand Access to Obesity Medicines to Millions of Americans.” Investor.Lilly.Com, Eli Lilly and Company, 6 Nov. 2025, investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-and-us-government-agree-expand-access-obesity-medicines. “Novo Nordisk Announces Agreement with the U.S. Administration to Bring GLP-1s to More Americans at a Lower Cost.” Novonordisk.Com, Novo Nordisk, 6 Nov. 2025, www.novonordisk.com/content/nncorp/global/en/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=916450. Dunleavy, Kevin. “Pharma Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk Strike Deals with White House to Cut Prices of Weight Loss Drugs.” Fiercepharma.Com, Fierce Pharma, 6 Nov. 2025, www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/eli-lilly-novo-nordisk-strike-deal-white-house-cut-price-weight-loss-drugs. 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. Episode Transcript: You are listening to the Friday Five here on the Agent Survival Guide Podcast. I’m your host, Sarah Rueppel and this is our weekly recap of five headlines that you should know about. Today is November 14th. We’ll start out this week where we normally do at Number Five. Last week, the internet absolutely lost its mind over the Starbucks Bearista Bear mug, which was available in very limited quantities. Naturally that led to disappointments, fights between customers, and a whole bunch of hilarious social media posts mocking the whole thing. And then this week, Apple announced an accessory that made more than a few people scratch their heads. Because really no one asked for it, but the iPhone Pocket is a thing you can order for either one-hundred fifty dollars or two-hundred thirty dollars. Unlike the iPhone cross-body strap, which to be honest, is actually useful, the iPhone Pocket is literally just that. It’s a sock-like sling for your iPhone that the company claims can also be used to hold AirPods and other small items that you’d likely stick in your pocket. Personally, I don’t see that turning out too well, but maybe my mind would change if I saw one in person. The company also showed the short pocket version looped around a bag handle, similar to a clip-on lip gloss or hand sanitizer. The pockets are described as a quote, “3D-knitted construction” and come from iconic design house Issey Miyake. Same designer as the Bao Bao bags, those duochrome handbags made of little triangles. I do have to say, I get the fact that this will be instantly recognizable for those carrying it or attaching it to their bag. And bag charms are super trendy right now. But as far as functional? Eh, I’m just not sold. It’s not like the phone is out and accessible, it’s in a little pouch, or I guess I should call it what it is, a little pocket, seemingly worn just as much for show as it is for function. It reminds me of the vintage tie-on pockets that women used to hide in their dresses back in the day, which I learned about in an episode of Articles of Interest that we’ll be linking to in the episode notes. Because the history of pockets is actually fascinating, believe it or not. The iPhone Pocket is available for purchase beginning today at a very small list of 10 stores or online at Apple dot com. Number Four, super short mention here, but if you’ve got a rural health area in your market, this is important news. This Wednesday was the deadline for states to submit their applications to the Rural Health Transformation Program, and all 50 states filed bids. The program is set to distribute ten billion dollars between 2026 and 2030. Five billion dollars will be dispersed evenly between approved states. The other five billion will be awarded according to how each of those approved states meets the goals outlined in their bid pitches. Approvals will be announced by December 31st of this year. Coming in at Number Three, we’ve got an update on the government shutdown. On Sunday night, the Senate held a vote to reopen the government and got there with a 60-40 split. And then late Wednesday night, the House voted 222 to 209 to approve the Senate version of the funding bill and reopen the federal government. President Trump signed the deal into law not long after the House vote. The deal to reopen the government comes with four separate appropriations acts that we’ll be linking to in the episode notes. There’s the general Continuing Appropriations Act of 2026, and then the more specific Agriculture, Rural Development, and FDA Appropriations Act, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, and the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, all for 2026. The Continuing Appropriations Act of 2026 included funding for most government agencies, with time frames running from the end of January 2026 up to three years, depending on the agency. SNAP benefits would be fully funded through September 30, 2026. For states that paid out any federal expense benefits during the shutdown, they would be reimbursed for those monies, including if they paid out SNAP benefits to their constituents. One thing missing from all four of those legislative documents? Any update on ACA subsidies, so those are still set to expire at the end of December. A lot of different ideas have been floated around about how to deal with those expiring subsidies, from the proposal I mentioned in last week’s episode, to many others, including one that would circumnavigate the government and send the money straight to those purchasing plans on the marketplace. And then a last-minute inclusion that I’ve been reading quite a bit about, reversing the Farm Bill provision of 2018 that loosened federal restrictions on hemp. In the new Federal funding bill, hemp products cannot contain more than point three percent total THC or more than point four milligrams combined total per container of THC. And this ban covers both naturally and synthetically derived THC. THC products that are considered “intoxicating” like delta-8 and delta-9 variants seem to be the target here. And then there’s the fact that the industry is unregulated, meaning that variants available from non-reputable sources get lumped in with those who are following the rules and being transparent about sourcing and dosage. The new ban on hemp products goes into effect one year from signing on November 13th, 2026. As far as the ACA subsidies, that’s likely to come down to a separate proposal, requiring its own vote in both houses of Congress. So for now, the longest government shutdown in U.S. history ends We’ll be keeping an eye on this story as it continues to unfold. As far as the ACA subsidies, that’s likely to come down to a separate proposal, requiring its own vote in both houses of Congress. We’ll be keeping an eye on this story as it continues to unfold. Number Two. Last week, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk joined the list of other American pharmaceutical companies who have joined the Trump Administration’s “Most Favored Nation” drug pricing campaign. We haven’t talked much about this on the podcast as of yet, so consider this a recap. At the end of September, Pfizer was the first company to agree to the administration’s call to adjust pricing on existing drugs to that of comparable developed countries, and for pricing on new drugs to also be set at a similar price points as other developed markets. According to Pfizer’s press release, they plan to offer quote, “the large majority of the company’s primary care treatments and some select specialty brands will be offered at savings that will range as high as eighty-five percent and on average, fifty percent,” end quote. In order to obtain the savings, consumers will have to use the new direct-to-consumer drug platform, TrumpRx dot gov, which is rumored to launch in 2026. Later in October 2025, AstraZeneca shored up their deal with the Trump administration. They plan to offer direct-to-consumer sales savings for quote, “eligible patients with prescriptions for chronic diseases at a discount of up to 80% off list prices,” end quote. They committed to participation in Trump Rx dot gov as well, to quote, “allow patients to purchase medicines at a reduced cash price from AstraZeneca,” end quote. In mid-October, EDM Serono, the US subsidiary of Merck announced that they would offer their IVF treatments through the TrumpRx dot gov direct to consumer platform. EDM Serono named three of their IVF treatments that eligible patients with prescriptions could take advantage of quote, “significantly reduced prices,” end quote. And to get super specific, for patients with prescriptions to all three therapies, quote, “patients will access an 84% discount off list prices,” end quote. Also answering the call from the Trump administration’s Most Favored Nation drug pricing campaign, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk both made announcements about their respective deals last week. But to keep things spicy, their deals fall under both the broader umbrella of the Most Favored Nation drug pricing campaign and one of its implementation methods – the Generous model, which we’ll get to in a moment. Eli Lilly announced that, upon FDA approval, they hoped to offer Zepbound and its soon to be released Orforglipron, a GLP-1 in pill form through LillyDirect, their own DTC drug platform. Lilly quoted quite a few prices in their release for self-pay patients. The Zepbound multi-dose pen in the lowest dose will start at two hundred ninety-nine dollars, and additional doses will cost up to four-hundred forty-nine dollars. Multi-dose pen prescriptions will refill at a cost of no more than four-hundred forty-nine dollars. Orforglipron will be priced at one-hundred forty-nine dollars for the lowest dose. Additional doses will run un to three-hundred ninety-nine dollars. Also coming to LillyDirect as part of the MFN campaign, Emgality, Trulicity, and Mounjaro will also be available for self-pay patients at fifty to sixty percent off current list prices. Self-pay patients is the operative word there. Self-paying for prescriptions while holding insurance unfortunately doesn’t contribute to your deductible. Depending on the person, that may or may not be a good deal. Also included in the Lilly release, a reminder that insulin will remain available at the thirty-five dollar per month price point regardless of whether a consumer has insurance or not. Novo Nordisk agreed to cut prices on their semaglutide medicines, Wegovy and Ozempic on their own DTC – NovoCare. Unlike Eli Lilly, they did not reveal pricing details in their official release. All five pharmaceutical companies announced participating price reductions in their drugs via their own DTC platforms as well as TrumpRx dot gov, when it launches next year. I know that we mentioned this previously, but I want to mention it again. These savings that we mentioned may or may not be picked up by insurance companies. All of them mentioned savings associated with self-pay patients, purchase on DTC platforms, or purchase on Trump Rx dot gov. So just something to keep in mind if your clients have questions. Depending on the diagnoses your client has or doesn’t have to go along with their GLP-1 prescription, that’s going to determine what’s the best course of action for them. Currently, many insurers will not cover GLP-1s for weight loss unless they have also been diagnosed with obesity or overweight with one condition. The main label use for the medication is for those with Diabetes. And then the last thing to mention, all five pharmaceutical companies were granted a three-year period of relief from tariffs in exchange for participation in the MFN. Now, let’s move on to Number One, which is the other half of the Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk MFN campaign announcement. Simultaneously, CMS announced a new drug payment model for Medicaid – the Generating Cost Reductions for U.S. Medicaid or Generous Model. And yes, we like to get very creative when we’re coming up with these model names. This model is how CMS plans to implement the new drug pricing for those on Medicare and Medicaid. According to CMS, the Generous model will allow the agency to quote, “negotiate with participating manufacturers for lower prices, while states adopting the model will implement uniform, transparent coverage criteria. These consistent standards will give patients and providers predictable access across participating states,” end quote. Participating states is a key word there as the model is voluntary for both states and drug manufacturers. According to CMS, drug spending in the Medicaid program is quote, “significant and increasing, with net spending of sixty billion dollars in 2024, an increase of ten billion dollars from 2022,” end quote. The model aims to keep prescription drugs accessible for those who need them, lowering the price for both patients and the government, with the hopes that medication use will in turn cause better patient outcomes. Under the Generous model, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound GLP-1 medications by Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk would be available to a select group of Medicare beneficiaries. And as mentioned earlier, should Orforglipron, Eli Lilly’s oral GLP-1 follow the projected path to FDA approval, it would also be available. Now, let’s talk about that select group of Medicare beneficiaries, because there’s a reason for wording it that way. Savings won’t be available on all GLP-1s for all Medicare beneficiaries, though. Prior to the Generous model, only those with type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease could receive coverage for their GLP-1 medications. When implemented, the Generous model will extend coverage to Medicare beneficiaries with obesity. Beneficiaries with Part D benefits will be phased into model participation through three stages. Phase 1 will include overweight individuals with a body mass index or BMI or more than 27, prediabetic indvidiuals, or those diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. Phase 2 incorporates overweight individuals with a BMI greater than 30, individuals with uncontrolled hypertension, kidney disease, or heart failure. And then Phase 3 will include overweight individuals with a BMI greater than 35. CMS will launch the Generous Model in January 2026, letting it run for five years. No word yet on the exact timing of those phases, but I’m sure we’ll be hearing from CMS on that front. As far as Medicaid beneficiaries go, coverage depends on if their state opts in to the Generous Model. CMS is seeking letters of intent from State Medicaid agencies interested in participating. And last but not least, let’s talk cost. For Wegovy and Zepbound, starting doses will begin the model priced at three-hundred fifty dollars per month for those in Medicare or on Medicaid. That cost will decrease over two years, no word yet on how much. Starter doses of Ozempic and Mounjaro will run two-hundred forty-five dollars per month and also decrease over a period of two years. And then the last pricing detail we have right now, a Medicare beneficiary who qualifies for coverage under either the expanded criteria or Part D Phase-ins outlines by the Generous Model - they will pay just fifty dollars per month for their GLP-1 medication. Just a reminder that we are still in very early stages of the MFN campaign, Trump Rx dot gov, and the Generous Model. We’ll likely be circling back to this story to update it in future Friday Five episodes, so be sure to follow along with our show so you don’t miss out on any of that information. And then be sure to visit the episode notes, too. We’ve got links to all the resources we mentioned today, so you’ll find links to all the press releases from CMS, the pharmaceutical companies we talked about, the proposed legislation to get the government up and running again, and even more info on the iPhone Pocket. Thanks so much for listening to our show this week, little bit of a long one today! That being said, I hope you have a great weekend. Stay healthy and stay safe out there, and we will see you next week.
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| Celebrating 20 Years of Medicare AEPs & Growth: Looking Back at 2005 | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:21:59 | |
Jump in the time machine with us as we travel back circa 2005 for the first Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, the debut of Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, two new Med Supp plans, and more!
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: 4 Ways PlanEnroll Will Make This Your Best AEP Yet 4 Reasons Why Ritter Insurance Marketing Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency 5 Medicare Myths Your Clients May Believe 10 Tips to Submitting an Error-Free Medicare Enrollment Application 2026 Medicare Part D Bid Info Likely Means Higher Premiums & Plan Disruption — Here's Why A Review of Integrity's Top Medicare Quoting Tools How Insurance Agents Can Use AI Tools How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly IntegrityCONNECT & PlanEnroll FAQs Risk Adjustment & Finding Value Beyond Coding Changes ft. Dr. Shannon Decker The Future of Medicare Part D: The Push Toward MAPD The Ultimate Agent Resource List Pt. 3: Staying Organized References: “2005 CMS Statistics.” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/research-statistics-data-and-systems/statistics-trends-and-reports/medicaremedicaidstatsupp/downloads/2005_cms_statisticspdf. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025. “2025 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 8 Nov. 2024, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2025-medicare-parts-b-premiums-and-deductibles. McManus, Melanie Radzicki. “A Short History of How Netflix Won World Domination in Streaming.” Entertainment.Howstuffworks.Com, HowStuffWorks, 21 Dec. 2018, entertainment.howstuffworks.com/short-history-netflix-world-domination-streaming.htm. “Beneficiaries with Special Needs Can Get Help from Medicare Managed Care Plans.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/beneficiaries-special-needs-can-get-help-medicare-managed-care-plans. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025. Laschober, Mary. “Estimating Medicare Advantage Lock-In Provisions Impact on Vulnerable Medicare Beneficiaries.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/files/document/05springpg63pdf. “IPod Shuffle (1st Generation).” Apple.Fandom.Com, Apple Wiki, apple.fandom.com/wiki/IPod_shuffle_(1st_generation). Accessed 21 Oct. 2025. “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 21 Oct. 2025. “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/press-releases/medicare-advantage-and-medicare-prescription-drug-programs-remain-stable-cms-implements-improvements. Freed, Meredith, et al. “Medicare Advantage 2025 Spotlight: A First Look at Plan Offerings.” KFF.Org, KFF, 9 Aug. 2025, www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-2025-spotlight-a-first-look-at-plan-offerings/. Freed, Meredith, Jeannie Fugleston Biniek, et al. “Medicare Advantage 2025 Spotlight: A First Look at Plan Premiums and Benefits.” KFF.Org, KFF, 9 Aug. 2025, www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-2025-spotlight-a-first-look-at-plan-premiums-and-benefits/. “Medicare Part B Immunosuppressive Drug Benefit.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/partbid-provider. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025. “Medicare Demonstration to Transition Enrollment of Low Income Subsidy Beneficiaries .” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 8 June 2006, www.cms.gov/Medicare/Prescription-Drug-Coverage/PrescriptionDrugCovContra/Downloads/MemoLTCContracting_060806.pdf. “Medicare Part B Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount.” Federalregister.Gov, Federal Register, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2006/10/27/E6-17690/medicare-part-b-income-related-monthly-adjustment-amount. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025. Cubanski, Juliette, and Anthony Damico. “Medicare Part D in 2025: A First Look at Prescription Drug Plan Availability, Premiums, and Cost Sharing.” KFF.Org, KFF, 9 Aug. 2025, www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-part-d-in-2025-a-first-look-at-prescription-drug-plan-availability-premiums-and-cost-sharing/. “Medicare Program Description and Legislative History.” Ssa.Gov, Social Security Administration, www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/statcomps/supplement/2006/medicare.html. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025. “Medicare Program; Establishment of the Medicare Advantage Program.” Federalregister.Gov, Federal Register, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2005/01/28/05-1322/medicare-program-establishment-of-the-medicare-advantage-program. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025. “Part D / Prescription Drug Benefits.” Medicareadvocacy.Org, Center for Medicare Advocacy, 30 May 2025, medicareadvocacy.org/medicare-info/medicare-part-d/. “Pop Culture in Review for the Year 2005.” Mrpopculture.Com, Mr. Pop Culture , 29 Nov. 2023, mrpopculture.com/pop-culture-in-review-for-the-year-2005/. "The Medicare Advantage program: Availability, benefits, and special needs plans - Chapter 9." Medpac.Gov, Medpac.gov, www.medpac.gov/wp-content/uploads/import_data/scrape_files/docs/default-source/reports/Jun06_Ch09.pdf. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025. Gold, Marsha. “The Landscape of Private Firms Offering Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage in 2006.” Modern.Kff.Org, The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, www.kff.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/7474.pdf. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025. “The next Generation of Medicare Beneficiaries - Chapter 2.” Medpac.Gov, Medpac.gov, www.medpac.gov/wp-content/uploads/import_data/scrape_files/docs/default-source/reports/chapter-2-the-next-generation-of-medicare-beneficiaries-june-2015-report-.pdf. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025. Crowder, Courtney. “Throwback: Pop Culture Trends of 2005.” Usatoday.Com, USA Today, 30 July 2015, www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/2015/07/30/pop-culture-trends/30739417/. “Update to Medicare Deductible, Coinsurance and Premium Rates for 2006.” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Transmittals/downloads/R31GI.pdf. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025. “Variation and Trends in Medigap Premiums.” Aspe.Hhs.Gov, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_legacy_files/43721/index.pdf. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025. Hosch, William L. “YouTube.” Britannica.Com, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 19 Oct. 2025, www.britannica.com/topic/YouTube. 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. | |||
| 4 Tips for Making a Better Insurance Sales Pitch | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:11:05 | |
Want to improve your selling skills? Learn how to make a better insurance sales pitch! We outline four game-changing sales presentation tips for insurance agents.
Read the text version 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: 10 Tips to Submitting an Error-Free Medicare Enrollment Application 16 Ways to Generate Medicare Leads (That You Probably Haven’t Tried Yet!) Friday Five Archive – Agent Survival Guide Podcast How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly How to Stay Compliant During All Medicare Sales What Agents Forget to Do When Preparing for Appointments Ritter Insurance Marketing Blog References: Stemler, Sam. “9 Things Customers Want in 2025, According to Research.” Webascender.Com, Web Ascender, 10 Dec. 2024, www.webascender.com/blog/9-things-customers-want-in-2025-according-to-research-2/. Goman, Carol Kinsey. “10 Powerful Body Language Tips.” Amanet.Org, American Management Association, www.amanet.org/articles/10-powerful-body-language-tips/. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025. “Active Listening Techniques: Best Practices for Leaders.” Ccl.Org, Center for Creative Leadership, 14 Oct. 2025, www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/coaching-others-use-active-listening-skills/. Tanner, Jeff, and Mary Anne Raymond. “Chapter 3 Consumer Behavior: How People Make Buying Decisions.” Https://2012books.Lardbucket.Org/Books/Marketing-Principles-v1.0/S06-Consumer-Behavior-How-People-m.Html, Flatworld. Bronten, George. “How to Sabotage Your Sales with Bad Assumptions.” Membrain.Com, Membrain, www.membrain.com/blog/how-to-sabotage-your-sales-with-bad-assumptions. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025. “Why Your Pace of Speech Matters in Public Speaking.” Teleprompter.Com, Teleprompter, www.teleprompter.com/blog/why-your-pace-of-speech-matters. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025. Follow Us on Social!Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/ Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. | |||
| 5 Ways to Survive Enrollment Season 2026 | 07 Nov 2025 | 00:16:10 | |
Feeling frustrated this enrollment season? This episode is for you! We’ve got some ideas to help you take a break, take care, and make it through AEP and OEP.
Get Connected: 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Turn Self-Care Into a Game with the Finch App: “Finch: Self-Care Pet - Apps on Google Play.” Google, www.play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.finch.finch. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025. “Finch: Self-Care Pet App.” App Store, 7 Dec. 2024, www.apps.apple.com/us/app/finch-self-care-pet/id1528595748. “Your New Self-Care Best Friend.” Finch, www.finchcare.com/. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025. ‘Tis the Season for Holiday Flavors at Dunkin’ & Starbucks: “Celebrate the season: Starbucks Holiday Menu Returns Nov. 6 with Festive Drinks, Cups and Treats.” About Starbucks, www.about.starbucks.com/stories/2025/celebrate-the-season-starbucks-holiday-menu-returns-nov-6-with-festive-drinks-cups-and-treats/. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025. “Dunkin’® Unwraps the Holidays with New Cookie Butter Cloud Latte, Berry Sangria Refresher and Bacon Jam Creations.” Dunkin’, 5 Nov. 2025, www.news.dunkindonuts.com/news/holiday-menu-2025. “Dutch Bros® Cranks up the Cheer with 2025 Holiday Menu.” Dutch Bros® Cranks Up the Cheer with 2025 Holiday Menu | Dutch Bros, www.dutchbros.com/news-events/holiday-2025-drink-menu/. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025. “Starbucks Holiday Menu Returns Nov. 6.” About Starbucks, www.about.starbucks.com/stories/2025/starbucks-holiday-menu-returns-nov-6/. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025. “Starbucks Unveils Joyful Holiday Beverages: Starbucks Stories Asia.” About Starbucks, www.stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2025/starbucks-unveils-joyful-holiday-beverages/. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025. Dictation Goes Modern with Sandbar’s Stream Ring: Evans, Courtney. “Ex-Meta Founders Launch Smart Ring for Music & Notes.” CEO Today, 5 Nov. 2025, www.ceotodaymagazine.com/2025/11/ex-meta-smart-ring-music-voice-notes/. Werth, Timothy Beck. “Former Meta Employees Launch Sandbar, a New Smart Ring Brand.” Mashable, Mashable, 5 Nov. 2025, www.mashable.com/article/meta-employees-launch-smart-ring-sandbar. Mehta, Ivan. “Former Meta Employees Launch Stream, a Smart Ring That Takes Voice Notes and Controls Music.” TechCrunch, 5 Nov. 2025, www.techcrunch.com/2025/11/05/former-meta-employees-launch-stream-a-smart-ring-that-takes-voice-notes-and-controls-music/. “Stream Ring: A Voice-First Ring for Capturing Thoughts and Building Ideas.” Sandbar, www.sandbar.com/. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025. Chokkattu, Julian. “Whisper into This AI-Powered Smart Ring to Organize Your Thoughts.” Wired, Conde Nast, 5 Nov. 2025, www.wired.com/story/sandbar-stream-smart-ring/. Google Maps Adds Landmarks & More AI Capabilities: Mehta, Ivan. “Google Maps Bakes in Gemini to Improve Navigation and Hands-Free Use.” TechCrunch, 5 Nov. 2025, www.techcrunch.com/2025/11/05/google-maps-bakes-in-gemini-to-improve-navigation-and-hands-free-use/. Moore, Amanda Leicht. “Google Maps Navigation Gets a Powerful Boost with Gemini.” Google, Google, 5 Nov. 2025, www.blog.google/products/maps/gemini-navigation-features-landmark-lens/. “Google Maps Is Getting More Hands-Free for When You’re Driving.” CNET, www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/google-maps-is-getting-more-hands-free-for-when-youre-driving/. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025. Field Notes on the Longest Government Shutdown Ever: Solendar, Andrew, and Kate Santaliz. “A Group of House Democrats and Republicans Is Floating a Plan to End the Shutdown.” AXIOS, www.axios.com/2025/11/03/shutdown-aca-tax-credits-democrats-republicans. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025. “Bacon, Suozzi, Hurd, Gottheimer Release Bipartisan Principles to Temporarily Extend and Reform Affordable Care Act Enhanced Premium Tax Credits.” U.S. Congressman Don Bacon, 3 Nov. 2025, www.bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2805. Gringlas, Sam. “How an Enduring Debate over Healthcare Sparked a Now Record-Long Shutdown.” NPR, 5 Nov. 2025, www.npr.org/2025/11/05/nx-s1-5596472/government-shutdown-record-health-care-subsidies. Beavins, Emma, et al. “How the Shutdown Impacts Healthcare: Legislators Float Bipartisan Plan to Extend, Reform Aca Tax Credits.” Fierce Healthcare, www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/shutdown-tracker-cms-issues-billing-guidance-hhs-furloughs-32000-employees. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025. Recently Published Episodes: 5 Real-Life Medicare Sales Scenarios & How to Handle Them Content Library: Cooking for Beginners ft. Jeff Snyder How Insurance Agents Can Use AI Tools How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly Stress Relief Tips to Get You Through AEP 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. Episode Transcript: Welcome to the Agent Survival Guide Podcast Friday Five, which is either our weekly recap of what happened this week that agents should know about. Or in the case of this week, 5 items focusing on a particular theme. I’m your host, Sarah Rueppel, and this week, we are talking about dealing with burnout, getting off the struggle bus, or to put it more eloquently, 5 ways to survive AEP 2026 even when everything feels like a dumpster on fire floating down the river with a smile on our face to mask the reality. It’s been a rough enrollment season so far with all the changes and disruption going on. I know that it can feel like a lot, I certainly don’t want to sugarcoat that. What I do want to do, is talk about some solutions to help you take a break from the burnout, refresh, and make sure you’re taking care of yourself amidst all the commotion. So let’s start with that last one, making sure you take care of yourself, and in true ASG Podcast fashion, we’re going to turn to an app, because we love technology. But we also love gamifying tasks because it adds a layer of fun and rewards you for doing things that you know you should be doing anyway, but sometimes we don’t do them because we’re too busy. That’s where the Finch Self-Care Pet app can help. The app is designed to gamify self-care and getting stuff done, across a range of categories, like self-kindness, calm, gratitude, productivity, and more. Every user gets a little animal called a birb to take care of. It looks like a little bird. As you cross things off your to-do lists and keep checking back in, your birb grows and learns. It hatches micropets of its own. And you earn in-game currency called rainbow stones to purchase clothing for your birb, furniture for your birb’s room, and tickets to travel to new locations. You decide what you want to achieve in a day, and you can place items in categories, or keep them uncategorized. As more time goes on, you’ll be able to gain insight from your habits, identifying which ones you’re really good at accomplishing, and which others need more work, and might need to be prioritized a little bit more. And one thing in particular I love, is that you can add friends on the app. Almost immediately after downloading Finch and trying it out, I thought it could be a great way to help my daughter establish daily routines and reward her for completing tasks. We’ve been using it together for almost a month, and so far, we still both really like it. She has other friends from school that use it, and I’ve mentioned it to the team here, with some coworkers also downloading it and giving it a try. We’ll be linking to the learn more about Finch page in the episode notes, so if you’re looking for a way to accomplish your to-dos while also taking care of yourself, or you’re trying to teach your child how to do that, I can’t recommend this app enough. Number Four. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t be able to function without caffeine, and sometimes, stopping for a treat from either Starbucks or Dunkin’ is necessary. Or maybe you just need to switch up your order with a new seasonal, limited-edition flavor. You are in luck because pumpkin spice has officially taken a backseat to peppermint mocha and its holiday friends! Wednesday marked the beginning of the holiday menu’s return to Dunkin, and Starbucks hauled out the holly yesterday. While I definitely identify as a Starbucks fan, I have to say that the Dunkin’ holiday cups feature super cute graphics that are very much channeling schoolhouse rock. Peppermint Mocha everything and the Toasted White Chocolate Signature Latte are back for the season. New offerings include the Berry Sangria refresher the Cookie Butter Cloud Latte. Dunkin Refreshers can be mixed with either green tea, black tea, lemonade, or sparkling water, the latter of which is always my go-to. And then the Cookie Butter Cloud Latte pairs the creamy sweetness of a latte topped with Cookie Butter cold foam and cookie crumbles. I think I’d enjoy the cold foam and crumbles on a cold brew or iced coffee, but if made according to the menu, I think it’ll be too sweet for me. Over at Starbucks, Peppermint Mocha returns along with Toffee Nut Crunch and Gingerbread Latte. I’m a huge fan of the Gingerbread flavored ground coffee, so I’m very excited for all things Gingerbread. New this year is the hazelnut praline mille-feuille oatmilk latte, and I’m going to be honest, I’m glad I order on the app most of the time, because I wouldn’t want to have to say the name of that drink out loud in line. It sounds so precocious. Also, I’m more of a cold brew fan, so if that’s you as well, there are a few seasonal cold foams joining the menu. Gingerbread Cream, Peppermint Chocolate, Sugar Cookie Cream, and Caramel Brûlée Cream. And if you’re lucky enough to have a Dutch Bros near you, they’ve had their holiday menu up and running since November 1st. Returning there, the candy cane mocha, which is their version of a peppermint mocha topped with crushed candy canes. They brought back the Hazelnut Truffle Mocha. And new this year, the Holiday Cookie Freeze which blends vanilla, sweet cream, and sprinkles, and then the mistletoe rebel which is the Dutch Bros energy drink blend mixed with raspberry and pomegranate. Fun fact before we move on to our next topic, this week, we polled our marketing team on the official start date of the Holiday season. November first was the clear front-runner, which might be a hot take to some, or just an indicator that we have a lot of holiday spirit here at Ritter. Number Three. Sometimes, what your brain needs is a good old-fashioned distraction. For me, this usually means scrolling through the news, which led me to a very cool AI device that I will likely be adding to my Christmas wishlist - the Stream Ring from Sandbar. The ring houses a small microphone for users to speak into throughout the day, essentially creating your own voice log. It also features a button that the company calls a mouse for voice, holding it to speak, and then tapping it to pause, return to music playback, and even control volume. What you dictate into the ring is sent to the Stream app and converted into text, so you can capture thoughts on the fly, and then go back to read them on the Stream app. I’ve always liked the idea of dictating notes, but not the idea of going back and listening to them or transcribing them. This combination of wearable and app takes a lot of friction out of that process, making a compelling and useful new tool. The price point is set at two hundred forty-nine dollars for the silver ring and two hundred ninety-nine dollars for the gold version. The Stream app has a free tier with unlimited notes but limited chats, The Pro version allows for unlimited interactions and early features for ten dollars a month. Each ring gets a three-month free subscription to the pro version to try it out. Might seem like a super simple AI wearable, but I think this practical approach might see success where other AI wearables have failed. It would be nice if health monitoring benefits were included, but you have to start somewhere. I’m very curious to see how this wearable performs when it does become available, I’m not sure I’d jump on the preorder, but I’m also not sure that I won’t. Stay tuned. Moving on to Number Two. If you are a Google Maps user, good news! There are a few updates coming to the app, one that actually took me back to a fun exercise from the Technical Writing class I took in college. Gemini AI has been more deeply integrated into the app, so navigation can now be truly hands-free. Users can ask questions and add conversational follow-up questions and get answers, all without touching your device. You’ll also be able to report issues like roadwork or an accident by voice, rather than tapping a display screen. That’s super helpful, and the more people that are able to report those disruptions, the better the experience for all commuters. Users will also be notified about upcoming issues even if you’re not actively navigating. This is a feature that Waze recently implemented, glad to see it coming to Google Maps as well. I enjoy having the map up on my screen, but if I’m listening to something, I don’t want turn-by-turn instructions interrupting my drive unless there’s something to be concerned about. Google Maps has also added Lens capability to identify nearby landmarks and answer questions about them. Landmarks will also now play a role in the directions you’ll hear while driving. So back in my Technical Writing class, one of our in-class exercises was to write down directions on how to get to a destination. It was an exercise designed to highlight the proper order of directions, while also adding specific information, rather than obtuse observations. So, instead of telling someone to turn left at the tree that looks like a dinosaur, you’d tell them they’ll see Riley’s Restaurant, and make a right just after the restaurant. Google Maps will now do the same thing, you’ll see landmarks highlighted on your map and hear the voice direction telling you to turn right after Riley’s Restaurant. So, it follows the same pattern of order, but gives users both a visual and voice instruction. This is something I find super-helpful when I’m navigating a new area, because as much as I appreciate a countdown in the number of feet before a turn, 300 feet feels different depending on the speed you’re traveling at. And now, coming in at Number One this week: Make sure you’re following along with our show to stay as updated as possible on what’s going on in the industry. We’re usually tracking quite a few different stories, one of the biggest right now, the current thirty-eight day government shutdown, which is now the longest shutdown in the history of the United States. We are monitoring this so closely, not because we love the politics around any of this, actively do not love that, but there are issues that affect agents and your clients. Democrats have so far held their ground on reopening the government, calling for an extension to be made on the enhanced premium tax credits set to expire at the end of 2025. Some republicans are voicing concerns from their own constituents on the subject of subsidies. And then there are things like SNAP benefits and other government resources that are affected by the shutdown because of furloughs and a lack of funding. What I choose to focus on here, is that there are people on both sides of Congress who really are trying to have conversations and find ways to compromise, even if it seems like no one wants to report on that. Earlier this week, FierceHealthcare and Axios both reported on a bipartisan proposal that seeks a two-year extension as well as other considerations. I won’t call out the exact details of that proposal here, because they’ll likely change between now and any sort of implementation. But I do want to quote the statement put out by the representatives who put together that proposal, quote, “Congress is gridlocked, and too many Americans have lost faith that we can work together. But here’s the truth: Democrats and Republicans can sit down, listen to one another and find common ground, especially when it comes to lowering healthcare costs. We may not agree on every ideal outcome, but we’ve identified a fair, reasonable path forward on the future of the Affordable Care Act’s Enhanced Premium Tax Credits. Compromise isn’t rocket science and it shouldn’t be treated like a weakness,” end quote. And I’m going to read that one more time because of how much I like it, quote, “compromise isn’t rocket science and it shouldn’t be treated like a weakness,” end quote. The statement and proposal came from Don Bacon, Tom Suozzi, Jeff Hurd, and Josh Gottheimer, and I don’t think I’m alone when I say that I hope other members of Congress are listening and willing to start those conversations. We’ll continue to track this story and report back with developments. Again, make sure you’re following along with us for help staying upbeat and motivated during this time, help taking a break and stepping back from things for a minute to take care of yourself, and of course, important industry updates, like whether or not the subsidies will be extended for coverage year 2026. That being said, I hope you have a great weekend, stay healthy and stay safe out there, and don’t forget to take some time for yourself this weekend. You deserve it! We’ll see you next week. | |||
| Medicare Prior Authorization Changes for Beneficiaries | 06 Nov 2025 | 00:08:12 | |
CMS plans to simplify prior authorization for Medicare beneficiaries beginning in 2026. Listen to learn more about changes coming to Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare!
Read the text version 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: 4 Reasons Why Ritter Insurance Marketing Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency 5 Medicare Myths Your Clients May Believe 16 Ways to Generate Medicare Leads (That You Probably Haven’t Tried Yet!) Content Library: Mastering Medicare Insurance Coverage ft. Jeff Snyder How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly References: “HHS Secretary Kennedy, CMS Administrator Oz Secure Industry Pledge to Fix Broken Prior Authorization System.” HHS.Gov, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 23 June 2025, www.hhs.gov/press-room/kennedy-oz-cms-secure-healthcare-industry-pledge-to-fix-prior-authorization-system.html. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025. “Health Plans Are Making Voluntary Commitments to Support Patients And Providers” AHIP.Org, www.ahip.org/health-plans-are-making-voluntary-commitments-to-support-patients-and-providers. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025. “Health Plans Take Action to Simplify Prior Authorization - AHIP.” AHIP.Org, www.ahip.org/news/press-releases/health-plans-take-action-to-simplify-prior-authorization. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025. Ochieng, Nancy, et al. “Medicare Advantage in 2025: Premiums, out-of-Pocket Limits, Supplemental Benefits, and Prior Authorization.” KFF, 9 Aug. 2025, www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-premiums-out-of-pocket-limits-supplemental-benefits-and-prior-authorization/. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025. “Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model.” FederalRegister.Org, www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2025-12195/medicare-program-implementation-of-prior-authorization-for-select-services-for-the-wasteful-and. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025. “Prior Authorization and Pre-Claim Review Initiatives.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/data-research/monitoring-programs/medicare-fee-service-compliance-programs/prior-authorization-and-pre-claim-review-initiatives. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025. LeValley, Donna. “Prior Authorization Coming to Traditional Medicare Starting in 2026.” Kiplinger.Com, Kiplinger, 7 July 2025, www.kiplinger.com/retirement/medicare/prior-authorization-coming-to-traditional-medicare. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025. Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. | |||
| 5 MORE Real-Life Medicare Sales Scenarios and How to Handle Them | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:10:09 | |
Every Medicare client has their own unique situation and needs. Learn how to best assist them with 5 more insurance sales scenarios!
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: 3 Essential Steps New Insurance Agents Need to Take 4 Ancillary Cross-Sales to Show Clients You Care 4 Out-Of-the-Box Long-Term Care Insurance Solutions 5 Must-Haves for Every Agent This AEP 5 Real-Life Medicare Sales Scenarios & How to Handle Them Do’s and Don’ts of Medicare Compliance How to Prepare for AEP like a Pro How VA Benefits Work with Medicare Life Insurance for Each of Life’s Stages Rules for Hosting a Compliant Medicare Educational Event Rules for Hosting a Compliant Medicare Sales Event The Complete Guide on How to Sell Final Expense Insurance FREE eBook DOWNLOAD Your Clients May Not Be Automatically Enrolled in Medicare References: “Agent of Record.” Insuranceopedia, 14 Jan. 2025, https://www.insuranceopedia.com/definition/674/agent-of-record. “Avoid Late Enrollment Penalties.” Medicare, https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs/avoid-penalties. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025. “Cobra and Medicare Coordination.” Medicare Interactive, 31 Mar. 2025, https://www.medicareinteractive.org/understanding-medicare/coordinating-medicare-with-other-insurance/cobra-and-medicare/cobra-and-medicare-coordination. “How Medicare Works with Other Insurance.” Medicare, https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/coordination. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025. “Job-Based Insurance When You Are Disabled.” Medicare Interactive, 23 Mar. 2025, https://www.medicareinteractive.org/understanding-medicare/coordinating-medicare-with-other-insurance/job-based-insurance-and-medicare/job-based-insurance-when-you-are-disabled. “Medicare Information.” SSA, https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/medicare.htm. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025. “Tricare for Life (Tfl) Basics.” Medicare Interactive, 23 Mar. 2025, https://www.medicareinteractive.org/understanding-medicare/coordinating-medicare-with-other-insurance/military-retiree-insurance-and-medicare/tricare-for-life-tfl-basics. 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. | |||
| 5 Real-Life Medicare Sales Scenarios & How to Handle Them | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:09:16 | |
One of the best ways to prepare for the insurance field is with real life scenarios. In this episode we dive into 5 scenarios and how to best assist your clients.
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: 4 Tips for Making a Better Insurance Sales Pitch 10 Tips to Submitting an Error-Free Medicare Enrollment Application Contact Ritter Insurance Marketing eBook: A Comprehensive Guide to Medicare Supplement Underwriting How to Save Your Clients Money on Prescription Drugs How SPAPs and Their SEPs Can Bring You New Business Reach Out to Ritter's Sales Team Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing The Beginner’s Guide to D-SNPs Stay Busy Outside of AEP With Special Enrollment Periods References:“Extra Help Basics.” Medicare Interactive, 1 May 2025, https://www.medicareinteractive.org/understanding-medicare/cost-saving-programs/the-extra-help-low-income-subsidy-lis-program/extra-help-basics. “Get Ready to Buy.” Medicare, https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap/ready-to-buy. Accessed 25 Sept. 2025. “Glossary Archive.” Medicare Interactive, https://www.medicareinteractive.org/glossary. Accessed 25 Sept. 2025. “I Am Turning 65 in a Few Months and Want to Go on Medicare. Will I Be Automatically Enrolled in Parts A and B or Do I Need to Sign Up?” KFF, 18 Sept. 2025, https://www.kff.org/faqs/medicare-open-enrollment-faqs/enrollment-information-for-people-new-to-medicare/i-am-turning-65-in-a-few-months-and-want-to-go-on-medicare-will-i-be-automatically-enrolled-in-parts-a-and-b-or-do-i-need-to-sign-up/. 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. | |||
| Stress Relief Tips to Get You Through AEP | 03 Nov 2025 | 00:11:30 | |
Things can get hectic during AEP. From sales appointments, applications, and following up with clients, it’s easy to brush aside rest and self-care, so consider this episode as a reminder!
Read the text version Save Time, Sell More - IntegrityCONNECT Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: A Review of Integrity’s Top Medicare Quoting Tools Do’s and Don’ts of Medicare Compliance How Ask Integrity Can Streamline Your Medicare Sales Appointments PlanEnroll – Take Your Business to the Next Level Your Guide to Forming an Insurance Agent Network Fun Local Resources near Harrisburg PA: Meditation to Calm the Mind (Free) Round-A-Bout-Bagels Carlisle Cat Cafe Volunteer with The Harrisburg Humane Society (Free) Wildwood Park (Free) – Harrisburg PA References: “3 Tips to Manage Stress.” Www.Heart.Org, American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/3-tips-to-manage-stress. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025. “Your Frontline Source for Tech News.” Techreport, 6 Oct. 2025, https://techreport.com/. Mayo Clinic Staff. “Stress Relievers: Tips to Tame Stress.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 3 Aug. 2023, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relievers/art-20047257. Matijczak, Angela, et al. “The Influence of Interactions With Pet Dogs on Psychological Distress.” American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2023-97081-001.html. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025. Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. | |||
| Government & Insurers Reconsider Short-Term Limited Duration Product Changes | 01 Nov 2025 | 00:05:46 | |
Have you heard? The definition of Short-Term Limited Duration Insurance has changed. We unpack what it means for insurance agents!
Read the text version 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: CMS & HHS Expand ACA Catastrophic Coverage Enrollment ICHRA vs. QSEHRA vs. Group Health Plans: Sales Opportunities for Insurance Agents Judge Vacates HHS MA Commissions Lawsuit Ritter Insurance Marketing Carrier Partners The Fight for ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits References: “Public Health Service Act.” Govinfo.Gov, govinfo.gov, www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-8773/pdf/COMPS-8773.pdf. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025. “Short-Term Health Insurance Availability and Limits by State.” Healthinsurance.Org, healthinsurance.org, 15 Aug. 2025, www.healthinsurance.org/short-term-health-insurance/. “Short-Term Health Insurance: How It Works and Who It’s For.” Healthinsurance.Org, healthinsurance.org, 30 Sept. 2025, www.healthinsurance.org/short-term-health-insurance/. “Short-Term, Limited-Duration Insurance and Independent, Noncoordinated Excepted Benefits Coverage.” Federalregister.Gov, Federal Register, 3 Apr. 2024, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/03/2024-06551/short-term-limited-duration-insurance-and-independent-noncoordinated-excepted-benefits-coverage. “Statement of U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury Regarding Short-Term, Limited Duration Insurance.” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7 Aug. 2025, www.cms.gov/files/document/statement-regarding-short-term-limited-duration-insurance.pdf. “What Is Individual Health Insurance?” Healthinsurance.Org, healthinsurance.org, 14 Feb. 2025, www.healthinsurance.org/glossary/individual-health-insurance/.
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. | |||
| 5 Spooky Stories for Halloween 👻 | 31 Oct 2025 | 00:45:52 | |
No tricks, just a treat of an episode that miiiight leave you sleeping with the lights on tonight. Our staff volunteered to tell some spooky stories that line up with locations featured in our Content Library Top Spooky Spots series. We hope you enjoy it!
Content Library: The Top Spooky Spots for Halloween Previous Content Library Interviews: Content Library: Cooking for Beginners ft. Jeff Snyder Content Library: Mastering Medicare Insurance Coverage ft. Jeff Snyder Introducing a Content Marketing Solution for Insurance Agents Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/ Get Connected: 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. | |||
| Rules for Hosting a Compliant Medicare Educational Event | 22 Nov 2025 | 00:08:13 | |
Get ready to host a Medicare educational event with help from the Agent Survival Guide! We highlight what agents need to know to stay compliant with your carriers and CMS Rules.
Read the text version
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: Do’s and Don’ts of Medicare Compliance eBooks & Guides for Insurance Agents How to Organize a Turning 65 Seminar on a Budget How to Stay Compliant During All Medicare Sales Rules for Hosting a Compliant Medicare Sales Event What Not to Say During Medicare Educational and Sales Events References: “Federal Register.” FederalRegister.Gov, www.federalregister.gov/. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025. “Medicare Marketing Guidelines.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/managed-care-marketing/medicare-guidelines. Accessed 11 Nov. 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.` | |||
| What CMS Requires Agents to Discuss Prior to Medicare Enrollments | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:14:27 | |
In this episode we review key CMS regulations agents must follow to stay compliant during Medicare sales. Bonus? These steps also help educate and inform your clients!
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: Fact vs. Fiction: Examining the Medicare Part B Premium Giveback Formularies & Covered Drugs – Knight School Training How to Check Medicare Extra Help Eligibility for Your Client How to Help Clients Avoid Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties How to Help Your Clients Get the Most Out of Their Medicare Advantage Plans Insurance Agents as TPMOs: What CMS Compliance Regulations Mean for You Medicare Grievances & How Insurance Agents Can (Try To) Prevent Them MA & PDP Compliant Sales Checklist PDF Download SNPs: The Secret to Surviving Lock-in The 2026 Medicare Part D Redesign Updates Agents Should Know The Beginner’s Guide to C-SNPs The Beginner’s Guide to D-SNPs The Difference Between Medicare & Medicaid: What That Means for Insurance Agents What Agents Can’t Say During Medicare Sales Appointments What to Know About SOAs in Medicare Health and Prescription Drug Plan Sales References: “Agent and Broker Training & Testing Guidelines.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/files/document/cy2025-agent-broker-training-testing-guidelines.pdf. Accessed 14 Oct 2025. “Agent and Broker Training & Testing Guidelines.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/files/document/cy2026agentbrokertrainingtestingguidelinespdf.pdf. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025. “Costs.” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025. “Contract Year 2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule (CMS-4205-F).” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/contract-year-2025-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-final-rule-cms-4205-f. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025. “Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (CMS-4208-F).” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-medicare-advantage-program-medicare-prescription-final. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025. “Emergency Department Services.” Medicare.Gov, Medicare, www.medicare.gov/coverage/emergency-department-services. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025. “Medicare Communications and Marketing Guidelines (MCMG) Date: 02/09/2022.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/files/document/medicare-communications-marketing-guidelines-2-9-2022.pdf. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025. Seladi-Schulman, Jill. “Medicare IRMAA: What Is It and When Does It Apply?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 22 Apr. 2025, www.healthline.com/health/medicare/what-is-irmaa. “Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2025 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program; and Medicare Overpayments.” Federalregister.Gov, Federal Register, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/07/31/2024-14828/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-cy-2025-payment-policies-under-the-physician-fee-schedule-and-other. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025. “Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.” FederalRegister.Gov, Federal Register, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/15/2025-06008/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-to-the-medicare. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025. “Out-of-Pocket Maximum/Limit.” HealthCare.Gov, www.healthcare.gov/glossary/out-of-pocket-maximum-limit/. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025. Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/ Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. | |||
| The 2026 COLA Increase & How it Affects Your Clients | 27 Oct 2025 | 00:05:25 | |
This just in! Social Security announced the Cost of Living Adjustment for 2026. Listen on the ASG podcast for the official numbers and how the COLA increase impacts your clients.
Read the text version 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: 5 Medicare Myths Your Clients May Believe 2026 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Premiums References: “Consumer Price Index - September 2025.” Bls.Gov, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 24 Oct. 2025, www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.toc.htm. “Create Your Personal My Social Security Account Today.” SSA, Social Security Administration, www.ssa.gov/myaccount/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025. Bogle, Darlynda. “How the Hold Harmless Provision Protects Your Benefits.” Blog.SSA.Gov, Social Security Administration, 18 Apr. 2025, blog.ssa.gov/how-the-hold-harmless-provision-protects-your-benefits/. “Social Security Announces 2.8 Percent Benefit Increase for 2026 .” SSA.Gov, Social Security Administration, 24 Oct. 2025, blog.ssa.gov/social-security-announces-benefit-increase-for-2026/. “Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment.” SSA.Gov, Social Security Administration, 24 Oct. 2025, www.ssa.gov/cola/. 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. | |||
| 5 Tips to Make the Most of AEP | 27 Oct 2025 | 00:07:45 | |
You’ve worked hard all year to prepare for AEP, but you’re not at the finish line yet! Listen to this installment of the Agent Survival Guide Podcast for tips on how to maximize your success this AEP.
Read the text version Meet your personal AI assistant: Ask Integrity Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: 4 Ways PlanEnroll Will Make This Your Best AEP Yet Announcing the Launch of IntegrityCONNECT Content Library: Mastering Medicare Coverage ft. Jeff Snyder How Insurance Agents Can Use AI Tools How to Prepare for AEP Like a Pro Secure a Bigger, Better Business with Ancillary Products The Insurance Agent’s Guide to Establishing Successful Affinity Partnerships FREE eBook What Agents Forget to Do When Preparing for Appointments References: “Medicare + Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (MFWA) Online Course.” AHIP Medicare Training, https://www.ahipmedicaretraining.com/page/login. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025. “Medicare Open Enrollment.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/priorities/key-initiatives/medicare-open-enrollment-partner-resources. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025. Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. | |||
| Can Insurance Agents Charge Medicare Consultation Fees? | 25 Oct 2025 | 00:07:56 | |
As select Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans go non-commissionable, we’ve been hearing whispers about consulting fees. Rather than stay silent, we’ve got some words of caution and solutions for agents to consider.
Read the text version Contact Us! Email ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or reach out to Ritter’s Sales Team near you! Resources: 7 Actions You Can Take If Your Medicare Plans Go Non-Commissionable 8 Reasons Why Insurance Agents Should Sell ACA Plans ACA 101: Selling Under-65 Health Insurance A Quick Guide to Cross-Selling Ancillary Insurance with Medicare Products Final Expense Insurance: How Much Can Clients Expect It to Cover? Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing Selling Hospital Indemnity with Medicare Advantage: Is It Worth It? References: Are Brokers Still in the Crosshairs? Policy and Market Updates for 2026 Medicare Advantage Program Regulations Medicare Part D Communication Requirements 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. | |||
| Ask Integrity Plan Insights | 24 Oct 2025 | 00:08:40 | |
The Friday Five for October 24, 2025:
Get Connected: 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. OpenAI Announces ChatGPT Atlas: Rogers, Reece. “OpenAI’s Atlas Browser Takes Direct Aim at Google Chrome.” Wired.Com, Wired, 21 Oct. 2025, www.wired.com/story/openai-atlas-browser-chrome-agents-web-browsing/. Babu, Juby, and Krystal Hu. “OpenAI Launches AI Browser Atlas in Latest Challenge to Google.” Reuters.Com, Reuters, www.reuters.com/technology/openai-unveils-ai-browser-atlas-2025-10-21/. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025. O’Brien, Matt, and Michael Liedtke. “OpenAI Launches Atlas Browser to Compete with Google Chrome.” Apnews.Com, AP News, 21 Oct. 2025, apnews.com/article/openai-atlas-web-browser-chatgpt-google-ai-f59edaa239aebe26fc5a4a27291d717a. Capoot, Ashley. “OpenAI Unveils CHATGPT Atlas Browser, Sending Alphabet Shares Lower.” CNBC.Com, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025, www.cnbc.com/2025/10/21/openai-browser-alphabet-stock.html. Fried, Ina. “What to Know about Atlas, OpenAI’s New Web Browser.” Axios.Com, Axios, www.axios.com/2025/10/21/openai-atlas-what-to-know. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025. Apple Beta Updates for Liquid Glass: Clover, Juli. “iOS 26.1 Beta 4 Lets Users Control Liquid Glass Transparency with New Toggle.” Macrumors.Com, MacRumors, 20 Oct. 2025, www.macrumors.com/2025/10/20/ios-26-1-liquid-glass-toggle/. Peters, Jay. “Apple Adds a New Toggle to Make Liquid Glass Less Glassy.” Theverge.Com, The Verge, 20 Oct. 2025, www.theverge.com/news/802963/apple-liquid-glass-ios-26-1-beta-tint-option. Cunningham, Andrew. “Upcoming iOS and macOS 26.1 Update Will Let You Fog up Your Liquid Glass.” Arstechnica.Com, Ars Technica, 21 Oct. 2025, arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/10/new-ios-and-macos-betas-add-tinted-toggle-to-tone-down-liquid-glass/. ACA Premiums & Tax Credits Status Check: Ortaliza, Jared, Matt McGough, Kaitlyn Vu, Imani Telesford, Shameek Rakshit, Emma Wager Twitter, et al. “How Much and Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Going up in 2026.” Healthsystemtracker.Org, KFF, 6 Aug. 2025, www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/how-much-and-why-aca-marketplace-premiums-are-going-up-in-2026/. “How Much More Would People Pay in Premiums If the ACA’s Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expire?” KFF.Org, KFF, 17 Oct. 2025, www.kff.org/interactive/how-much-more-would-people-pay-in-premiums-if-the-acas-enhanced-subsidies-expired/. “Is It Too Late for ACA Insurers to Change Their Premiums?” KFF.Org, KFF, 8 Oct. 2025, www.kff.org/quick-take/is-it-too-late-for-aca-insurers-to-change-their-premiums/. Ask Integrity Plan Insights: Get Started with IntegrityCONNECT Integrity Transformational AI-Powered Plan Insights Learn more about Ask Integrity Resources: How an ICHRA Partnership Can Support ACA Sales How Insurance Agents Can Use AI Tools How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly Optimize Your Online Presence ft. Aaron Kassover The Medicare Telehealth 2025 Changes Insurance Agents Need to Know 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. | |||
| Content Library: Cooking for Beginners ft. Jeff Snyder | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:38:58 | |
Jeff Snyder joins Sarah to chat about Ritter Insurance Marketing’s Content Library for insurance agents. Find out how to use non-insurance related content in your marketing efforts.
📚Browse Ritter Insurance Marketing’s Content Library for Insurance Agents 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing Resources: 5 Insurance Marketing Tips to Help Agents Stand Out in a Crowd 5 Types of Content to Share on Social Media Content Library: Master Medicare Insurance Coverage Field Notes on Partner Marketing Resources Field Notes on Digital Marketing Resources Field Notes on Traditional Marketing Resources Introducing a Content Marketing Solution for Insurance Agents Reach out to Ritter’s Compliance Team 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. | |||
| How Insurance Agents Can Turn Anxiety into Fuel | 20 Oct 2025 | 00:09:38 | |
Don't let anxiety take away your potential. In this episode, we've got tips to help insurance agents overcome anxiety, turning it into fuel for your success.
Get Connected: 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: eBooks and Guides for Insurance Agents Events & Webinars available through Ritter Insurance Marketing Fact-Finder to use when meeting with clients Knight School Online Training for Insurance Agents MA & PDP Compliant Sales Checklist More Episodes of the ASG Podcast: Adding Spokes to Your Wheel ft. Robert Rothschild Building the Foundation for Success ft. Roy Snarr How to Create a Healthy Balance Between Work and Life Making Your Own Luck ft. Michael Krantz Operating From a People-First Mentality ft. Scott Zimmerman 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. | |||
| AEP 2026 Kickoff | 17 Oct 2025 | 00:26:26 | |
The Friday Five for October 17, 2025:
Get Connected: 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Social Security 2026 COLA delayed: September 2025 CPI Release Rescheduled Meet Rustout; the apathetic cousin of Burnout Forget Burnout: 5 Clear Signs You're Suffering From Rust-Out Rust-Out and Burnout: Steps You Can Take to Overcome Them at Work Rust Out - The warning signs and what to do about them What is 'rust out' and are you experiencing it? Instagram Goes PG-13 for Teens 13-17: Instagram Teen Accounts Will Be Guided by PG-13 Ratings Instagram to bring in version of PG-13 system to protect children, says Meta Instagram Will Limit Content for Teenagers Based on PG-13 Ratings Instagram will now be PG-13 for teens with Meta’s latest update Motion Picture Association Film Ratings A Chat with Jake McGeory for our Maryland Agents: Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Team in Your Region eHealth Medicare AEP Consumer Insights Survey Resources: How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly What Agents Forget to Do When Preparing for Appointments Where It All Begins: Obtaining Permission to Contact for Medicare Sales 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. | |||
| What Agents Forget to Do When Preparing for Appointments | 13 Oct 2025 | 00:07:35 | |
You’ve got a full day of appointments… great! But do you have everything you need? Don’t miss our list of small items that agents often forget. Remembering them can make a big difference in keeping you organized and stress-free when you’re on the road.
Read the text version Get Connected: 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast ! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: 5 Medicare Myths Your Clients May Believe How Ask Integrity Can Streamline Your Medicare Sales Appointments How to Prepare for AEP Like a Pro How to Survive AEP: Wellness Tips for Insurance Agents Save Time & Sell More with IntegrityCONNECT What New Insurance Agents Need to Know References: Nesmith, Meghan. “Clean IQ: What’s Really in Those Tide to Go Pens? And Why Don’t You Have to Rinse Them?” Apartmenttherapy.Com, Apartment Therapy, www.apartmenttherapy.com/tide-to-go-how-to-use-268453. Accessed 8 Sept. 2025. Naftulin, Julia. “Do You Get ‘Hangry’? Feeling Angry From Not Eating Is a Real Thing.” Edited by Melissa Nieves, Health.Com, Health, 19 Aug. 2025, www.health.com/nutrition/what-is-hangry. “Phone Charging Tips: The Complete Guide to Maximizing Battery Life in 2025.” Rdbatteries.Com, R&D Batteries Inc., 1 Sept. 2025, www.rdbatteries.com/blog/post/how-to-store-batteries.html. 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. | |||
| 5 Days ‘Til AEP 2026 | 10 Oct 2025 | 00:09:42 | |
The Friday Five for October 10, 2025:
Get Connected: 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Medicare Telehealth in Limbo: Beavins, Emma. “Hospitals, Doctors Face Virtual Care Cliff with Telehealth, Hospital at Home Services on the Line.” Fierce Healthcare, 29 Oct. 2025, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/telehealth-hospital-home-deadlines-approach-no-funding-deal-sight. Miller, Marika. “Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities: Countdown to September 30, 2025.” Foley & Lardner LLP, 11 Sept. 2025, https://www.foley.com/insights/publications/2025/09/medicare-telehealth-flexibilities-countdown-to-september-30-2025/. Jackson, Marshall E., et al. “Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities Expire: Immediate Impacts and next Steps.” McDermott Will & Schulte, 1 Oct. 2025, https://www.mwe.com/insights/medicare-telehealth-flexibilities-expire-immediate-impacts-and-next-steps/. Konish, Lorie. “Social Security Cola for 2026: How Federal Government Shutdown May Affect Announcement.” CNBC, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/09/social-security-cola-2026-benefit-increase.html. Blake, Suzanne, and Gabe Whisnant. “Social Security Update: Government Shutdown Will Delay Major Announcement.” Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025, https://www.newsweek.com/social-security-update-government-shutdown-2026-sola-10842238. “US Government Shutdown Will Delay Social Security 2026 Cola Announcement | Reuters.” Reuters, 7 Oct. 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-government-shutdown-will-delay-social-security-2026-cola-announcement-2025-10-07/. Public Support for Extending ACA Subsidies: Sparks, Grace, et al. “KFF Health Tracking Poll: Public Weighs Political Consequences of Health Policy Legislation.” KFF, 3 Oct. 2025, https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/kff-health-tracking-poll-public-weighs-political-consequences-of-health-policy-legislation/. FFM Certification Now Available: 2026 ACA Exchange & FFM Certification Info Ritter Insurance Marketing Resources for AEP & Beyond: eBooks & Guides for Insurance Agents Events & Webinars for Insurance Agents Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing 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. | |||
| How Health Insurance Agents Can Stay TCPA Compliant | 22 Nov 2025 | 00:16:50 | |
Learn more about how the Telephone Consumer Protection Act applies to insurance agents. ⚠️ Spoiler Alert: the TCPA also applies to text messages.
Read the text version 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: Federal TCPA Compliance Checklist PDF Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing Guidelines for Sharing Personal Beneficiary Data with Other TPMOs How to Stay Compliant During All Medicare Sales Insurance Agents as TPMOs: What CMS Compliance Regulations Mean for You Where It All Begins: Obtaining Permission to Contact for Medicare Sales References: “California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).” Oag.ca.Gov, State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General, 28 Jan. 2025, oag.ca.gov/privacy/ccpa. “CAN-SPAM Act: A Compliance Guide for Business.” Ftc.Gov, Federal Trade Commission, 22 July 2025, www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/can-spam-act-compliance-guide-business. “Federal Trade Commission.” Ftc.Gov, Federal Trade Commission, 3 Apr. 2024, www.ftc.gov/about-ftc. “Federal Trade Commission Do Not Call Registry.” Donotcall.Gov, Federal Trade Commission, www.donotcall.gov/. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025. “Medicare Advantage Communication Requirements.” Federalregister.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-422/subpart-V. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025. DeTorres, Dustin. “Navigating Telemarketing Laws: What Insurance Agents Need to Know About Calling Aged Leads.” Badassinsuranceleads.Com, Badass Insurance Leads, 16 Jan. 2025, badassinsuranceleads.com/navigating-telemarketing-laws-what-insurance-agents-need-to-know-about-calling-aged-leads/. “Telemarketing in NY.” NYSenate.Gov, The New York State Senate, www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GBS/399-Z. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025. “Telemarketing in PA.” Attorneygeneral.Gov, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, www.attorneygeneral.gov/resources/telemarketing-in-pa/. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025. “Telemarketing Sales Rule.” Ftc.Gov, Federal Trade Commission, 25 Oct. 2024, www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/telemarketing-sales-rule. “Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).” Fcc.Gov, Federal Communications Commission, www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/tcpa-rules.pdf. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025. “UPDATE: 11th Circuit Vacates FCC’s One-to-One TCPA Consent Rule.” Wiley.Law, Wiley Rein LLP, www.wiley.law/alert-UPDATE-11th-Circuit-Vacates-FCCs-One-to-One-TCPA-Consent-Rule. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025. Stefen. “What Is TCPA Express Consent?” Dnc.Com, Contact Center Compliance, 16 June 2025, www.dnc.com/blog/what-tcpa-express-consent. “What Is the TCPA?” Dnc.Com, Contact Center Compliance, www.dnc.com/what-is-tcpa/. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025. Stines, Robert A., and Jeremy D. Richardson. “What to Know About Florida’s Telephone Solicitation Act.” Sgrlaw.Com, Freeborn & Peters LLP, www.sgrlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/What-to-Know-About-Floridas-Telephone-Solicitation-Act-Final.pdf. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025. Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. | |||
| How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:28:45 | |
Don Connelly joins Sarah to talk about the soft skill of storytelling. Learn more about this strategy and why it's so effective for insurance agents.
Find Don Connelly Online: Resources: How Client Retention Boosts Insurance Sales How Relationship Marketing Can Make the Difference in Your Agency Learning to Delight in the Limelight ft. Linda Ugelow Operating From a People-First Mentality ft. Scott Zimmerman 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. | |||