2026 State of the Industry and How We Adapt

The Medicare market is going through one of its biggest shifts in years. Are you ready?In Episode 5 of the JSA Podcast, the official kickoff of our "How to Grow Your Business" series, JSA's Chris Hagerstrom, Director of Product Training and Development, sits down with Chief Distribution Officer Adam Wasmund for a candid, no-holds-barred look at what's happening in the Medicare and health insurance landscape right now, and what independent agents need to do to come out ahead.From Medicare Supplement rate increases and birthday month rules to Medicare Advantage PPO contractions, non-commissionable plans, and proposed new SEPs, Adam and Chris break down the forces driving market disruption, and why diversification isn't just a buzzword anymore. It's a survival strategy.In this episode:-Why Medicare Supplement premiums are seeing 12–25% increases in 2026-The rise of birthday month rules and their ripple effect on carriers and agents-Why PPOs are following the same path as private fee-for-service plans, and what comes next-The proposed provider-leave SEP and why it could create year-round chaos-How star ratings affect plan benefits, carrier strategy, and your business-Practical steps agents can take right now to diversify and protect their incomeThis is the conversation every Medicare agent needs to hear. The market is changing, but the opportunity is real for agents who are prepared.