Agent Survival Guide | Empowering Insurance Agents to Survive Today and Thrive Tomorrow

After becoming an insurance agent, there might be some difficulty deciding what types of insurance to sell. In this episode, we break down the positives of selling Medicare insurance and what makes the market so fulfilling!   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources:  5 Reasons Why Ritter Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency 5 Steps to Selling Cancer Insurance 8 Powerful Practices for Selling Prescription Drug Plans 2027 Medicare Advantage & Part D Certification Info Boost Business Selling Hospital Indemnity Insurance Dental, Vision, and Hearing Insurance Sales: How, Who, and Why Do's and Don'ts of Medicare Compliance Getting Started Selling Medicare Supplements How Much Money Can Agents Make Selling Ancillary Health Insurance? How to Approach Selling Final Expense Insurance IntegrityCONNECT Leads Ritter Insurance Marketing Carriers Save Time. Sell More. Selling Ancillary Products Selling Long-Term Care Insurance SNPs: The Secret to Surviving Lock-in There's More to Life Insurance Than Just a Policy Understanding Medicare Advantage   References: Freed, M., Fuglesten Biniek, J., Damico, A., Ochieng, N., & Neuman, T. (2026, June 5). Medicare advantage in 2026: Enrollment update and key trends. KFF. https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-in-2026-enrollment-update-and-key-trends/ Integrity. (2026, May 29). 2026 Medicare Age-In Study. Deft Research. https://deftresearch.com/2026-medicare-age-in-study/ Kaplan, S. (2024, July). America is unprepared to support its growing older adult population. Syracuse University. https://www.maxwell.syr.edu/research/lerner-center/population-health-research-brief-series/article/america-is-unprepared-to-meet-the-needs-of-its-growing-older-adult-population Kroll, M. M. (2024, November 1). Generation X... “The forgotten generation.” University of New Hampshire. https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2024/11/generation-x-forgotten-generation Medicare Marketing Guidelines. CMS.gov. (2024, September 10). https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/managed-care-marketing/medicare-guidelines   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Out-of-pocket exposure is an important component in Medicare coverage conversations. In this episode, learn which costs factor into the OOP equation and help your clients make more educated decisions.   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 8 Powerful Practices for Selling Prescription Drug Plans 2026 Medicare Part A & B Premiums & Deductibles Are You Offering Multiple LTC Insurance Options? Dental, Vision, and Hearing Insurance Sales: How, Who, and Why Getting Started Selling Medicare Supplements How to Save Beneficiaries Money on Prescription Drugs at a Preferred Pharmacy Take Your Business to the Next Level What’s Inside The Complete Guide on How to Sell Prescription Drug Plans?   References: Durable Medical Equipment (DME) coverage. Medicare.gov. (n.d.). https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/durable-medical-equipment-dme-coverage Ochieng, N., Cubanski, J., Neuman, T., & Damico, A. (n.d.). Health costs consume a large portion of income for millions of people with Medicare | KFF. https://www.kff.org/medicare/health-costs-consume-a-large-portion-of-income-for-millions-of-people-with-medicare/     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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

When your client has diabetes, what does (and doesn’t) Medicare cover? We talk about how diabetes treatments, supplies, and services are covered by the different parts of Medicare so you can help your clients know what to expect.   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Content Library: How Does Medicare Insurance Cover Diabetes? Does Medicare Cover Durable Medical Equipment? A Guide for Agents How Ask Integrity Can Streamline Your Medicare Sales Appointments How Medicare Helps Your Clients Stay Healthy The Advisor Approach: Cross-Selling by Fact-Finding The Beginner’s Guide to C-SNPs The Guide to Prospecting and Selling C-SNPS Request Your Portfolio Review from Ritter Insurance Marketing Save Time. Sell More with IntegrityCONNECT What the Inflation Reduction Act Means for Your Medicare & ACA Clients   References: “3 Things to Know About Medicare Insulin Costs.” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/publications/12172-3-things-to-know-about-medicare-insulin-costs.pdf. Accessed 9 June 2026. “Can I Get a Medigap Plan If I Have Diabetes?” RSS, Sams Hockaday & Associates, www.samshockaday.com/blog/can-i-get-a-medigap-plan-if-i-have-diabetes. Accessed 9 June 2026. Facing the Diabetes Cost Crisis: A Guide for Employers, American Diabetes Association, diabetes.org/sites/default/files/2024-10/Facing-Diabetes-Costs-Crisis.pdf. Accessed 9 June 2026. “Insulin.” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/coverage/insulin. Accessed 9 June 2026. “Medicare Coverage of Diabetes Supplies, Services, & Prevention Programs Booklet” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/publications/11022-medicare-coverage-of-diabetes-supplies-services-and-prevention-programs.pdf. Accessed 9 June 2026. “Medicare Coverage of Diabetes Supplies Fact Sheet” Medicare Learning Network, Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Feb. 2026, www.cms.gov/files/document/mln7674574-medicare-coverage-diabetes-supplies.pdf. “Statistics About Diabetes.” Diabetes in America: Prevalence, Statistics, and Economic Impact, American Diabetes Association, diabetes.org/about-diabetes/statistics/about-diabetes. Accessed 9 June 2026.   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

The Friday Five for July 17, 2026: A New Way to Read Classic Books, Speeches, & Essays What We’ve Been Reading Meta Pulls Instagram Muse Image Feature The Bipartisan Social Security Commission Act of 2026 (H.R. 9187) ACA Preliminary Rate Filings & What Agents Can Do in the Meantime   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   A New Way to Read Classic Books, Speeches, & Essays: “Reading on a screen, with your hands.” Typewryte.com, Typewryte, https://www.typewryte.com/, Accessed 13 Jul 2026.   What We’ve Been Reading: Rupe, Susan. “The Medicare agent squeeze.” Insurancenewsnet.com, Insurance News Net, 1 Jul 2026, https://insurancenewsnet.com/innarticle/the-medicare-agent-squeeze.   Meta Pulls Muse Image Feature: “Introducing Muse Image: Image Generation Built for Your World.” About.fb.com, Meta, 7 Jul 2026, https://about.fb.com/news/2026/07/introducing-muse-image-meta-ai/. Ropek, Lucas. “Meta removes controversial AI feature on Instagram after backlash.” TechCrunch.com, Tech Crunch, 10 Jul 2026, https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/10/meta-removes-controversial-ai-feature-on-instagram-after-backlash/. Clark, Phil. “Meta withdraws its controversial AI image feature.” mashable.com, Mashable, 12 Jul 2026, https://mashable.com/tech/meta-withdraws-controversial-ai-feature-that-allowed-images-to-be-sourced. Garner, Glenn et. Al. “Zucked Up! Meta Disables AI Image Generator After CAA & SAG-AFTRA Trashed It: ‘Missed The Mark’” deadline.com, Deadline, 10 Jul 2026, https://deadline.com/2026/07/meta-disables-new-ai-image-generator-zuckerberg-1236979706/.   The Bipartisan Social Security Commission Act of 2026 (H.R. 9187) “H.R. 9187 - Bipartisan Social Security Commission Act of 2026.” congress.gov, United States Congress, 8 Jun 2026, https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9187. “Paul, Trina. “Lawmakers Revisit Bipartisan Commission to Avert Social Security Benefit Cuts by 2032.” Investopedia.com, Investopedia, 6 Jul 2026, https://www.investopedia.com/a-new-bill-would-create-social-security-commission-to-find-a-fix-to-social-security-s-funding-shortfall-12006512. Lacey, Brooke. “Proposed legislation takes aim at Social Security shortfall.” insurancenewsnet.com, Insurance News Net, 6 Jul 2026, https://insurancenewsnet.com/innarticle/proposed-legislation-takes-aim-at-social-security-shortfall.   ACA Preliminary Rate Filings & What Agents Can Do in the Meantime:  “In Preliminary Rate Filings, ACA Marketplace Insurers Largely Propose Double-Digit Premium Increase For 2027, Following a Steep Climb This Year.” kff.org, KFF, https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/in-preliminary-rate-filings-aca-marketplace-insurers-largely-propose-double-digit-premium-increase-for-2027-following-a-steep-climb-this-year/.   Resources: 2027 ACA Exchange & FFM Certification How to Check Medicare Extra Help Eligibility For Your Clients New Scam Targeting Insurance Agents Real Sales Expectations for Insurance Agents Ritter Insurance Marketing Events & Webinars   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

In the insurance industry, if your job begins and ends with meeting clients and selling insurance, you’re missing out on opportunities. In this episode, we’re exploring what empowerment is and how it can help embed you in your community for long-lasting and valuable partnerships. 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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources:   3 Essential Steps New Insurance Agents Need to Take 17 Ways to Generate Medicare Leads (That You Probably Haven’t Tried Yet!) Community-Based Marketing for Insurance Agents Content Library Best Practices The Definitive Guide to Getting Leads and Prospecting for Medicare Sales How to Organize a Turning 65 Seminar on a Budget Insurance Agents as TPMOs: What CMS Compliance Regulations Mean for You IntegrityCONNECT PlanEnroll Ritter Insurance Marketing’s Content Library ShopRitterIM ShopRitterIM T65 Lead Mailer   References: Empowerment - ResearchGate, www.researchgate.net/publication/316451077_Empowerment. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026. “Get Started with Medicare.” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026. Hanna, Katie Terrell. “What Is Affinity Marketing?: Definition from TechTarget.” WhatIs, TechTarget, 2 May 2024, www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/affinity-marketing. “Independence and Older Adults: Importance and Promoting It.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/independence-and-the-elderly. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Are your expectations grounded in reality? Or, are you setting yourself up for disappointment? Goals are great, smart goals are even better, but we often equate goals with expectations and wind up frustrated when the two don’t match up. Listen to learn how to avoid the pitfall of unrealistic expectations and the actions you can take instead.   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: How Insurance Agents Can Set SMART Goals to Succeed 4 Effective Techniques for Closing Insurance Sales How to Overcome Common Medicare Insurance Sales Objections 5 Common Sales Mistakes You Might Be Making (And How to Fix Them!) 3 Additional Effective Techniques for Closing Insurance Sales What’s Inside The Complete Guide on How to Sell Medicare Advantage Plans? This Is the Time to Start Selling Under-65 Marketplace Plans! There's More to Life Insurance Than Just a Policy How Much Money Can Agents Make Selling Ancillary Health Insurance? Diversify Your Insurance Portfolio & Reap Real Rewards What’s Inside A Quick Guide to Cross-Selling Ancillary Insurance with Medicare Products?   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Don’t miss the details on 2027 ACA Certification for the Federal Marketplace and State-Based Exchanges! We cover training deadlines, continuing education creds, and recertification requirements! 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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Ritter Insurance Marketing Certification Center   State Exchanges: CA “Covered California” https://www.coveredca.com/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026. CO “Connect for Colorado” https://connectforhealthco.com/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026. CT “Access Health CT” https://www.accesshealthct.com/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026. GA “Georgia Access” https://georgiaaccess.gov/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026. IL “Get Covered Illinois” https://getcovered.illinois.gov/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026. KY “kynect” https://kynect.ky.gov/healthcoverage/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026. MD “Maryland Health Connection” https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026. NJ “Get Covered NJ” https://www.nj.gov/getcoverednj/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026. NY “NY State of Health” https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/agent/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026. PA “Pennie” https://agency.pennie.com/brokers/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026. VA “Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace” https://www.marketplace.virginia.gov/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026.   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

The Friday Five for July 10, 2026: Halfway Through 2026 Ritter Insurance Marketing Summits Musings on Artificial Intelligence CDC High Heat & Medication Guidance Scam Targeting Insurance Agents   🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!   📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 📣 Shoutouts? 🤔 Questions? 💌 Feedback? Send them all to: [email protected] ⛰️ Ritter Summits Registration Now Open! Save Your Spot Today!!   Musings on Artificial Intelligence: Abrams, Zara. “How AI is reshaping human skills and thinking.” Apa.org, American Psychological Association, 1 July 2026, https://www.apa.org/monitor/2026/07-08/ai-job-skills-thinking. Hoover, Amanda. “Is AI making us dumber?” businessinsider.com, Business Insider, 7 Jul 2026, https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-making-us-dumber-research-2026-7.   CDC High Heat & Medication Guidance: “CDC Heat Risk Map.” Ephtracking.cdc.gov, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/Applications/HeatRisk/, Accessed 7 Jul 2026. Price, Jamiese. “Doctors warn GLP-1 users about dehydration risk amid severe heat.” Abc11.com, 11ABC, 1 Jul 2026, https://abc11.com/post/doctors-warn-glp-1-users-dehydration-risk-amid-severe-heat/19432623/. “Heat and Medications – Guidance for Clinicians.” Cdc.gov, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 18 Sep 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/hcp/clinical-guidance/heat-and-medications-guidance-for-clinicians.html. French, Mandy et. al. “These 10 Medications May Raise Your Risk of Heat-Related Illness.” Healthline.com, Healthline, 5 Jul 2026, https://www.healthline.com/health-news/10-common-medications-heat-related-illness-risk.   Scam Targeting Insurance Agents: “Should I Be Concerned | Insurance Forums.” Insurance-Forums.Com, Insurance Forums, www.insurance-forums.com/community/threads/should-i-be-concerned.117816/. Accessed 7 July 2026.   Resources: 2027 Medicare Advantage & Part D Certification Info Certification 2027, America Turns 250, Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Demo Webinar Community-Based Marketing for Insurance Agents CMS Medicaid Work Requirements Federal Judge Vacates Several CMS ACA Provisions Q3 ACA Sales Calendar Q3 Medicare Sales Planner   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Have you ever had a client mistake Medicare and Medicaid (or have you mixed the two up)? In this episode of the Agent Survival Guide podcast, we’re comparing, contrasting, and clarifying how these two government-funded programs differ and how they work together!   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Agent Registration How to Check Medicare Extra Help Eligibility for Your Client Meet Your Sales Team Stay Busy Outside of AEP With Special Enrollment Periods The Beginner's Guide to D-SNPs   References: “4 Types of Medicare Savings Programs and What They Cover.” UnitedHealthcare, www.uhc.com/news-articles/medicare-articles/4-types-of-medicare-savings-programs-and-what-they-cover. Accessed 8 June 2026. Burns, Alice, et al. “10 Things to Know about Medicaid.” KFF, 12 Aug. 2025, www.kff.org/medicaid/10-things-to-know-about-medicaid/. “Create an Account.” Healthcare.Gov, www.healthcare.gov/create-account. Accessed 8 June 2026. “Eligibility Policy.” Medicaid, www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility-policy. Accessed 8 June 2026. “How Medicaid Works with Medicare.” Medicare Interactive, 2 Apr. 2025, www.medicareinteractive.org/understanding-medicare/cost-saving-programs/medicare-and-medicaid/how-medicaid-works-with-medicare. “Low Cost Marketplace Health Care, Qualifying Income Levels.” HealthCare.Gov, www.healthcare.gov/lower-costs/. Accessed 8 June 2026. “Medicaid & Chip Coverage.” HealthCare.Gov, www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/getting-medicaid-chip/. Accessed 8 June 2026. Williams, Elizabeth, et al. “Medicaid Financing: The Basics.” KFF, 21 Apr. 2026, www.kff.org/medicaid/medicaid-financing-the-basics/. “Parts of Medicare.” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/medicare-basics/parts-of-medicare. Accessed 8 June 2026.   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Did you know that CMS estimates three million Medicare beneficiaries aren’t enrolled in the government’s Medicare Extra Help program but could benefit from it? In this episode of the Agent Survival Guide, we see what this program is and how it can help your clients.   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 8 Powerful Practices for Selling Prescription Drug Plans How to Help Clients Avoid Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties How to Save Beneficiaries Money on Prescription Drugs at a Preferred Pharmacy The Beginner's Guide to D-SNPs The Part D SEP Triggers That Can Help You Post-AEP What Agents Can't Say During Medicare Sales Appointments   References: “Apply for Medicare Part D Extra Help Program.” Social Security, www.ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026. “CMS Issues Additional Guidance on Program to Allow People with Medicare to Pay Out-of-Pocket Prescription Drug Costs in Monthly Payments.” CMS.Gov, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-issues-additional-guidance-program-allow-people-medicare-pay-out-pocket-prescription-drug-costs#:~:text=The%20Medicare%20Prescription%20Payment%20Plan%2C%20which%20goes%20into%20effect%20in,-of-pocket%20cost%20upfront. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026. “Extra Help With Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs.” Social Security, secure.ssa.gov/i1020/Ee001View.action. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026. “Get Lower Prescription Costs with the Extra Help Program.” Kaiser Permanente, healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/georgia/shop-plans/ready-for-medicare/extra-help. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026. “Get Medicare Help from Your Local Ship Program: Ship Ta Center.” State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, 16 Mar. 2026, www.shiphelp.org/. “Guide to Consumer Mailings from CMS, Social Security, and Plans in 2025/2026.” Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/medicare/prescription-drug-coverage/limitedincomeandresources/downloads/consumer-mailings.pdf. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026. “Help with Drug Costs.” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/drug-costs. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026. “Low Income Subsidy for Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage.” CMS.Gov, www.cms.gov/medicare/enrollment-renewal/part-d-plans/low-income-subsidy. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026. Medicare.Gov, www.medicare.gov/account/login. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026. “Medicare Savings Programs Eligibility and Coverage.” Medicare Savings Program Eligibility and Coverage, www.ncoa.org/article/medicare-savings-programs-eligibility-coverage/. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026. “Supplemental Security Income (SSI).” Social Security, www.ssa.gov/ssi. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and YouTube     Sarah on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Threads    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

The 3rd quarter of each year is an essential period of time for preparing yourself. Before the ACA Open Enrollment is upon us, know the details, the dates, and the key prep steps with this episode of the Agent Survival Guide.   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources 2026 ACA Exchange & FFM Certification Info Contract & Get Appointed to Sell with Health Insurance Companies FAQs About ACA Certification and Training Free Ritter Guides Meet Your Sales Team Ritter Agent Registration The Busy ACA Agent’s Sales Calendar 2026   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Q3 has arrived and preparations for AEP 2027 are starting. Listen to find out what agents selling Medicare should focus on during this time of year.   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 3 Benefits of Contracting to Sell Medicare Advantage Plans Outside of AEP 5 Things About the CMS 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule 2027 MA and Part D Max Commissions CMS Update on BALANCE Model & Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Learn More About Online Contracting with Ritter Insurance Marketing Request Your Portfolio Review from 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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

The Friday Five for June 26, 2026: Certification Resources for Agents Dunkin & Starbucks Summer Part 2 America 250 Semiquincentennial Student Loan Repayment Update Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Demonstration Webinar   Register to Attend Integrity’s Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Demonstration Webinar   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Certification Resources for Agents: Everything You Get With Your Ritter Registration Ritter’s Certification Center Ritter Docs 2027 NABIP Medicare Certification AHIP Test Tips and Tricks for Medicare Certification  FAQs About NABIP Medicare Certification What Is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It?   Dunkin’ & Starbucks Summer Part 2: “Dunkin’ Serves Pink This Summer with a Bold Beverage Lineup and Iconic Collaboration with Barbie.” Dunkindonuts.com, Dunkin’, 3 Jun 2026, https://news.dunkindonuts.com/news/new-menu-june-2026. “Starbucks to launch new summer drinks, and bring back S’mores Frappucino.” About.starbucks.com, Starbucks, 8 Jun 2026, https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2026/starbucks-launches-new-summer-drinks-brings-back-smores-frappuccino/.   America 250 Semiquincentennial: “America 250 Official Website.” America250.org, America 250, https://america250.org/, Accessed 24 Jun 2026. “Giving Forth.” America250.org, America 250, https://america250.org/giving4th/, Accessed 24 Jun 2026. How to Enjoy July 4th While Staying Healthy and Safe “Join the Celebration: America’s Block Party.” America250.org, America 250, https://america250.org/americas-block-party/, Accessed 24 Jun 2026.   Student Locan Repayment Update: Hanson, Melanie. “Average Cost of College by Year.” Educationdata.org, Education Data Initiative, 23 Sep 2025, https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-college-by-year. Turner, Cory. “Student loan borrowers will get an interest rate cut if they sign up for auto pay.” Npr.org, NPR, 16 Jun 2026, https://www.npr.org/2026/06/18/nx-s1-5863085/student-loan-auto-pay-discount. Nova, Annie. “Trump administration temporarily cuts student loan interest rates for borrowers on autopay.” Cnbc.com, CNBC, 18 Jun 2026, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/18/trump-student-loan-autopay-interest-rate-discount.html. Gupta, Gaya. “US student debt repayment system is being overhauled – here’s what to know.” Theguardian.com, The Guardian, 16 Jun 2026, https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jun/16/us-student-debt-repayment-system-changes-explainer.   Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Demonstration Webinar: Register to attend Integrity’s Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Webinar   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Here are the top five insurance products you should be looking to sell during the Medicare lock-in period. The insurance industry never stops moving. Make sure you know the products to keep your business moving along with it.   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Cancer & Critical Illness Plans: 5 Steps to Selling Cancer Insurance Critical Illness Plans: Your Cure for Unhealthy Sales Cross-Selling Cancer, Heart Attack and Stroke, and Critical Illness Insurance   Dental, Vision, Hearing Insurance: 4 Steps to Selling Dental, Vision, and Hearing Insurance Cross-Selling Dental, Vision, and Hearing (DVH) Insurance Dental, Vision, and Hearing Insurance Sales: How, Who, and Why   Hospital Indemnity Insurance: Boost Business Selling Hospital Indemnity Insurance Cross-Selling Hospital Indemnity Insurance Interview: Boost Your Commissions with a New Hospital Indemnity Sales Strategy Selling Hospital Indemnity with Medicare Advantage: Is It Worth It?   Life Insurance: 4 Ways to Calculate Your Clients’ Life Insurance Needs 5 Life Insurance Myths Your Clients May Believe Introducing the Life & Annuity Resource Center How to Explain the Real Cost of a Funeral & Help Your Clients Plan for One Life Insurance for Each of Life’s Stages   Long-Term Care & Short-Term Care Insurance: 4 Out-of-the-Box Long-Term Care Insurance Solutions 4 Ways to Fund Hybrid Long-Term Care Insurance Agents Should Mention Are You Offering Multiple LTC Insurance Options? Cross-Selling Long-Term Care Insurance Cross-Selling Short-Term Care Insurance   Special Needs Plans (SNPs): 4 Characteristics of Agents Who Successfully Sell Special Needs Plans C-SNP Eligibility and Enrollment D-SNP Enrollment How to Transition from AEP to D-SNPs The Beginner’s Guide to C-SNPs The Beginner’s Guide to D-SNPs   eBooks & Guides for Insurance Agents: A Quick Guide to Cross-Selling Ancillary Insurance with Medicare Products The Complete Guide on How to Sell D-SNPs The Complete Guide on How to Sell Final Expense Insurance (eBook) The Complete Guide to Prospecting and Selling C-SNPs The Complete Guide to Selling Critical Illness Plans The Insurance Agent’s Guide to Understanding Hospital Indemnity Policies   References: “Basic Needs.” Basic Needs | ACL Administration for Community Living, acl.gov/ltc/basic-needs. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026. “Cancer of Any Site - Cancer Stat Facts.” SEER, seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/all.html. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026. “Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-Snps).” CMS.Gov, www.cms.gov/medicare/enrollment-renewal/special-needs-plans/chronic-conditions. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026. “Does Medicare Cover Dental, Vision, and Hearing Care?” Does Medicare Cover Dental, Vision, and Hearing Care?, www.ncoa.org/article/what-medicare-covers-for-dental-vision-and-hearing-a-guide-for-older-adults/. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026. “Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-Snps).” CMS.Gov, www.cms.gov/medicare/enrollment-renewal/special-needs-plans/dual-eligible. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026. “Heart and Stroke Statistics.” Www.Heart.Org, www.heart.org/en/about-us/heart-and-stroke-association-statistics. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026. “Long-Term Care Insurance.” NAIC, content.naic.org/insurance-topics/long-term-care-insurance. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026. “Long Term Care Insurance: Looking Back and Thinking Ahead.” New York State Department of Financial Services, www.dfs.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2023/06/dfs_ltc_report_20230607.pdf. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026. “Nursing Home Care.” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/coverage/nursing-home-care. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026. “Special Needs Plans (SNP).” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/health-plans/your-health-plan-options/SNP. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026. “Statistics and Graphs.” Statistics and Graphs | Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS), cancercontrol.cancer.gov/ocs/statistics. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Keep track of your AEP prep to-do checklist with help from Ritter's certification resources! Listen to find out how to access AHIP, NABIP, carrier MA and PDP certification, product training details, and more! 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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 5 Things About the CMS 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule 2027 Medicare Advantage & Part D Certification Info 2027 NABIP Medicare Certification eBooks & Guides for Insurance Agents FAQs About NABIP Medicare Certification Making Cross‑Selling Less Awkward for Insurance Agents ft. Demetri Simos and Dawn Myers Ready-Made Marketing for Insurance Agents: Inside the Content Library Ritter Insurance Marketing 2027 Certification Center What Does 'Ready-to-Sell' Mean for Medicare Agents? What is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It?   References: “Medicare Advantage Certification.” NABIP.Org, NABIP, www.nabiptraining.org/nabip/medicare , Accessed 9 May 2026. “Medicare + Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Training.” Ahip.Org, AHIP, www.ahip.org/courses/medicare-fraud-waste-and-abuse-training , Accessed 9 May 2026. “Miramar:Agent.” Miramar-Agent.Com, Miramar, https://miramar-agent.com/identity/login, Accessed 9 May 2026. “Medicare Certification System.” pinpointglobal.com, Pinpoint Global, www.pinpointglobal.com/medicare-certification-system,  Accessed 9 May 2026.   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

The Friday Five for June 19, 2026: Certification for AEP 2027 Coming June 22 Microsoft Teams Location Tracking Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Starts July 1 CMS to Codify Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Federal Judge Vacates Several CMS ACA Provisions   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Certification for AEP 2027 Coming June 22: 2027 NABIP Medicare Certification AHIP Test Tips and Tricks for Medicare Certification  What is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It?   Microsoft Teams Location Tracking: Jawad, Usama. “Microsoft Teams is getting a controversial location tracking feature that users may hate.” Neowin.com. Neowin. 12 Jun 2026, https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-teams-is-getting-a-controversial-location-tracking-feature-that-users-may-hate/. Parmar, Mayank. “Microsoft Teams will auto-detect when you’re at the office via Wi-Fi, roll out confirmed, but you can opt out.” Windowslatest.com, Windows Latest, 15 Jun 2026, https://www.windowslatest.com/2026/06/15/microsoft-teams-will-auto-detect-when-youre-at-the-office-via-wi-fi-roll-out-confirmed-but-you-can-opt-out/. Okemwa, Kevin. “Microsoft’s controversial Wi-Fi tracking in Teams is back – but this time with better privacy controls.” 15 Jun 2026, https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/microsoft-teams/microsofts-controversial-wi-fi-tracking-in-teams-is-back-but-this-time-with-better-privacy-controls.   Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Starts July 1: CMS Update on BALANCE Model & Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Demonstration How the BALANCE Model Will Help Medicare Part D & Medicaid Enrollees Access GLP-1s “Medicare GLP-1 Bridge.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/prescription-drug-coverage/medicare-glp-1-bridge, Accessed 17 Jun 2026. Reed, Tina. “Medicare weight-loss drug coverage could overwhelm doctors.” Axios.com, Axios, 15 Jun 2026, https://www.axios.com/2026/06/15/medicare-glp1-prescription-tsunami-seniors.   CMS to Codify Medicare Drug Price Negotiation: “CMS Proposed Rule Locks in Lower Prices and Fosters Innovation for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 12 Jun 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-proposed-rule-locks-lower-prices-fosters-innovation-medicare-drug-price-negotiation-program. Landi, Heather. “CMS proposes permanent framework for Medicare drug price negotiations.” Fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 12 Jun 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/cms-proposes-permanent-framework-medicare-drug-price-negotiations. “Fact Sheet: Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program Proposed Rule.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/files/document/mdpnp-nprm-fact-sheet.pdf, Accessed 17 Jun 2026. “Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit.” Federalregister.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/current. Accessed 17 June 2026. “Timeline: Medicare Drug Price Negotiation.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/files/document/mdpnp-nprm-milestones.pdf, Accessed 17 Jun 2026.   Federal Judge Vacates Several CMS ACA Provisions: “City of Columbus Et Al. v. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Et Al. Memorandum Opinion.” Litigationtracker.Law.Georgetown.Edu, Georgetown University, 12 June 2026, litigationtracker.law.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Columbus_2025.08.22_ORDER-ON-MOTION-FOR-PRELIMINARY-INJUNCTION.pdf. Conley, Julia. “Court Blocks ‘Illegal’ Trump Rule That Created Barriers to Affordable Care Act Coverage.” Commondreams.org, Common Dreams, 12 Jun 2026, https://www.commondreams.org/news/aca-trump. “Judge tosses multiple provisions of CMS’ 2025 ACA program integrity rule.” Fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 15 Jun 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/judge-tosses-multiple-provisions-cms-2025-aca-program-integrity-rule. Casolo, Elizabeth. “Judge vacates parts of ACA ‘integrity’ rule.” Beckerspayer.com, Becker’s Payer Issues, 16 Jun 2026, https://www.beckerspayer.com/payer/aca/judge-vacates-parts-of-aca-integrity-rule/.   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.  

Listen as we explore why community-based marketing is becoming more popular and how insurance agents can get started. This strategy is a great way for agents to grow their business just by getting involved in your local community.   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Social Media Marketing for Insurance Agents The Ultimate Agent Resource List Pt. 1: Market Yourself Why Trust in an Insurance Agent’s Most Important Non-Renewable Resource Your Guide to Forming an Insurance Agent Network   References: Shah, Nirmit. “Community-Based Marketing: Strategies to Reach Your Audience.” Sprinklr.com, Sprinklr, 19 Mar 2025, https://www.sprinklr.com/blog/community-based-marketing/. Abe, Stephanie. “Community Marketing: How 6 Brands Unite Customers.” Adroll.com, AdRoll Blog, https://www.adroll.com/blog/community-marketing-how-6-brands-unite-customers, Accessed 10 Jun 2026. “What Is Digital Marketing? Key Concepts & Tips.” Mailchimp.com, mailchimp, https://mailchimp.com/marketing-glossary/digital-marketing/, Accessed 10 Jun 2026. “What is Traditional Marketing? – Channels & Examples.” Feedough.com, Feedough, https://www.feedough.com/traditional-marketing/, Accessed 10 Jun 2026. Mason, Rodney. “Why Community Will Make or Break Creators and Brands in 2025.” Forbes.com, Forbes, 7 Jan 2025, https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesagencycouncil/2025/01/07/why-community-will-make-or-break-creators-and-brands-in-2025/. Varoquiers, Carrie. “Why Human Connection Is Your Ultimate AI-Era Advantage.” Forbes.com, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2026, https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesnonprofitcouncil/2026/02/23/why-human-connection-is-your-ultimate-ai-era-advantage/. “Why, What and How of Community Outreach and Engagement.” Extension.unh.edu, University of New Hampshire, https://extension.unh.edu/resource/community-outreach-and-engagement-information-brief, Accessed 10 Jun 2026.   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

This episode of the Agent Survival Guide podcast explores 5-Star Medicare Advantage plans. We’ll break down what they are, how they became 5-star plans, and why you can sell them throughout the year!   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Meet Your Sales Team PlanEnroll Why People Are CHoosing Part C Over Original Medicare   References: “Part C and D Performance Data.” CMS.Gov, www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/part-c-d-performance-data. Accessed 5 May 2026. “Special Enrollment Periods.” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan/special-enrollment-periods. Accessed 5 May 2026. “Special Enrollment Periods for Medicare Advantage and Part D - Medicare Interactive.” www.medicareinteractive.org/resources/special-enrollment-periods-for-medicare-advantage-and-part-d. Accessed 5 May 2026.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and YouTube Sarah on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

The Friday Five for June 12, 2026: Apple WWDC 2026 Takeaways Instagram Grid Arrangement Feature IntegrityCONNECT Annuities & What’s Coming Soon KFF MA Enrollment Stats & Trends for 2026 CMS Medicaid Work Requirements   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Apple WWDC 2026: “Apple previews new child safety features.” Apple.com, Apple, 8 Jun 2026, https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/06/apple-previews-new-child-safety-features/. Weatherbed, Jess. “Apple is redesigning Screen Time and overhauling child controls.” Theverge.com, The Verge, 8 Jun 2026, https://www.theverge.com/tech/945898/apple-parental-controls-child-accounts-wwdc2026. Perez, Sarah. “Apple puts parents back in control of kids’ iPhone use.” Techcrunch.com, Tech Crunch, 8 Jun 2026, https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/08/apple-puts-parents-back-in-control-of-kids-iphone-use/.   Instagram Grid Arrangement Feature: Moon, Mariella. “Instagram finally lets you reorder posts on your grid.” Engadget.com, Engadget, 8 Jun 2026, https://www.engadget.com/2190179/instagram-how-to-reorder-grid/. Lawler, Richard. “Instagram is finally letting everyone reorganize their profile grid.” Theverge.com, The Verge, 8 Jun 2026, https://www.theverge.com/tech/946458/instagram-is-finally-letting-everyone-reorganize-their-grid.   IntegrityCONNECT Annuities & What’s Coming Soon: Events & Webinars from Ritter Insurance Marketing IntegrityCONNECT Learning Webinars   KFF MA Enrollment Stats & Trends for 2026: Freed, Meredith et. al. “Medicare Advantage in 2026: Enrollment Update and Key Trends.” KFF.org, KFF, 5 Jun 2026, https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-in-2026-enrollment-update-and-key-trends/. Freed, Meredith et. al. “Medicare Advantage in 2026: Premiums, Out-of-Pocket Limits, Supplemental Benefits, and Prior Authorization.” KFF, KFF.org, 5 Jun 2026, https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-in-2026-premiums-out-of-pocket-limits-supplemental-benefits-and-prior-authorization/.   CMS Medicaid Work Requirements: “CMS Launches Nationwide Framework to Implement Medicaid Work Requirements.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 1 Jun 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-launches-nationwide-framework-implement-medicaid-work-requirements. Minemyer, Paige. “CMS outlines national framework to support rollout of Medicaid work requirements.” Fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 1 Jun 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/cms-outlines-national-framework-support-rollout-medicaid-work-requirements.  Pifer Parduhn, Rebecca. “CMS releases Medicaid work requirements guidance for states.” Healthcaredive.com, Healthcare Dive, 2 Jun 2026, https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/cms-medicaid-work-requirements-final-rule-state-guidance/821631/. Tolbert, Jennifer. “CMS Requires More Restrictive Definition of Medical Frailty in New Medicaid Work Requirements Rule.” Kff.org, KFF, 2 Jun 2026, https://www.kff.org/quick-insights/cms-requires-more-restrictive-definition-of-medical-frailty-in-new-medicaid-work-requirements-rule/. Minemyer, Paige. “Industry groups say final Medicaid work requirements rule imposes onerous documentation burden.” Fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 2 Jun 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/industry-groups-say-final-medicaid-work-requirements-rule-imposes-onerous-documentation. “Medicaid Program; Community Engagement Requirement for Certain Individuals.” Federalregister.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 3 June 2026, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/03/2026-11094/medicaid-program-community-engagement-requirement-for-certain-individuals. “Medicaid Community Engagement Requirement for Certain Individuals Interim Final Rule with Comment Period (CMS-2454-IFC).” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 1 Jun 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicaid-community-engagement-requirement-certain-individuals-interim-final-rule-comment-period-cms.   Resources: 5 Takeaways from the 2027 CMS Marketplace Final Rule for Insurance Agents 2027 MA and Part D Max Commissions Introducing the Integrity Health Plan Should You Hire Licensed-Only Agents for Your Insurance Agency? The Power of Daily Affirmations in Insurance 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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Learn more about the NABIP Medicare Advantage Certification. This program is another way agents can satisfy their Medicare & Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training requirements.   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 5 Things About the CMS 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule FAQs About NABIP Medicare Certification Making Cross‑Selling Less Awkward for Insurance Agents ft. Demetri Simos and Dawn Myers The Best Appointment Schedulers for Insurance Agents   References: “NABIP Approved Carriers.” Nabip.org, NABIP, https://www.nabiptraining.org/nabip/carriers, Accessed 9 May 2026. “NABIP Official Website.” Nabip.org, NABIP, https://nabip.org/, Accessed 9 May 2026. “NABIP Online Learning Institute.” Nabip.org, NABIP, https://www.nabiptraining.org/, Accessed 9 May 2026. “NABIP Professional Development.” Nabip.Org, NABIP, nabip.org/professional-development. Accessed 9 May 2026.   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Transform your thinking, transform your insurance business. Find out how daily affirmations can be a gamechanger for your agency and yourself, personally!   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 5 Reasons Why Insurance Agents Fail (& How Not To!) Cigna's ACA Exit, Certification Dates, Sleep Audio Developing Power Habits ft. Dr. Noah St. John How Insurance Agents Can Avoid Isolation & Build Stronger Connections ft. Dawn Myers Overcoming Burnout in Insurance Sales ft. Dan Spitale   References: Zhang, Yunian, et al. “The Impact of Self-Affirmation Interventions on Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis.” Apa.Org, American Psychological Association, 27 Oct. 2025, www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2025/10/self-affirmations-well-being.   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Licensed-Only Agents (LOAs) can help scale your insurance agency growth. But are they right for your insurance business? Listen to find out!   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 Agency Team! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 6 Steps to Scale Your Insurance Business to an Agency Before You Recruit: Setting Up Your Agency for Success Developing an Agency — Your Guide to Getting Started How Much Can Insurance Agents Make Selling Medicare? How to Recruit Insurance Agents to Your Downline Ritter Insurance Marketing Summits The Advantages of Being a Field vs. Call Center Insurance Agent   References: “Blueprint for Hiring Licensed-Only Agents.” Psmbrokerage.com, PSM Brokerage, https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/Blueprint%20for%20Hiring%20Licensed-Only%20Agents.pdf, Accessed 3 May 2026. “How Much does An Accounting Software Cost?” Jaz.ai, Jaz, https://www.jaz.ai/post/accounting-software-cost, Accessed 3 May 2026. “State Noncompete Law Tracker.” Eig.org, Economic Innovation Group, https://eig.org/state-noncompete-map/, Accessed 3 May 2026.   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

The Friday Five for June 5, 2026: Certification Reminder Pod Rec: Before Breakfast TRICARE Resources for Agents Clover Health Star Ratings 2027 MA and Part D Max Commissions   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Pod(cast) Rec(commendation): Before Breakfast: Before Breakfast Podcast Before Breakfast: Track your media   TRICARE Resources for Agents: “TRICARE Plan Comparison Tool.” Tricare.mil, TRICARE, https://www.tricare.mil/compareplans, Accessed 3 June 2026. “TRICARE Dental Options Fact Sheet.” Tricare.mil, TRICARE, https://tricare.mil/Publications/Fact-Sheets/dental_options, Accessed 3 June 2026. “TRICARE Pharmacy Program Overview Fact Sheet.” Tricare.mil, TRICARE, https://tricare.mil/Publications/Fact-Sheets/pharmacy_overview, Accessed 3 June 2026. “TRICARE Plans Overview Fact Sheet.” Tricare.mil, TRICARE, https://tricare.mil/Publications/Fact-Sheets/plans, Accessed 3 June 2026. “TRICARE Qualifying Life Events Fact Sheet.” Tricare.mil, TRICARE, https://tricare.mil/Publications/Fact-Sheets/qle, Accessed 3 June 2026. “TRICARE Young Adult Program Fact Sheet.” Tricare.mil, TRICARE, https://tricare.mil/Publications/Fact-Sheets/young_adult, Accessed 3 June 2026.   Clover Health Star Ratings: Casolo, Elizabeth. “Clover beats CMS in Medicare Advantage star ratings lawsuit.” Beckerspayer.com, Becker’s Payer Issues, 29 May 2026, https://www.beckerspayer.com/legal/clover-beats-cms-in-medicare-advantage-star-ratings-lawsuit/. “Court tells CMS to redo Clover’s Star Rating. Here’s why it should be on your radar.” Risehealth.org, Rise Health, 29 May 2026, https://www.risehealth.org/insights-articles/article/court-tells-cms-to-redo-clovers-star-rating-heres-why-it-should-be-on-your-radar/. “Clover Insurance v. HHS: S.D. of Georgia Holds 20 Star Ratings Measures Unlawful.” Crowell.com, Crowell, 29 May 2026, https://www.crowell.com/en/insights/client-alerts/clover-insurance-v-hhs-sd-of-georgia-holds-20-star-ratings-measures-unlawful.  WEBINAR: The Star Ratings Shakeup: Court Challenges CMS Measure Authority   2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Maximum Commissions: 2027 Maximum Broker Commissions for Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D Mulcahy, Gerard. “Contract Year 2027 Agent and Broker Compensation Rates, Referral/Finder’s Fees, Submissions, and Training and Testing Requirements.” cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 1 June 2026, https://www.ritterim.com/documents/cms-memos/memo-agent-broker-compensation-and-training-and-testing-requirements-cy2027.pdf.   Resources: 5 Takeaways from the 2027 CMS Marketplace Final Rule for Insurance Agents CMS Update on BALANCE Model & Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Introducing the Integrity Health Plan   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Learn more about AHIP requirements, how certification works for insurance agents, and more! Don't stress - we've got plenty of tips to help you survive certification and the start of AEP prep season.   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: AHIP Test Tips and Tricks for Medicare Certification 5 Things About the CMS 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule Ritter Insurance Marketing Certification Center   References: "AHIP Medicare + Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Training." ahip.org, AHIP, https://www.ahip.org/courses/medicare-fraud-waste-and-abuse-training, Accessed 5 May 2026. "Corporate Partnerships." ahip.org, AHIP, https://www.ahip.org/corporate-partnerships, Accessed 5 May 2026. "Issues AHIP Monitors." ahip.org, AHIP, https://www.ahip.org/issues, Accessed 5 May 2026. "Online Course Catalogue." ahip.org, AHIP, https://www.ahip.org/courses, Accessed 5 May 2026. "Our Member Organizations." ahip.org, AHIP, https://www.ahip.org/members, Accessed 5 May 2026.   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Ready to grow your insurance business? Great! Not sure where to start? Listen for our road map! We outline 6 steps to take when you want to make the jump from agent to agency.   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 17 Ways to Generate Medicare Leads (That You Probably Haven't Tried Yet!) Community-Based Marketing for Insurance Agents Developing an Agency — Your Guide to Getting Started How To Better Market Your Insurance Business How to Grow Your Insurance Business by 45% Learn More About IntegrityCONNECT Insurance Agents Can Generate More Leads with a Referral Marketing Strategy IntegrityCONNECT & PlanEnroll FAQs IntegrityCONNECT Leads FAQs   References: "28 Best Insurance KPIs and Metrics Examples for 2025 Reporting." insightsoftware.com, Insight Software, https://insightsoftware.com/blog/best-insurance-kpis-and-metrics/, Accessed 4 May 2026. Twin, Alexandra. “How to Create a Compelling Value Proposition, With Examples.” Edited by Jefreda R. Brown and Timothy Li, Investopedia.Com, Investopedia, 28 Apr. 2026, www.investopedia.com/terms/v/valueproposition.asp.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, 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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

The 2027 Marketplace Final Rule from CMS is here! Join Sarah as she pulls out takeaways for insurance agents selling ACA plans.   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 2027 ACA Final Rule Makes Strides to Reduce Premiums Drug Story Podcast with Thomas Goetz Drug Story: Ivermectin on 99% Invisible How to Grow Your Insurance Business by 45% Introducing the Integrity Health Plan Mounjaro means something? Ffrom TBOY he Best One Yet On ivermectin and parasites (and other things) on Drug Story The Complete Guide on How to Sell Prescription Drug Plans   References: “CMS Final Rules Lowers Costs, Cracks Down on Fraud, and Expands State Control.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 15 May 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-final-rule-lowers-costs-cracks-down-fraud-expands-state-control. Minemyer, Paige. “CMS pulls back limits on non-standard ACA plans in final rule.” Fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 15 May 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/cms-pulls-back-limits-non-standard-aca-plans-final-rule. “HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027 Final Rule.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 15 May 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/hhs-notice-benefit-payment-parameters-2027-final-rule. “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; and Basic Health Program.” Federalregister.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 20 May 2026, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/20/2026-10050/patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act-hhs-notice-of-benefit-and-payment-parameters-for-2027-and. Accessed 26 May 2026.   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Ready to close sales with confidence? Sharpen your sales skills with three more closing techniques for insurance agents.   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 4 Effective Techniques for Closing Insurance Sales 4 Tips for Making a Better Insurance Sales Pitch How Insurance Agents Can Avoid Isolation & Build Stronger Connections ft. Dawn Myers   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

In this episode of the Agent Survival Guide, we’ll walk through four effective strategies that you can use to help close an insurance sale. We’ll teach you which technique is most effective in certain scenarios and the traits you should strive for to make any close more successful.   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 10 Essential Tools for Beginner Insurance Agents Getting Started Selling Medicare Supplements Empower Your Prospects to Act Before Turning 65 Medicare Advantage Trial Rights Explained for Agents   References: Abbott, Tom. “The Assumptive Close: A Powerful Tool for Increasing Sales.” SOCO Sales Training, 15 Apr. 2026, www.socoselling.com/the-assumptive-close/. Copley Ph.D., Laura “How to (Re-)Build Trust in a Relationship.” PositivePsychology.Com, 8 Nov. 2025, positivepsychology.com/build-trust/. “How to Be Confident.” Tony Robbins.com, www.tonyrobbins.com/building-confidence/how-to-be-confident. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026. How to Understand Body Language and Facial Expressions, www.verywellmind.com/understand-body-language-and-facial-expressions-4147228. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026. “Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment.” Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, www.ncoa.org/article/whats-the-difference-between-medicares-open-enrollment-period-and-medicare-advantage-open-enrollment/. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026. “Researcher Investigates How Our Snap Judgments Affect Society.” FABBS, 25 Jan. 2024, fabbs.org/news/2023/09/researcher-investigates-how-our-snap-judgments-affect-society/. “What Is the Puppy Dog Close?” HubSpot Blog, blog.hubspot.com/sales/puppy-dog-close. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and YouTube Sarah on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

The Friday Five for May 15, 2026: Field Notes: Camp Ritter The “Spotify 20: Your Party of the Year(s)” TRICARE Transition from DS Logon to myAuth Scammers Using Meta to Target Seniors Introducing the Integrity Health Plan   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   The “Spotify 20: Your Party of the Year(s)”: “20 Days, 20 Data Drops.” Newsroom.spotify.com, Spotify, https://newsroom.spotify.com/spotify20/, Accessed 12 May 2026. “It’s Your Party of the Year(s): A Look Back at Your Entire Music History on Spotify.” Newsroom.spotify.com, Spotify, 12 May 2026, https://newsroom.spotify.com/2026-05-12/spotify-20-personal-music-retrospective/. Weatherbed, Jess. “Spotify’s latest ‘Wrapped’ covers your entire music history.” Theverge.com, The Verge, 12 May 2026, https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/928395/spotify-20th-anniversary-wrapped-recap. “What 20 Years of Spotify Data Reveals About Our Listeners.” Newsroom.spotify.com, Spotify, 23 Apr. 2026, https://newsroom.spotify.com/2026-04-23/spotify-20-data-listening-trends/.   TRICARE Transition from DS Logon to myAuth: “TRICARE logins transitioning to myAuth in 2026.” Newsroom.tricare.mil, TRICARE, 5 May 2026, https://newsroom.tricare.mil/News/TRICARE-News/Article/4477500/tricare-logins-transitioning-to-myauth-in-2026-what-you-need-to-know. Obis, Anastasia. “TRICARE systems to transition to myAuth by the end of 2026.” Federalnewsnetwork.com, Federal News Network, 6 May 2026, https://federalnewsnetwork.com/technology-main/2026/05/tricare-systems-to-transition-to-myauth-by-the-end-of-2026/.   Scammers Using Meta to Target Seniors: Ingram, David. “Facebook allows repeat scam artists to send ads to seniors, researchers say.” Nbcnews.com, NBC News, 11 May 2026, https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/meta-allows-repeat-scam-artists-target-seniors-report-says-rcna344068. “How Meta Helps Medicare scammers target seniors.” Counterhate.com, Center for Countering Digital Hate, https://counterhate.com/research/scambook/, Accessed 12 May 2026.   Integrity Health Plan: IntegrityCONNECT Integrity Health Plan Learn More About Integrity Benefits The Exclusive Benefits Available By Joining Integrity through Ritter   Resources: 5 Things About the CMS 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule Cigna's ACA Exit, Certification Dates, Sleep Audio Content Corner: Fundamentals of Senior Finance FMO vs. IMO vs. NMO vs. MGA vs. GA: What’s the Difference? How to Grow Your Insurance Business by 45% Ready-Made Marketing for Insurance Agents: Inside the Content Library   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Don’t miss our brand-new series we’re calling Content Corner! Listen as we discuss the newest Content Library materials from Ritter Insurance Marketing - Fundamentals of Senior Finances. Keep listening for our conversation on recent internet trends and how to position them for your business marketing efforts.   Check Out the Fundamentals of Senior Finances from Ritter’s Content Library   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Best Practices for Using Ritter’s Content Library Content Library Homepage Cooking For Beginners Happy, Healthy Christmas Mastering Medicare Insurance Coverage Medicare Basics Senior Travel Guides Top Spooky Spots for Halloween Travel 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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Check out Ritter Insurance Marketing's Content Library for a simple way to Educate, Entertain, and Retain your clients. In this episode, we cover what the Content Library is, what it offers, and why you should be using it today! 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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Content Library Homepage Content Library Best Practices Content Library: Medicare Basics Content Library: Senior Travel Guides Content Library: Cooking for Beginners Content Library: A Happy, Healthy Christmas   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and YouTube     Sarah on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Threads Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Not sure how to scale your business sustainably? We walk through specific equations agents and agencies can use (and tweak!) depending on how you'd like to grow.   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 3 Easy Ways to Build Your Insurance Sales Territory 4 Ancillary Cross-Sales to Show Clients You Care A Quick Guide to Cross-Selling Ancillary Insurance with Medicare Products Ask Integrity Developing an Agency - Your Guide to Getting Started Best Practices for Training Downline Agents The Complete Guide on How to Sell Final Expense Insurance The Complete Guide to Selling Critical Illness Plans Diversify Your Insurance Portfolio & Reap Real Rewards How Ask Integrity Can Streamline Your Medicare Sales Appointments How Insurance Agents Can Set SMART Goals to Succeed How to Recruit Agents to Your Downline The Insurance Agent’s Guide to Understanding Hospital Indemnity IntegrityCONNECT PlanEnroll Remote Sales Tips for Insurance Agents Making Cross‑Selling Less Awkward for Insurance Agents ft. Demetri Simos and Dawn Myers The Advisor Approach: Cross-Selling by Fact-Finding   References: "65 Customer Retention Statistics You Need to Know in 2025." SEMrush.com, SEM Rush, https://www.semrush.com/blog/customer-retention-stats/, Accessed 13 Apr. 2026. "Kellogg’s Cereal: How They Dominated the Breakfast Aisle" 42signals.com, 42 Signals, 16 Jun. 2025, https://www.42signals.com/blog/kelloggs-cereal-story-of-dominance/.   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

The Friday Five for May 8, 2026: Quick Hits & Headlines CMS Admin Dr. Oz on Prior Auth Audio to Help You Sleep Cigna to Exit ACA for CY 2027 AHIP & NABIP Dates for CY 2027   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Quick Hits & Headlines May 8, 2026: Roth, Emma. “Apple agrees to pay iPhone owners $250 million for not delivering AI Siri.” Theverge.com, The Verge, 5 May 2026, https://www.theverge.com/tech/924706/apple-iphone-siri-intelligence-class-action-lawsuit-settlement. Joseph, Jibin. Got an iPhone 16 or 15 Pro? Apple May Owe You Up to $95 in AI Siri Settlement.” Pcmag.com, PC Mag, 6, May 2026, https://www.pcmag.com/news/got-an-iphone-16-or-15-pro-apple-may-owe-you-up-to-95-in-ai-siri-settlement. Malik, Aisha. “Meta will use AI to analyze height and bone structure to identify if users are underage.” Techcrunch.com, Tech Crunch, 5 May 2026, https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/05/meta-will-use-ai-to-analyze-height-and-bone-structure-to-identify-if-users-are-underage/. “New AI-Powered Age Assurance Measures to Place Teens in Age-Appropriate Experience.” Aboutfb.com, Meta, 5 May 2026, https://about.fb.com/news/2026/05/ai-age-assurance-teens/. Malik, Aisha. “Threads finally brings messaging to the web.” Techcrunch.com, Tech Crunch, 5 May 2026, https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/05/threads-finally-brings-messaging-to-the-web/.   CMS Admin Dr. Oz on Prior Auth: “CMS Announces Progress on Improving Prior Authorization Process.” Youtube.com, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 5 May 2026, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taZ2VqOy38A. “CMS Electronic Prior Authorization Progress Highlights.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/files/image/electronic-prior-authorization-progress-timeline.gif, Accessed 5 May 2026. “Moving Prior Authorization into the 21st Century.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 5 May 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/blog/moving-prior-authorization-21st-century.   Audio to Help You Sleep: ASG Podcast Audio for Sleep Playlist 🥱😴💤 Huang, Pien. “Americans aren’t sleeping enough. Here’s what could help.” Npr.org, National Public Radio, 2 May 2026, https://www.npr.org/2026/05/02/nx-s1-5807074/americans-sleep-better-hours-insomnia. Audio for Sleep Playlist Chapman, Bridget. “No More Silent Nights: What to Know About the Rise of Sleep Music.” Forbes.com, Forbes, 1 May 2026, https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/music-for-sleep/. “Sleep Audio Market Research Report 2033.” Growthmarketreports.com, Growth Market Reports, https://growthmarketreports.com/report/sleep-audio-market, Accessed 5 May 2026.   Cigna to Exit ACA for CY 2027: “Cigna Healthcare’s 2026 Footprint.” Cigna.com, Cigna, https://www.cigna.com/static/www-cigna-com/docs/ifp/m-26-fly-all-997206-ifp-broker-expansion-map-counties-customer-flyer.pdf, Accessed 5 May 2026. “Cigna Shares Drop 2.5% After Announcing ACA Marketplace Exit in 2027.” Indexbox.io, Index Box, 4 May 2026, https://www.indexbox.io/blog/cigna-shares-drop-25-after-announcing-aca-marketplace-exit-in-2027/. Minemyer, Paige, “Cigna to exit ACA market, pursue strategic alternatives for eviCore unit.” Fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 30 Apr. 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/cigna-posts-165b-profit-q1-earnings-beat. Bannow, Tara. “Cigna will exit ACA individual markets next year, adding to tyumult for patients.” Statnews.com, Stat+, 30 Apr. 2026, https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/30/cigna-exits-aca-market-2027-369-thousand-people-affected/. Hilton, John. “New Cigna CEO: Insurer to exit ACA, focus on ‘relentless’ push for affordability.” Insurancenewsnet.com, Insurance News Net, 30 Apr. 2026, https://insurancenewsnet.com/innarticle/new-cigna-ceo-insurer-to-exit-aca-focus-on-relentless-push-for-affordability.   Resources: 5 Things About the CMS 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule Big Moves in Healthcare & Tech: What Insurance Agents Should Watch CMS 2026 Prior Authorization Proposed Rule CMS Final Rule on Fax & Snail Mail CMS Update on BALANCE Model & Medicare GLP-1 Bridge   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Many who qualify for Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) find that this type of plan suits their specifics needs with tailormade benefits and networks. This episode of the Agent Survival Guide is your crash course in C-SNPs.    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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: The Beginner’s Guide to C-SNPs The Guide to Prospecting and Selling C-SNPs   References: “Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-Snps).” CMS.Gov, www.cms.gov/medicare/enrollment-renewal/special-needs-plans/chronic-conditions. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026. “Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans: 2024 Market Landscape and Future Considerations.” Milliman, 15 Mar. 2024, www.milliman.com/en/insight/chronic-condition-special-needs-plans-2024-market-landscape. “National Diabetes Statistics Report.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/diabetes/php/data-research/index.html. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026. “Special Needs Plans (SNP).” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/health-plans/your-health-plan-options/SNP. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026. “Statistics about Diabetes.” Diabetes in America: Prevalence, Statistics, and Economic Impact, diabetes.org/about-diabetes/statistics/about-diabetes. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.   Follow Us on Social!  Ritter on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and YouTube Sarah on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Threads   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Strengthen your annuity sales strategy with these best practices. Hear takeaways for agents of all experience levels, plus how to download our fact-finder that can help you ask better questions.   Read the text version   Download the Fact-Finder PDF   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Cross-Selling Ancillary Insurance with Medicare Products eBook Fixed vs. Indexed vs. Fixed Indexed Annuities: What's the Difference? Insurance Agents Can Generate More Leads with a Referral Marketing Strategy Life and Annuity Resource Center (LARC) Social Media Marketing for Insurance Agents eBook What Are Annuities?   References: Gibson, Trey. "55 Open-Ended Sales Questions to Close More Deals in 2026." Spotio.com, Spotio, https://spotio.com/blog/open-ended-sales-questions/, Accessed 9 Apr. 2026. "Do Insurance Brokers Have a Fiduciary Duty?" Mployer.com, Mployer, https://mployeradvisor.com/blog/do-insurance-brokers-have-a-fiduciary-duty, Accessed 9 Apr. 2026. Kenton, Will. “Risk Assessment: Definition, Techniques, and Analysis Types Explained.” Investopedia.Com, Investopedia, 23 Nov. 2025, www.investopedia.com/terms/r/risk-assessment.asp. Sheikh, Mahnoor. "Social media demographics to inform your 2026 strategy." sproutsocial.com, Sprout Social, 18 Feb. 2026, https://sproutsocial.com/insights/new-social-media-demographics/. "Trends in Health Insurance Retention: Exploring Recent Data and Trends." insureuniversity.com, Insure University, https://www.insureuniversity.com/key-insights-from-latest-data-and-emerging-trends-health-insurance-retention/, Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Does Facebook fit into your social media strategy? In this episode, we highlight best practices for insurance agents developing their online presence.   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Advertising Medicare Through Facebook Agent Survival Guide Podcast Facebook Business Page Instagram Basics for Insurance Agents LinkedIn Basics for Insurance Agents Social Media Marketing for Insurance Agents   References: "Social Media Fact Sheet." pewresearchcenter.org, Pew Research Center, 20 Nov. 2025, https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/social-media/. "Top Websites Ranking - Most Visited Websites in March 2026." similarweb.com, Similar Web, 1 Apr. 2026, https://www.similarweb.com/top-websites/. "Most Visited Websites in the World." SEMrush.com, SEMrush, https://www.semrush.com/trending-websites/global/all, Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Find out why LinkedIn is a must-have for insurance agents! Learn more about networking on this platform, enhance your online presence, and hear tips and strategies for agents of all experience levels.   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Social Media Marketing for Insurance Agents   References: “About Linkedin.” LinkedIn.com, LinkedIn, about.linkedin.com/. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026. “Americans’ Social Media Use 2025.” Pewresearch.org, Pew Research Center, 20 Nov. 2025, https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2025/11/20/americans-social-media-use-2025/. “Social Media Fact Sheet.” Pewresearch.org, Pew Research Center, 20 Nov. 2025, www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/social-media/.   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

The Friday Five for May 1, 2026: [00:44] Staying Caffeinated on the Road [03:26] Healthcare or Health Care? AP Stylebook Makes it Official [05:24] Spotify Spins Fitness into the Mix [08:41] Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026 [12:16] CMS Update on BALANCE Model & Medicare GLP-1 Bridge   Events & Webinars for Insurance Agents   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Staying Caffeinated on the Road: "Dunkin' Summer Menu." dunkindonuts.com, Dunkin Donuts, "https://www.dunkindonuts.com/en/summer-menu, Accessed 29 Apr. 2026. "Starbucks previews 2026 summer menu with tropical flavors and horchata-inspired drinks." about.starbucks.com, Starbucks, 13 Apr. 2026, https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2026/starbucks-previews-2026-summer-menu-with-tropical-flavors-and-horchata-inspired-drinks/.   Healthcare or Health Care? AP Stylebook Makes it Official: Berendzen, Gerri. “AP announces stylebook changes; “healthcare” tops list.” Aceseditors.org, aces, 24 Apr. 2026, https://aceseditors.org/news/2026/ap-announces-stylebook-changes-healthcare-tops-list. “The Associated Press Stylebook (@apstylebook) on Threads.” Threads, AP Stylebook, 25 Apr. 2026, www.threads.com/@apstylebook/post/DXhRkwYieVa?xmt=AQF09zuIUacVV6Ii9z7wDtZ9Or6W-RpmyLnA0twzfMsOKA.   Spotify Spins Fitness into the Mix: “Introducing Fitness with Spotify: A New Way to Bring Movement Into Your Daily Routine.” Newsroom.spotify.com, Spotify, 27 Apr. 2026, https://newsroom.spotify.com/2026-04-27/spotify-fitness-workouts-peloton/. O’Brien, Terrance. “Spotify is partnering with Peloton for guided workouts.” Theverge.com, The Verge, 27, Apr. 2026, https://www.theverge.com/tech/918861/spotify-peloton-guided-workouts. Perez, Sarah. “Spotify’s next frontier: Fitness content.” Techcrunch.com, Tech Crunch, 27 Apr. 2026. https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/27/spotifys-next-frontier-fitness-content/.   Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026: "Dr. Miller-Meeks, Congressional Doctors Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Restore Accountability in Medicare Advantage." millermeeks.house.gov, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, 22 Apr. 2026, https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-miller-meeks-congressional-doctors-introduce-bipartisan-bill-restore. Gleeson, Cailey. "Lawmakers introduce bipartisan legislation to improve access, quality of care in Medicare Advantage plans." fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare 24 Apr. 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/lawmakers-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-improve-access-quality-care-medicare. Blake, Suzanne. "Medicare Advantage Could Change for Millions Under New Bill." newsweek.com, Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2026, https://www.newsweek.com/medicare-advantage-could-change-new-bill-11883576. “Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026.” Millermeeks.House.Gov, U.S. House of Representatives, 15 Jan. 2026, millermeeks.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/millermeeks.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/h.r-8375.pdf.   CMS Update on BALANCE Model & Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: "BALANCE (Better Approaches to Lifestyle and Nutrition for Comprehensive hEalth) Model." cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/balance, Accessed 27 Apr. 2026. Minemyer, Paige. “CMS delays Part D GLP-1 model amid skepticism from insurers.” Fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 22 Apr. 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/cms-delays-part-d-glp-1-model-amid-skepticism-insurersd. Cubanski, Juliette. "CMS Extends Medicare’s Short-Term Bridge Program for GLP-1 Obesity Drug Coverage." kff.org, KFF, 23 Apr. 2026. https://www.kff.org/quick-take/cms-extends-medicares-short-term-bridge-program-for-glp-1-obesity-drug-coverage/. "Medicare GLP-1 Bridge." cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/prescription-drug-coverage/medicare-glp-1-bridge, Accessed 27 Apr. 2026. "Status Update on the BRIDGE Demo and BALANCE Model in Part D for CY2027." sponsors.aha.org, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://sponsors.aha.org/rs/710-ZLL-651/images/20260422_Status_Update_on_the_BRIDGE_Demo_and_BALANCE_Model_in_Part_D_for_CY2027_G.pdf, Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.     Resources: Big Moves in Healthcare & Tech: What Insurance Agents Should Watch How the BALANCE Model Will Help Medicare Part D & Medicaid Enrollees Access GLP-1s Ready-Made Marketing for Insurance Agents: Inside the Content Library CMS 2026 Prior Authorization Proposed Rule 5 Things About the CMS 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

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 [email protected] 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 How Insurance FMOs Work 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.

Broaden your reach by combining forces with a like-minded affinity partner! If you're looking to grow your insurance business, affinity marketing is a great strategy that won't break the bank.    Read the text version   Download The Insurance Agent’s Guide to Establishing Successful Affinity Partnership   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: How Insurance Agents Can Stay Compliant Without Slowing Down Sales How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly Optimize Your Online Presence ft. Aaron Kassover Your Guide to Forming an Insurance Agent Network   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.

The Friday Five for April 24, 2026: [00:25] Hits & Headlines [01:41] New Podcast From KFF [03:33] Tech Takeaways [05:42] Amazon to Discontinue Older Kindles [08:47] Amazon One Medical GLP-1 Management Program   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Hits & Headlines: Brenninger, Kevin. "Kevin Warsh hearing takeaways: Trump Fed chair nominee defends finances, says president never demanded rate cuts." CNBC.com, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/21/kevin-warsh-fed-confirmation-hearing-trump-live-updates.html.   "Meet Lucie. A New Way to Shop for Healthcare." ir.hioscar.com, Oscar Health, 20 Apr. 2026, https://ir.hioscar.com/news-events-presentations/news-press-releases/news-details/2026/Meet-Lucie--A-New-Way-to-Shop-for-Healthcare-/default.aspx. Minemyer, Paige. "Oz previews new plan to push states toward revalidating Medicaid providers." fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 21 Apr. 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/oz-previews-plan-push-states-revalidate-medicaid-providers. Chu, Amanda. "Oz unveils nationwide plan to tackle Medicaid fraud at POLITICO Summit" politico.com, Politico, 21 Apr. 2026, https://www.politico.com/news/2026/04/21/oz-medicaid-fraud-plan-politico-summit-00883279. "Secretary Kennedy Appoints Casey B. Mulligan as HHS Chief Economist and Regulatory Officer." hhs.gov, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 17 Apr. 2026, https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-appoints-casey-b-mulligan-phd-as-chief-economist-and-chief-regulatory-officer.html. Huang, Pien. "Trump nominates former Coast Guard doctor as CDC chief." npr.org, National Public Radio, 17 Apr. 2026, https://www.npr.org/2026/04/16/nx-s1-5787959/erica-schwartz-cdc-leadership-nomination.   New Podcast From KFF: KFF’s The Business of Health with Chip Kahn Why KFF is Launching a Podcast on the Business of Health   Tech Takeaways: Sarnoff, Leah. "Apple CEO Tim Cook is stepping down, John Ternus set to replace him." abcnews.com, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026, https://abcnews.com/US/apple-ceo-tim-cook-stepping-john-ternus-set/story?id=132217743. Esposito, Filipe. "iPhone 18 Pro exclusive color reveals: Dark Cherry is the new Cosmic Orange." macworld.com, Macworld, 20 Apr. 2026, https://www.macworld.com/article/3116701/iphone-18-pro-colors-revealed-exclusive-look-at-apples-2026-models.html. "Microsoft 365 Roadmap." Microsoft.com, Microsoft, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?id=560321#Roadmap, Accessed 21 Apr. 2026. "Microsoft Teams is trying to fix accidental hand-raising." theverge.com, The Verge, 21 Apr. 2026, https://www.theverge.com/tech/915586/microsoft-teams-accidental-hand-raising-fix. Roy, Dwaipayan. "Microsoft Teams will soon stop you from accidentally raising hand." newsbytesapp.com, NewsBytes, 21 Apr. 2026, https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/microsoft-teams-to-get-a-redesign-this-june/story. "Tim Cook to become Apple Executive Chairman. John Ternus to become Apple CEO." apple.com, Apple, 20 Apr. 2026, https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/04/tim-cook-to-become-apple-executive-chairman-john-ternus-to-become-apple-ceo/.   Amazon to Discontinue Older Kindles: Amazon Kindle Store Newman, Justyn. "Amazon’s May 20 Kindle Cutoff: Which Models are Affected and How to Keep Reading Anyway." pcmag.com, PC Mag, 21 Apr. 2026, https://www.pcmag.com/news/amazon-may-20-kindle-cutoff-which-models-impacted-how-to-keep-reading. Tyko, Kelly. "Amazon launches GLP-1 program as gaps in care emerge." axios.com, Axios, 21, Apr. 2026, https://www.axios.com/2026/04/21/amazon-pharmacy-one-medical-glp1-program. Ashworth, Boone. "Amazon Pulls Support for Perfectly Fine Older Kindles." wired.com, Wired, 9 Apr. 2026, https://www.wired.com/story/amazon-pulls-support-for-perfectly-fine-older-kindles/. McMahon, Liv. "Amazon to end support for older Kindles, prompting user outcry." bbc.com, BBC, 9 Apr. 2026, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c98k91yy4z4o. Mangino, Samantha. "Don't panic: Amazon is discontinuing support on these 13 Kindle devices, but they're not totally obsolete." mashable.com, Mashable, 8 Apr. 2026, https://mashable.com/article/amazon-discontinuing-kindle-1st-gen-support. Adorno, Jose. "Old And Unsupported Kindles Might Become The Best Tech Deal Of 2026." 15 Apr. 2026, https://www.bgr.com/2148274/why-old-kindle-deal/.   Amazon One Medical GLP-1 Management Program: Amazon One Medical GLP-1 Management Program Gomez, Brandon. "Amazon launches GLP-1 weight loss program, promising ‘fast, convenient’ access." cnbc.com, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/21/amazon-glp-1-weight-loss-program.html.  Patel, Hemalee. "Amazon One Medical introduces weight management program with upfront GLP-1 medication costs." aboutamazon.com, Amazon News, https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/retail/amazon-glp1-management-program.   Resources: 5 Things About the CMS 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule CMS 2026 Prior Authorization Proposed Rule How Insurance Agents Can Avoid Isolation & Build Stronger Connections ft. Dawn Myers Making Cross‑Selling Less Awkward for Insurance Agents ft. Demetri Simos and Dawn Myers Ready-Made Marketing for Insurance Agents: Inside the Content Library   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

It’s time to sync up your calendar! What should insurance agents selling Medicare focus on during the 2nd quarter? Listen to this episode for our suggestions and info on how to get your own Medicare Sales Planner.   Read the text version   Download your copy of the Medicare Sales Planner!   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: AHIP Test Tips and Tricks for Medicare Certification Carrier Pages Certification Info Community-Based Marketing for Insurance Agents Dental, Vision, and Hearing Insurance Sales: How, Who, and Why FAQs About NABIP Medicare Certification The Advisor Approach: Cross-Selling by Fact-Finding What Is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It?   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Streamline your second quarter tasks with a little help from your friends at Ritter Insurance Marketing and the Agent Survival Guide Podcast. Listen for the details and don’t forget to download the full calendar!   Read the text version Download your copy of the Busy ACA Agent’s Sales Calendar!   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Should Medicare & ACA Clients Use Drug Discount Programs? The Best Appointment Schedulers for Insurance Agents The Complete Guide to Selling Affordable Care Act Insurance Plans The State of the ACA Market in 2026 Why Marketplace Agents Should Connect With Young Adults Turning 26   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.

Did you know that Ritter offers turnkey content marketing materials for agents? Learn more about the Content Library: a free resource featuring compliant content created specifically for insurance agents to start, scale, and sustain digital marketing efforts.   Check out the Content Library for Insurance Agents!   Additional Resources: Content Library: Cooking for Beginners ft. Jeff Snyder Content Library: Mastering Medicare Insurance Coverage ft. Jeff Snyder 5 Spooky Stories for Halloween 👻 Holly Jolly Holiday Traditions   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and YouTube Sarah on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Learn more about the critical illness product (and how to cross-sell it!) with our free guide for insurance agents! Ready to cross-sell with confidence? Start by downloading your copy of Ritter’s newest eBook today.   Download your FREE copy of The Complete Guide to Selling Critical Illness Plans   Additional Episodes You Might Like: 4 Ancillary Cross-Sales to Show Clients You Care How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly Making Cross‑Selling Less Awkward for Insurance Agents ft. Demetri Simos and Dawn Myers   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

The Friday Five for April 17, 2026:   [00:57] CMS 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule [02:09] Google Announces New Chrome Features [04:56] March 2026 CPI/2026 FOMC Calendar [07:03] Protective Life Corporation Study on Gaps in Medicare Knowledge [10:17] CMS 2026 Prior Authorization Proposed Rule   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   CMS 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule: 5 Things About the CMS 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule  CMS Improves Plan Transparency and Choice with 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule  Email the show for your copy of the Final Rule PDF. (We’ve even filled out the subject line for you!)     Google Announces New Chrome Features: Tsu, Alex. “Get more done with new vertical tabs and immersive reading mode in Chrome.” Blog.google.com, The Keyword, 7 Apr. 2026, https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/products/chrome/new-chrome-productivity-features. Pierce, David. "Vertical browser tabs are better and you should use them." Theverge.com, The Verge, 7 Apr. 2026, https://www.theverge.com/tech/907998/google-chrome-vertical-tabs.   March 2026 CPI/2026 FOMC Calendar: “Consumer Price Index – March 2026.” Bls.gov, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 10 Apr. 2026, https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf. “Meeting calendars, statements, and minutes (2021-2027).” Federalreserve.gov, The Federal Reserve, https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomccalendars.htm, Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.   Protective Life Corporation Study on Gaps in Medicare Knowledge: "Medicare planning: why it matters – and why financial professionals can’t ignore it." Protective Life Corporation, https://delivery-p102752-e1161810.adobeaemcloud.com/adobe/assets/urn:aaid:aem:e195f263-4c50-4410-8b40-f75468408f65/original/as/Protective_WP_Medical+Planning_FINAL_02092026+%283%29.pdf, Accessed 15 Apr. 2026. Bell, Allison. "Most Advisors Have Big Gaps in Medicare Knowledge: Survey." thinkadvisor.com, Think Advisor, 8 Apr. 2026, https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2026/04/08/most-advisors-have-big-gaps-in-medicare-knowledge-survey/.  "New Research Highlights Critical Gaps in Medicare Planning and Opportunities for Financial Professionals." investor.protective.com, Protective Life Corporation, 7 Apr. 2026, https://investor.protective.com/newsroom/press-releases/press-release-details/2026/New-Research-Highlights-Critical-Gaps-in-Medicare-Planning-and-Opportunities-for-Financial-Professionals/default.aspx.   CMS 2026 Prior Authorization Proposed Rule: "2026 CMS Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs Proposed Rule." cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 10 Apr. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-cms-interoperability-standards-prior-authorization-drugs-proposed-rule. "CMS Proposes Major Reforms to Speed Up Patient Access to Drugs, Increase Transparency, and Reduce Administrative Burden." cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 10 Apr. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-proposes-major-reforms-speed-up-patient-access-drugs-increase-transparency-reduce-administrative. "Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs for Medicare Advantage Organizations, Medicaid Managed Care Plans, State Medicaid Agencies, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Agencies and CHIP Managed Care Entities, and Issuers of Qualified Health Plans on the Federally-Facilitated Exchanges." federalregister.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 14 Apr. 2026, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/14/2026-07205/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act-interoperability-standards.   Pines, Jesse. "Prior Authorization Reform Is Here — And It Could Change How Millions Get Care." Forbes.com, Forbes, 13 Apr. 2026, https://www.forbes.com/sites/jessepines/2026/04/13/prior-authorization-reform-is-here-and-it-could-change-how-millions-get-care/.  Minemyer, Paige. "Proposed CMS rule would set prior auth deadlines for drugs." fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 10 Apr. 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/proposed-cms-rule-would-set-prior-auth-deadlines-drugs.  "Summary of Proposed Provisions in the 2026 CMS Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs Proposed Rule (CMS0062-P)." cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/files/document/summary-changes-provisions-rule-10apr26-final-508-compliant.pdf, Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

It's easy to feel isolated in the insurance industry. But if you talk with Dawn Myers, you'll quickly understand why she says isolation is just that, a feeling. And an optional one at that. She explains how connection, collaboration, and showing up changed everything for her.   Find Dawn Myers Online: LinkedIn Stay Paid: Relationships, Referrals & The Power of Partnerships   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.  🗓️Sign Up for Ritter Insurance Marketing Events & Webinars   Additional Resources: 5 Tips for New Insurance Agents 5 Tips for Seasoned Insurance Agents Adding Spokes to Your Wheel ft. Robert Rothschild Developing Power Habits ft. Dr. Noah St. John How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Think what you've heard about Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans is true? Fun fact, it’s probably not! Listen as we break down D-SNP myths to build up your knowledge.   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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Diversify Your Insurance Portfolio & Reap Real Rewards D-SNP Benefit Eligibility Client Letter D-SNP Checklist Get Your Insurance Portfolio Reviewed for FREE The Beginner’s Guide to D-SNPs The Complete Guide on How to Sell D-SNPs   References: “A Profile of Medicare-Medicaid Dual Beneficiaries.” Atiadvisory.Com, ATI Advisory, atiadvisory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/A-Profile-of-Medicare-Medicaid-Dual-Beneficiaries.pdf. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026. Freed, Salama, et al. “10 Things to Know about Medicare Advantage Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-Snps).” KFF.org, KFF, https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/10-things-to-know-about-medicare-advantage-dual-eligible-special-needs-plans-d-snps/. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026. Ochieng, Nancy. “Medicare Advantage in 2025: Enrollment Update and Key Trends.” KFF.Org, KFF, 30 Jan. 2026, www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-enrollment-update-and-key-trends/. “New Special Enrollment Periods (Seps) for Dually Eligible ...” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid, https://www.cms.gov/files/document/duals-lissepsjobaid01012025.pdf. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026. “Seniors & Medicare and Medicaid Enrollees.” Medicaid.Gov, https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility/seniors-medicare-and-medicaid-enrollees/index.html. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026. “US Enrollment and Spending for Dual-Eligible Individuals.” KFF.org, KFF, https://www.kff.org/interactive/state-profiles-for-dual-eligible-individuals/united-states/enrollment-and-spending-for-dual-eligible-individuals/. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

CMS recently published the 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule. Don’t miss the ASG Podcast top takeaways for insurance agents.   Get Connected: 🤝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 [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 5 Takeaways from the CMS 2027 Marketplace Proposed Rule 2016 vs. 2026: The Insurance Edition CMS CRUSH Initiative CMS Final Rule on Fax & Snail Mail CMS Improves Plan Transparency and Choice with 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Demonstration   References: "2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement." cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 6 Apr. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2027-medicare-advantage-part-d-rate-announcement. "Contract Year 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule." cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2 Apr. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/contract-year-2027-medicare-advantage-part-d-final-rule. "Medicare Beneficiaries to See Simpler and More Flexible Plan Choices, Better Drug Coverage, Higher Quality and Lower Costs in 2027." cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2 Apr. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/medicare-beneficiaries-see-simpler-more-flexible-plan-choices-better-drug-coverage-higher-quality.   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Unlock the secret of cross-selling insurance without coming across as salesy, scared, or awkward! Demetri Simos (Vice President of GTL) and Dawn Myers (VP of Sales & Marketing Delaware Valley Brokerage Service) join the Agent Survival Guide to talk about cross-selling insurance products. Listen to learn strategies you can implement in your own insurance business!   Connect with Our Guests: Dawn Myers on LinkedIn Demetri Simos on LinkedIn   Resources: 🛞Adding Spokes to Your Wheel ft. Robert Rothschild 📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 🗣️How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly 🌐Optimize Your Online Presence ft. Aaron Kassover 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!  💻Ritter Insurance Marketing Events & Webinars   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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social    💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to [email protected] or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.