Agent Survival Guide Podcast

Sarah J. Rueppel | Ritter Insurance Marketing
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Dec 20, 2025 • 22min

What Are the ACA Marketplace Alternatives for Health Insurance?

The Affordable Care Act health insurance is a great option for many. But it may not be the right fit for your clients. Discover ACA alternatives that fit your clients’ needs.   Read the text version   🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: ACA 101: Selling Under-65 Health Insurance A Quick Guide to Cross-Selling Ancillary Insurance with Medicare Products Government & Insurers Reconsider Short-Term Limited Duration Product Changes How the ACA Subsidy Cliff Impacts Client Shopping for Marketplace Coverage How to Prepare for AEP Like a Pro How Much Money Can Agents Make Selling Ancillary Health Insurance Key Takeaways From the 2025 Marketplace Integrity and Affordability CMS Final Rule Secure a Bigger, Better Business with Ancillary Products The One Big Beautiful Bill: What Health Insurance Agents Should Know   References: “E&O Insurance for Insurance Agents.” Insureon, www.insureon.com/insurance-agent-business-insurance/errors-omissions. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025. Stevenson, Michael. “Mid-Year 2025 Employee Benefits Market Update: 4 Trends to Watch.” Seubert, 7 Aug. 2025, www.seubert.com/blog/mid-year-2025-employee-benefits-market-update-4-trends-to-watch/. “Minimum Essential Coverage.” CMS.Gov, www.cms.gov/marketplace/health-plans-issuers/minimum-essential-coverage. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025. “Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) - Glossary.” HealthCare.Gov, www.healthcare.gov/glossary/minimum-essential-coverage/. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025. “Qualifying Health Coverage - Glossary.” HealthCare.Gov, www.healthcare.gov/glossary/qualifying-health-coverage/. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance     Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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Dec 19, 2025 • 15min

Top 5 Episodes of 2025

Sarah reveals the top Agent Survival Guide Podcast episodes of 2025. Did your favorite episode make the cut? You’ll have to listen to find out!   🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!   📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Links to the Top ASG Podcast Episodes of 2025: 2026 Medicare Part A & B Premiums & Deductibles 5 Ways to Survive Enrollment Season 2026 7 Actions You Can Take If Your Medicare Plans Go Non-Commissionable The ICHRA Opportunity for Agents ft. Lisa Marzolino & Danica Stover Understanding the ACA Marketplace & Exchanges   Honorable Mention: 2026 ACA Exchange & FFM Certification Info 2026 Maximum Broker Commissions for Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D 5 Medicare Myths Your Clients May Believe 6 Ways to Generate ACA Leads Celebrating 20 Years of Medicare AEPs & Growth: Looking Back at 2005 FMO vs. IMO vs. NMO vs. MGA vs. GA: What’s the Difference? How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly Optimize Your Online Presence ft. Aaron Kassover Setting SMART Goals in 2025 The Best Appointment Schedulers for Insurance Agents   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance       Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel    Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. 
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Dec 17, 2025 • 2h 16min

Holly Jolly Holiday Traditions

Join our merry elves as we celebrate the newest Content Library release: A Happy, Healthy Christmas! We talk content with a cup of holiday cheer and a heaping side of nostalgia.   Resources: Content Library – A Happy, Health Christmas Packet Ritter Insurance Marketing Content Library YouTube Series – Cold Coffee & Stale Donuts   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance   Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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Dec 15, 2025 • 41min

Holiday Gift Guide 2025

Sarah and Tina are back with another gift guide to help you survive holiday shopping! Listen as they chat about their favorite gifts to give and maybe one or two they’re hoping to receive this year.   🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Mentioned in this episode: Pinch Provisions Quince Uncommon Goods Waxing Poetic   Other episodes you might like: Celebrating 20 Years of Medicare AEPs & Growth: Looking Back at 2005 Holiday Toy Shopping Guide 2025 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/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel    Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. 
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Dec 13, 2025 • 8min

Questions to Ask Clients Shopping for an ACA Plan

Use these questions to help your client find the right Affordable Care Act coverage! Read the text version 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!  📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 5 Tips for Finding Supplemental Coverage for ACA Plans ACA Enrolment Periods Explained Everything You Need to Know About the ACA OEP FAQs About Selling On-Exchange & Off-Exchange Under-65 Plans How the ACA Subsidy Cliff Impacts Shopping for Marketplace Coverage How to Help Client Navigate ACA Marketplace Subsidies & Taxes Meet Your Sales Team Surviving OEP The Ritter Docs – Under 65 There’s More to Life Insurance Than Just a Policy The State of the ACA Market in 2025 Understanding ACA Plan Metal Tiers Understanding the ACA Marketplace & Exchanges What the Inflation Reduction Act Means for Your Medicare & ACA Clients   References:  “Low Cost Marketplace Health Care, Qualifying Income Levels.” HealthCare.Gov, https://www.healthcare.gov/lower-costs/. Accessed 4 Dec. 2025.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance     Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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Dec 12, 2025 • 19min

Enrollment Stats, Snapshots & Spotlights

The Friday Five for December 12, 2025: Wrapping Up AEP 2026 Spotify Wrapped 2025 Pebble Index 01 2026 ACA Enrollment Snapshot #1 KFF 2026 Medicare Advantage Spotlight   Get Connected: 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Pebble Index 01: Perez, Sarah. “Pebble’s Founder Introduces a $75 AI Smart Ring for Recording Brief Notes with a Press of a Button.” Techcrunch.Com, TechCrunch, 9 Dec. 2025, techcrunch.com/2025/12/09/pebbles-founder-introduces-a-75-ai-smart-ring-for-recording-brief-notes-with-a-press-of-a-button/. Chokkattu, Julian. “Pebble is Making a $75 Smart Ring.” Wired.com, Wired, https://www.wired.com/story/pebble-index-ring/. Pierce, David. “The next Pebble gadget is the Index 01, a ring with a microphone.” theverge.com, The Verge, 9 Dec. 2025, https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/840352/pebble-index-smart-ring-launch-price.   2026 ACA Enrollment Snapshot #1: “Marketplace 2025 Open Enrollment Period Report: National Snapshot.” cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 4 Dec. 2024, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/marketplace-2025-open-enrollment-period-report-national-snapshot-0. “Marketplace 2026 Open Enrollment Period Report: National Snapshot.” cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 5 Dec. 2025, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/marketplace-2026-open-enrollment-period-report-national-snapshot.   KFF 2026 Medicare Advantage Spotlight: Freed, Meredith, Jeannie Fuglesten Biniek, et al. “Medicare Advantage 2026 Spotlight: A First Look at Plan Offerings.” KFF.Org, KFF, 9 Dec. 2025, https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-2026-spotlight-a-first-look-at-plan-offerings/. Freed, Meredith, Nancy Ochieng, et al. “Medicare Advantage 2026 Spotlight: A First Look at Plan Premiums and Benefits.” KFF.Org, KFF, 9 Dec. 2025, https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-2026-spotlight-a-first-look-at-plan-premiums-and-benefits/.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance     Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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Dec 10, 2025 • 16min

The 2026 Medicare Part D Redesign Changes Agents Should Know

New coverage year, new changes to Medicare Part D! Don't miss our refresher on the Part D Redesign updates coming in 2026. Familiarize yourself with these changes now so you can be a helpful resource for your clients!   Read the text version   🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 2025 Medicare Part D Redesign Updates The Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage Determination Changes for 2025 or Beyond   References: “Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (CMS-4208-F).” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-medicare-advantage-program-medicare-prescription-final. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025. “Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Announces Actions to Lower Prescription Drug Prices.” The White House, The United States Government, 15 Apr. 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/04/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-announces-actions-to-lower-prescription-drug-prices/. “Final CY 2026 Part D Redesign Program Instructions.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/final-cy-2026-part-d-redesign-program-instructions. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025. “H.R.5376 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 | Congress.Gov | Library of Congress.” Congress.Gov, https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5376. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025. “Lowering Drug Prices by Once Again Putting Americans First.” The White House, The United States Government, 15 Apr. 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/lowering-drug-prices-by-once-again-putting-americans-first/. “Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage: CMS Finalizes Revised Simplified Determination Method for 2026.” Risk Strategies - Part of the Brown & Brown Team, https://www.risk-strategies.com/blog/medicare-part-d-creditable-coverage-cms-finalizes-revised-simplified-determination-method-for-2026. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025. “Medicare Prescription Payment Plan.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/medicare-prescription-payment-plan. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.  Santiago, Abdie, and Stephnie A. John. “The IRA in 2025: The Future of Medicare Part d.” Mintz, https://www.mintz.com/insights-center/viewpoints/2146/2025-02-13-ira-2025-future-medicare-part-d. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025. Aboulenein, Ahmed. “Trump Signs Healthcare Executive Order That Includes a Win for Pharma Companies | Reuters.” Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-signs-healthcare-executive-order-that-includes-win-pharma-companies-2025-04-15/. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance      Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel   Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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Dec 9, 2025 • 10min

Things to Think About Post-AEP

In this episode we’re highlighting some important things to think about while AEP is still fresh in your mind. Read the text version   🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 3 Benefits of Contracting to Sell Medicare Advantage Plans Outside of AEP 8 Powerful Practices for Selling Prescription Drug Plans 2026 Maximum Broker Commissions for Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D A Review of Integrity’s Top Medicare Quoting Tools Carriers with Ritter Get a FREE Portfolio Review IntegrityCONNECT Insurance Agents as TPMOS: What CMS Compliance Regulations Mean for You Meet Your Sales Team PlanEnroll – Take Your Business to the Next Level Ritter Summits Surviving AEP The Benefits of Joining a Top Insurance FMO The Definitive Guide to Getting Leads and Prospecting for Medicare Sales FREE eBook The Ritter Platform The Ultimate Agent Resource List Pt. 3: Staying Organized What Agents Forget to Do When Preparing for Appointments   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance     Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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Dec 9, 2025 • 10min

What Are the CMS Medicare Gift Rules?

Before you wrap it up and put a bow on it, does that gift for your Medicare client follow CMS guidelines? Listen to this episode of the Agent Survival Guide Podcast to find out and stay compliant!   Read the text version   🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Affinity Partnerships for Insurance Agents Rules for Hosting a Compliant Medicare Educational Event Rules for Hosting a Compliant Medicare Sales Event The Complete Guide to Client Loyalty and Retention What are the Medicare Gift Rules?   References: “Associations Urge Stronger Oversight of MA Marketing Practices.” Npaonline.Com, National Pace Association, https://www.npaonline.org/about-npa/news/news/2024/08/07/associations-urge-tougher-enforcement-of-anti-predatory-medicare-advantage-marketing-practices. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025. “General Questions Regarding Certain Fraud and Abuse Authorities.” Office of Inspector General | Government Oversight | U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 8 July 2024, https://www.oig.hhs.gov/faqs/general-questions-regarding-certain-fraud-and-abuse-authorities. “Subpart V—Medicare Advantage Communication Requirements.” Federal Register :: Request Access, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-422/subpart-V. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025. “Subpart V—Part D Communication Requirements.” Federal Register :: Request Access, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-423/subpart-V.  Accessed 18 Nov. 2025. “OIG-Policy-Statement-Gifts-of-Nominal-Value.Pdf.” Oig.Hhs.Gov/, https://www.oig.hhs.gov/documents/special-advisory-bulletins/887/OIG-Policy-Statement-Gifts-of-Nominal-Value.pdf. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025. “The Fine Line between Gifts and Bribes.” Adams & Associates, PLC, 14 Nov. 2023, https://www.azwhitecollarcrime.com/blog/2019/04/01/the-fine-line-between-gifts-and-bribes/.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel   Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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Dec 8, 2025 • 39min

Developing Power Habits ft. Dr. Noah St. John

Dr. Noah St. John joins Sarah to talk about his Freedom Lifestyle Formula, Power Habits, and other strategies he's written about over the years. Find out why Dr. Noah says that willpower doesn't help change habits and there's more to success than just mindset. Get ready to unlock your potential with his honest and actionable strategies.     Find Dr. Noah St. John Online: Breakthrough With Noah Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Official Website Power Habits® The 7-Figure Life The Book of Afformations™ YouTube   Resources: How Insurance Agents Can Turn Anxiety into Fuel How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly How to Build Intentional Value ft. Neil Reich Optimize Your Online Presence ft. Aaron Kassover   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance       Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel    Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.

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