Agent Survival Guide Podcast

The Friday Five for October 10, 2025: Medicare Telehealth in Limbo Potential Delay for 2026 COLA? Public Support for Extending ACA Subsidies FFM Certification Now Available 5 Days Until AEP 2026   Get Connected: 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Medicare Telehealth in Limbo: Beavins, Emma. “Hospitals, Doctors Face Virtual Care Cliff with Telehealth, Hospital at Home Services on the Line.” Fierce Healthcare, 29 Oct. 2025, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/telehealth-hospital-home-deadlines-approach-no-funding-deal-sight. Miller, Marika. “Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities: Countdown to September 30, 2025.” Foley & Lardner LLP, 11 Sept. 2025, https://www.foley.com/insights/publications/2025/09/medicare-telehealth-flexibilities-countdown-to-september-30-2025/. Jackson, Marshall E., et al. “Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities Expire: Immediate Impacts and next Steps.” McDermott Will & Schulte, 1 Oct. 2025, https://www.mwe.com/insights/medicare-telehealth-flexibilities-expire-immediate-impacts-and-next-steps/. Konish, Lorie. “Social Security Cola for 2026: How Federal Government Shutdown May Affect Announcement.” CNBC, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/09/social-security-cola-2026-benefit-increase.html. Blake, Suzanne, and Gabe Whisnant. “Social Security Update: Government Shutdown Will Delay Major Announcement.” Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025, https://www.newsweek.com/social-security-update-government-shutdown-2026-sola-10842238. “US Government Shutdown Will Delay Social Security 2026 Cola Announcement | Reuters.” Reuters, 7 Oct. 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-government-shutdown-will-delay-social-security-2026-cola-announcement-2025-10-07/.   Public Support for Extending ACA Subsidies: Sparks, Grace, et al. “KFF Health Tracking Poll: Public Weighs Political Consequences of Health Policy Legislation.” KFF, 3 Oct. 2025, https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/kff-health-tracking-poll-public-weighs-political-consequences-of-health-policy-legislation/.   FFM Certification Now Available: 2026 ACA Exchange & FFM Certification Info   Ritter Insurance Marketing Resources for AEP & Beyond: Contact our Ritter Sales Team Content Library eBooks & Guides for Insurance Agents Events & Webinars for Insurance Agents Knight School Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing Ritter Blog Ritter Carrier Pages Ritter Docs Surviving AEP Resource List Surviving OEP Resource List   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.

Don Connelly joins Sarah to talk about the soft skill of storytelling. Learn more about this strategy and why it's so effective for insurance agents.   Find Don Connelly Online: Blog Facebook LinkedIn Longevity Planners Official Website X YouTube   Resources: How Client Retention Boosts Insurance Sales How Relationship Marketing Can Make the Difference in Your Agency Learning to Delight in the Limelight ft. Linda Ugelow Operating From a People-First Mentality ft. Scott Zimmerman   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance      Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel   Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.

Discover the essentials of obtaining Permission to Contact (PTC) for Medicare sales. Learn when PTC is required and the differences between PTC and Scope of Appointment. Find out compliant ways to gather PTC and the prohibited outreach methods to avoid. Explore how tools like Plan&Roll can streamline the process. Plus, get tips on generating leads with business reply cards and the importance of understanding third-party lead provider requirements. Ensure your Medicare outreach is both effective and compliant!

CMS released their 2026 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D projections this week. Join Sarah as she highlights info for agents, from estimates on enrollment and premiums to plan accessibility and more!   Get Connected: 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 2025 MA Enrollment Stats & Trends Announcing the Launch of IntegrityCONNECT Can Insurance Agents Charge Medicare Consultation Fees? Judge Vacates HHS MA Commissions Lawsuit Optimize Your Online Presence ft. Aaron Kassover Risk Adjustment & Finding Value Beyond Coding Changes ft. Dr. Shannon Decker Surviving AEP with Ritter Insurance Marketing The Fight for ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits The Survivor’s AEP Checklist What Agents Can't Say During Medicare Sales Appointments What Can MAPD Insurance Agents Do Prior to AEP?   References: “2026 MA and Part D Landscape State Fact Sheet.” CMS.Gov, www.cms.gov/files/document/2026-ma-part-d-landscape-state-state-fact-sheet.pdf. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025. “Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Programs Expected to Remain Stable in 2026.” CMS.Gov, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/medicare-advantage-medicare-prescription-drug-programs-expected-remain-stable-2026. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance     Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

You've probably heard that partnering with a field marketing organization is a great idea for independent agents. Today, we're diving into the WHY. Learn more about Ritter Insurance Marketing: a national FMO offering resources and support for agents like you.   Read the text version   Get Connected: 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 5 Things to Consider When Creating Your Personal Brand 2026 Maximum Broker Commissions for Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D Carriers Partnered with Ritter Content Library: Mastering Medicare Insurance Coverage ft. Jeff Snyder Everything You Get With Your Ritter Registration Events & Webinars for Insurance Agents Everything You Get With Your Ritter Registration Get in Touch with Ritter's Sales Team How Insurance Agents Can Use AI Tools IntegrityCONNECT Registration Knight School Online Training for Insurance Agents Learn More About Integrity Tools Leveling Up: From Chill Mode to Growth Mode ft. Christian Brindle Marketing & Incentives with Ritter Insurance Marketing PlanEnroll Information Training & Educational Resources at Ritter Insurance Marketing   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance     Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Dr. Shannon Decker, a value-based care consultant and CEO of VBCOne, shares her journey from teaching to healthcare leadership. She discusses the significant shift in risk adjustment models, detailing changes from V24 to V28 and their implications for Medicare Advantage. Shannon emphasizes the importance of focusing on patient quality and chronicity beyond just coding. She also provides insights on how agents can better navigate these changes for their clients while stressing the need for improved healthcare outcomes.

We illustrate 5 life insurance myths and why your clients may believe them. Learn how to counter these objections so your clients can better understand the life product and you can make the sale!   Read the text version   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 4 Tips for Making a Better Insurance Sales Pitch A Quick Guide to Understanding Universal Life Insurance How to Make the Most of Life Insurance Awareness Month Identifying Ideal Clients for Universal Life Products Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing What to Do If Your Clients Can No Longer Afford Their Permanent Life Insurance Premiums When to Recommend Life Insurance Based on Its Tax Advantages   References: “2024 Life Insurance Fact Sheet.” LIMRA.Com, LIMRA, www.limra.com/siteassets/newsroom/fact-tank/fact-sheets/2024-life-insurance-fact-sheet.pdf. Accessed 8 Sept. 2025. “2025 Facts About Life Insurance.” LIMRA.Com, LIMRA, www.limra.com/siteassets/newsroom/liam/2025/2025_facts_about_life_insurance.pdf. Accessed 8 Sept. 2025. “Ensuring a Protected Tomorrow with Life Insurance.” LIMRA.Com, LIMRA, www.limra.com/en/research/research-abstracts-public/2025/2025-insurance-barometer-study/ensuring-a-protected-tomorrow-with-life-insurance-partial-infographic/. Accessed 8 Sept. 2025. “Modernizing Life Insurance.” LIMRA.Com, LIMRA, www.limra.com/en/research/research-abstracts-public/2024/2024-insurance-barometer-study/. Accessed 8 Sept. 2025. “The Diner Dispatch: 2023 American Dining Habits.” Usfoods.Com, US Foods, www.usfoods.com/our-services/business-trends/american-dining-out-habits-2023.html. Accessed 8 Sept. 2025. “The Diner Dispatch: 2024 American Dining Habits.” Usfoods.Com, US Foods, www.usfoods.com/our-services/business-trends/american-dining-out-habits-2024.html. Accessed 8 Sept. 2025. Wood, Stephen, and Maggie Leyes. “2025 Insurance Barometer Study.” LIMRA.Com, LIMRA, 25 June 2025, www.limra.com/en/research/research-abstracts-public/2025/2025-insurance-barometer-study/.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance     Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

The Friday Five for September 26, 2025: AEP Countdown & Ritter Resources New D-SNP Client Resources Hacking Your Social Media Algorithm iOS 26 Updates to Apple CarPlay The Fight for ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits   Get Connected: 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Ritter Resources: Connect with Your Sales Rep Download eBooks and Guides Read the Ritter Blog Register for Events and Webinars Surviving AEP   New D-SNP Client Resources: D-SNP Benefit Eligibility Client Letter D-SNP Client Doctor, Provider, and Prescription Checklist   Hacking Your Social Media Algorithm: “Hacking Your Social Media Feed to Enhance Mental Health.” Well Nourished Psych, Well Nourished Psych, wellnourishedpsych.com/hacking-your-social-media-feed-to-enhance-mental-health/. Accessed 25 Sept. 2025. Poyourow, Joanne. “How to Create Your Own Good News Feed.” Change-Making News, Change-Making News, https://www.change-making.com/how-to-quit-doomscrolling/. Accessed 25 Sept. 2025. “How To Cultivate A Feel-Good Social Media Feed.” Sweat.Com, Sweat, sweat.com/blogs/wellbeing/feel-good-social-media-feed. Accessed 25 Sept. 2025. “How To Cultivate A Positive Social Media Experience.” Henryford.Com, Henry Ford Health, 28 Feb. 2025, www.henryford.com/blog/2025/02/how-to-cultivate-a-positive-social-media-experience. “Tips for Using News and Social Media in a Healthy Way.” KaiserPermanente.Org, Kaiser Permanente, healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.tips-for-using-news-and-social-media-in-a-healthy-way.acl3156. Accessed 25 Sept. 2025.   iOS 26 Updates to Apple CarPlay: Swanner, Nate. “Apple CarPlay Users Are About To Notice Huge Changes.” Autoblog.Com, Auto Blog, https://www.autoblog.com/news/apple-carplay-users-are-about-to-notice-huge-changes. Accessed 25 Sept. 2025. Poultney, Leon. “I’ve Tried CarPlay’s New iOS 26 Makeover – Here Are My 5 Favorite Upgrades.” TechRadar.Com, TechRadar, 16 Sept. 2025, www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/ive-tried-carplays-new-ios-26-makeover-here-are-my-5-favorite-upgrades. Miller, Chance. “This IOS 26 Change Makes Carplay Even Better.” 9to5Mac.Com, 9to5Mac, 22 Sept. 2025, 9to5mac.com/2025/09/22/carplay-in-ios-26-smart-display-zoom/.   The Fight for ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits: Muoio, Dave. “Delaying ACA Subsidy Legislation Past Sept. 30 Limits next Year’s Premium Reductions: CBO.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 18 Sept. 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/delaying-aca-subsidy-legislation-past-sept-30-limits-next-years-premium-reductions-cbo. Sullivan, Peter. “GOP Considers Changing and Extending ACA Subsidies.” Axios.Com, Axios, 22 Sept. 2025, www.axios.com/2025/09/22/republicans-aca-tax-credit-changes. “The Estimated Effects of Enacting Selected Health Coverage Policies on the Federal Budget and on the Number of People With Health Insurance.” Cbo.Gov, Congressional Budget Office, 18 Sept. 2025, www.cbo.gov/publication/61734. What the Stay on 2025 ACA Final Rule Changes Means Ortaliza, Jared, Anna Cord, et al. “Inflation Reduction Act Health Insurance Subsidies: What Is Their Impact and What Would Happen If They Expire?” KFF.Org, KFF, 9 Aug. 2025, www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/inflation-reduction-act-health-insurance-subsidies-what-is-their-impact-and-what-would-happen-if-they-expire/.   More Episodes Like This One: Announcing the Launch of IntegrityCONNECT CMS & HHS Expand ACA Catastrophic Coverage Enrollment Judge Grants Stay on Many 2025 ACA Final Rule Provisions   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.

Small business have a few different options for offering coverage to their employees Learn about these 3 options and how your role as an agent fits in.   Read the text version   Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 5 Things About ICHRA ACA 101: Selling Under-65 Health Insurance ACA Enrollment Periods Explained Contract & Get Appointed to Sell with Health Insurance Companies Community-Based Marketing for Insurance Agents How an ICHRA Partnership Can Support ACA Sales ICHRA vs. QSEHRA vs. Group Health Plans: Sales Opportunities for Insurance Agents Meet Your Sales Team Simplify Marketplace Enrollment with HealthSherpa Six Ways to Generate ACA LeadsSocial Media Marketing for Insurance Agents FREE eBook DOWNLOAD The Insurance Agent’s Guide to Generating Referrals FREE eBook DOWNLOAD The ICHRA Opportunity for Agents ft. Lisa Marzolino & Danica Stover   References: “Agents & Brokers: How to Register to Sell Shop Insurance.” HealthCare.Gov, www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/agents-and-brokers/. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. Author: Louise Norris | Date Posted: October 11. “Can Small Businesses Use the ACA’s Health Insurance Marketplaces (Exchanges)?” Healthinsurance.Org, 2 May 2025, www.healthinsurance.org/faqs/ive-heard-a-lot-about-health-insurance-exchanges-but-what-are-shop-exchanges/. “Find Local Help.” Local Assistance for Health Insurance Application, www.healthcare.gov/find-local-help/. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. “Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAS).” HealthCare.Gov, www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/learn-more/individual-coverage-hra/. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. “Nexben.Com.” Nexben, 22 May 2024, www.nexben.com/. “Promoting Healthcare Choice and Competition Across the United States.” Federal Register, 17 Oct. 2017, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/10/17/2017-22677/promoting-healthcare-choice-and-competition-across-the-united-states. “What Is a QSEHRA?” Healthinsurance.Org, 7 July 2025, www.healthinsurance.org/glossary/qualified-small-employer-health-reimbursement-arrangement/.   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.

Aaron Kassover from AgentMethods joins Sarah to talk about the growing importance of a well-rounded online presence. Don’t miss his approach to creating a digital footprint that shows leads you’re an active insurance agent.   AgentMethods Official Website   Follow AgentMethods on Social! AgentMethods on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/AgentMethods AgentMethods on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/agentmethods-llc/ AgentMethods on Twitter, https://twitter.com/AgentMethods  AgentMethods on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/AgentMethods   Resources: 5 Marketing Podcasts to Follow Content Library: Mastering Medicare Insurance Coverage ft. Jeff Snyder How Relationship Marketing Can Make the Difference in Your Agency Field Notes on Digital Marketing Resources Field Notes on Partner Marketing Resources Field Notes on Traditional Marketing Resources Introducing a Content Marketing Solution for Insurance Agents The ICHRA Opportunity for Agents ft. Lisa Marzolino & Danica Stover   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.