Agent Survival Guide Podcast

The Friday Five for August 29, 2025: Ritter Summits Takeaways & Shoutouts What I’m Watching Right Now Apple “Awe Dropping” Event Announced Spotify Slips Into the DMs Judge Grants Stay on Many 2025 ACA Final Rule Provisions   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 Summits Takeaways & Shoutouts: Register for Ritter Insurance Marketing Summits   What I’m Watching Right Now: The Residence on Netflix   Apple “Awe Dropping” Event Announced: Esposito, Filipe. “5 iPhone 17 Rumors Apple Basically Confirmed in Its ‘Awe Dropping’ Event Invite.” Macworld.Com, Macworld, 27 Aug. 2025, www.macworld.com/article/2889966/5-iphone-17-rumors-apple-just-confirmed-in-its-awe-dropping-event-invite.html. Lord, Sarah. “Apple’s ‘Awe Dropping’ iPhone 17 Event: What to Expect and How to Watch.” PCMAG.Com, PCMAG, 27 Aug. 2025, www.pcmag.com/news/apple-awe-dropping-iphone-17-event-what-to-expect-how-to-watch. Hall, Zac. “Apple Officially Announces iPhone 17 Event: ‘Awe Dropping.’” 9to5Mac.Com, 9to5Mac, 26 Aug. 2025, 9to5mac.com/2025/08/26/iphone-17-event-announcement-2/. Carlson, Jeff. “Deciphering Apple’s ‘Awe Dropping’ iPhone 17 Event Invite.” CNET.Com, CNET, 27 Aug. 2025, www.cnet.com/tech/deciphering-apples-awe-dropping-iphone-17-event-invite/. Hardwick, Tim. “What Not to Expect at Apple’s ‘Awe Dropping’ September 9 Event.” MacRumors.Com, MacRumors, 28 Aug. 2025, www.macrumors.com/2025/08/28/what-not-to-expect-apple-iphone-17-event/.   Spotify Slips Into the DMs: “Introducing Messages, A New Way To Share What You Love on Spotify with Friends and Family.” Newsroom.Spotify.Com, Spotify, 26 Aug. 2025, newsroom.spotify.com/2025-08-26/introducing-messages-a-new-way-to-share-what-you-love-on-spotify-with-friends-and-family/. Schneider, Marc. “Spotify’s DMS Are Open.” Billboard.Com, Billboard, 26 Aug. 2025, www.billboard.com/pro/spotify-messages-app-sharing-dms-feature/. Weatherbed, Jess. “Spotify Is Adding DMS.” TheVerge.Com, The Verge, 26 Aug. 2025, https://www.theverge.com/news/765771/spotify-messages-dms-audio-sharing-feature. Spangler, Todd. “Spotify Launches In-App Messaging, Hoping New DM Feature Will Boost Listening and ‘Drive Hype.’” Variety.Com, Variety, 26 Aug. 2025, variety.com/2025/digital/news/spotify-launches-in-app-messaging-1236497588/.   Judge Grants Stay on Many 2025 ACA Final Rule Provisions: Hurson, Brendan A. “City of Columbus Et Al. vs. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Et Al.” Democracyforward.Org, Democracy Forward, 22 Aug. 2025, democracyforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/35-City-of-Columbus-memorandum-opinion.pdf. Minemyer, Paige. “Courts Press Pause on Key Elements of Trump Administration’s ACA Rule.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 25 Aug. 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/courts-press-pause-key-elements-trump-administrations-aca-rule. Bruner, Bethany. “Federal Judge Halts Implementation of Health Insurance Changes in Lawsuit Columbus Filed.” Dispatch.Com, The Columbus Dispatch, 25 Aug. 2025, www.dispatch.com/story/news/courts/2025/08/22/federal-judge-halts-trump-administration-health-insurance-rules-columbus-ohio-lawsuit-aca-obamacare/85782252007/. “Healthcare.Gov’s Marketplace in Your State.” HealthCare.Gov, HealthCare.gov, www.healthcare.gov/marketplace-in-your-state/. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025. Pifer, Rebecca. “Judge Stays Provisions of Trump Administration Rule Overhauling ACA.” Healthcare Dive, healthcaredive.com, 25 Aug. 2025, www.healthcaredive.com/news/trump-affordable-care-act-rule-stay-cms/758474/. Clason, Lauren. “RFK Jr.’s Obamacare Changes Partially Paused by Federal Judge.” Bloomberglaw.Com, Bloomberg Law, 22 Aug. 2025, news.bloomberglaw.com/health-law-and-business/rfk-jr-s-obamacare-changes-partially-paused-by-federal-judge. Oeschner, Troy, et al. “What’s at Stake in California v. Kennedy?” Rockinst.Org, Rockefeller Institute of Government, 22 Aug. 2025, www.rockinst.org/blog/whats-at-stake-in-california-v-kennedy/.   Resources: 3 Benefits of Selling ACA Insurance Plans 5 Things About ICHRA 2026 ACA & Medicare Cost Projections ACA Enrollment Periods Explained Content Library: Mastering Medicare Insurance Coverage ft. Jeff Snyder 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.

Jeff Snyder, Senior Content Marketer at Ritter Insurance Marketing, discusses how agents can utilize the content library to educate clients on Medicare coverage. He sheds light on navigating the complexities of Medicare, emphasizing trust-building relationships with clients. The conversation covers tips for enhancing client retention through education, clarifies common misconceptions about insurance terms, and highlights the importance of compliance in the Medicare landscape. Plus, there's a fun teaser about a cooking segment that promises to improve your onion chopping skills!

Selling Affordable Care Act Insurance plans can be a lucrative addition to your business!   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: 6 Ways to Generate ACA Leads 2026 ACA Exchange & FFM Certification Info ACA Enrollment Periods Explained Agent Requirements for ACA Sales Everything Agents Need to Know About Selling in State-Based Marketplaces How to Become Certified for ACA Marketplace Sales with Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) Training Operating From a People-First Mentality ft. Scott Zimmerman The Complete Guide to Selling Affordable Care Act Plans – FREE eBook Download What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?   References: “5 Steps to Start Selling Marketplace Health & Dental Plans.” HealthCare.Gov, https://www.healthcare.gov/agent-broker-quick-start/. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025. “Low Cost Marketplace Health Care, Qualifying Income Levels.” HealthCare.Gov, https://www.healthcare.gov/lower-costs/. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025. “Marketplace Enrollment, 2014-2025.” KFF, 8 July 2025, https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/state-indicator/marketplace-enrollment/. “New Agents’ and Brokers’ Guide to Plan Year 2025 Marketplace Registration and Training.” Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/files/document/new-agents-and-brokers-guide-marketplace-registration-and-training.pdf. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025. “Over 24 Million Consumers Selected Affordable Health Coverage in ACA Marketplace for 2025.” CMS.Gov, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/over-24-million-consumers-selected-affordable-health-coverage-aca-marketplace-2025. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025. “Registration and Training for Marketplace Agents and Brokers.” CMS.Gov, https://www.cms.gov/marketplace/agents-brokers/registration-training. Accessed 5 Aug. 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.

Lisa Marzolino and Danica Stover join Sarah to talk about ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements) and the partnership between Nexben and Ritter Insurance Marketing. Listen to learn more about this exciting opportunity for agents! 🚨UPDATE: This episode was recorded and produced prior to U.S. District Judge Hurson's decision to stay several provisions from the 2025 ACA Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Rule. For information on those changes, we recommend listening to our August 29th Friday Five episode, Judge Grants Stay on Many 2025 ACA Final Rule Provisions   Questions about ICHRA? Ready to get started? Reach out to Nexben at RitterICHRA@nexben.com or call 1-888-613-6461.   Resources: 5 Things About ICHRA How an ICHRA Partnership Can Support ACA Sales ICHRA vs. QSEHRA vs. Group Health Plans: Sales Opportunities for Insurance Agents Questions to Ask Clients Shopping for an ACA Plan   References: “A Broker’s Guide to ICHRA Defined Contributions: Strategies, Affordability, and Examples.” Nexben.Com, Nexben, 31 July 2025, www.nexben.com/blog/a-brokers-guide-to-ichra-defined-contributions-strategies-affordability-and-examples. “ICHRA Guide for Individual Coverage HRAS 2025.” Takecommandhealth.Com, Take Command Health, 10 June 2025, www.takecommandhealth.com/ichra-guide. “ICHRA Reporting Requirements: Details to Know & How Nexben Helps.” Nexben.Com, Nexben, 18 June 2025, www.nexben.com/blog/ichra-reporting-requirements-details-to-know-how-nexben-helps. “The Power of an ICHRA: ICHRA Benefits for Employees, Employers, and Brokers.” Nexben.Com, Nexben, 17 Apr. 2025, www.nexben.com/blog/the-power-of-an-ichra-ichra-benefits-for-employees-employers-and-brokers.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance       Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel    Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.  Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. 

The Friday Five for August 22, 2025: Field Notes on OBBBA, Spotify, and TikTok D. Power Medicare Advantage Member Satisfaction Survey Sonder Health Plans Inc. Termination Short-Term Medical Plan Regulation Update Judge Vacates HHS MA Commissions Lawsuit   Get Connected: 📞Contact Ritter’s Team in Georgia – Steve Telander, Jada Morthland, and Betsy Bond! 🤝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.   Field Notes on OBBBA: 5 Things From the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill The One Big Beautiful Bill: What Health Insurance Agents Should Know   Field Notes on Spotify: “Mix Your Favorite Playlists Seamlessly by Adding Your Own Transitions.” Newsroom.Spotify.Com, Spotify, 19 Aug. 2025, newsroom.spotify.com/2025-08-19/mix-your-favorite-playlists-seamlessly-by-adding-your-own-transitions/. Romero, Andrew. “Spotify Is Doubling down on Track Transitions with New Custom Options.” 9to5google.Com, 9to5google, 19 Aug. 2025, 9to5google.com/2025/08/19/spotify-custom-playlist-transitions/. Perez, Sarah. “Spotify’s Latest Feature Lets You Add Your Own Transitions to Playlists.” TechCrunch.Com, TechCrunch, 19 Aug. 2025, techcrunch.com/2025/08/19/spotifys-latest-feature-lets-you-add-your-own-transitions-to-playlists/. Weatherbed, Jess. “Spotify’s New Track Mixing Tool Adds DJ Features to Your Playlists.” Theverge.Com, The Verge, 19 Aug. 2025, www.theverge.com/news/761290/spotify-playlist-mix-audio-transition-feature. Mauran, Cecily. “Spotify Now Allows Custom Transitions in Playlists.” Mashable.Com, Mashable, 19 Aug. 2025, mashable.com/article/spotify-custom-transitions-in-playlists.   Field Notes on TikTok: West, Chloe. “TikTok Hashtags: How to Use the Best Hashtags for More Views in 2025.” Sproutsocial.Com, Sprout Social, 14 Aug. 2025, sproutsocial.com/insights/tiktok-hashtags/. Hutchinson, Andrew. “TikTok Implements Hashtag Limit.” Socialmediatoday.Com, Social Media Today, 17 Aug. 2025, www.socialmediatoday.com/news/tiktok-implements-five-hashtag-limit-per-post/757857/. Adegbola, Anu. “TikTok Limits Posts to Five Hashtags.” Searchengineland.Com, Search Engine Land, 18 Aug. 2025, searchengineland.com/tiktok-limits-hashtags-460894.   J.D. Power Medicare Advantage Member Satisfaction Survey: “2025 U.S. Medicare Advantage Study.” Jdpower.Com, J.D. Power, 19 Aug. 2025, www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-medicare-advantage-study. “J.D. Power: Medicare Advantage Headwinds Impacting Member Satisfaction.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 19 Aug. 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/jd-power-medicare-advantage-headwinds-impacting-member-satisfaction. Payerchin, Richard. “Medicare Advantage Policy Changes Fuel Confusion, Skepticism among Beneficiaries.” Edited by Todd Shryock, MedicalEconomics.Com, MedicalEconomics, 19 Aug. 2025, www.medicaleconomics.com/view/medicare-advantage-policy-changes-fuel-confusion-skepticism-among-beneficiaries.   Sonder Health Plans Inc. Termination: Contact Ritter’s Team in Georgia – Steve Telander, Jada Morthland, and Betsy Bond! “Important Announcement Regarding Sonder Health Plans, Inc.” Oci.Eorgia.Gov, Georgie Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Fire Safety, oci.georgia.gov/press-releases/2025-08-15/important-announcement-regarding-sonder-health-plans-inc. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025. “Sonder Health Plans, Inc. - In Receivership.” Sonderhealthplans-Inreceivership.Com, Sonder Health Plans, sonderhealthplans-inreceivership.com/. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.   Short-Term Medical Plan Regulation Update: “Federal Agencies Signal a Shift in Enforcement of Short-Term Health Insurance Rules.” Aha.Org, American Hospital Association, 8 Aug. 2025, www.aha.org/news/headline/2025-08-08-federal-agencies-signal-shift-enforcement-short-term-health-insurance-rules. “Short-Term Health Insurance Availability and Limits by State.” Healthinsurance.Org, healthinsurance.org, 15 Aug. 2025, www.healthinsurance.org/short-term-health-insurance/. “Short-Term, Limited-Duration Insurance and Independent, Noncoordinated Excepted Benefits Coverage.” Federalregister.Gov, Federal Register, 3 Apr. 2024, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/03/2024-06551/short-term-limited-duration-insurance-and-independent-noncoordinated-excepted-benefits-coverage. “Statement of U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury Regarding Short-Term, Limited-Duration Insurance.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 7 Aug. 2025, www.cms.gov/files/document/statement-regarding-short-term-limited-duration-insurance.pdf.   Judge Vacates HHS MA Commissions Lawsuit: O’Conner, Reed. “Americans for Beneficiary Choice & Council for Medicare Choice vs. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.” Gove.Uscourts.Com, U.S. District Court, 18 Aug. 2025, storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.txnd.389767/gov.uscourts.txnd.389767.62.0.pdf. “Judge Vacates Medicare Advantage Marketing Rule Provisions.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 19 Aug. 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/judge-vacates-medicare-advantage-marketing-rule-provisions.   Resources: 2025 MA Enrollment Stats & Trends 2026 ACA & Medicare Cost Projections 2026 Midwest D-SNP Market Opportunity 2026 D-SNP Market Snapshot 5 Things About ICHRA Americans for Beneficiary Choice Wins Medicare Advantage Broker Compensation Ruling Lawsuit   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.

In this Field Notes episode we’re reviewing Agency Management Systems to automate tasks, distribute leads, and streamline your business.   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.   Agency Management Systems: AgencyBloc AMS+ AMS360 Hawksoft MedicarePRO NextAgency Radius Agency   Resources: How to Sell Final Expense Insurance FREE eBook Download How to Recruit Agents to Your Downline Integrity Tools for Insurance Agents The Difference Between Captive and Independent Agents Your Best AEP Yet with Ritter Insurance Marketing   References: “AMS360.” Vertafore, https://www.vertafore.com/products/agency-management-software/ams360. Accessed 31 July 2025. “Agency Management System Built for You!” Radius, https://www.radiusbob.com/. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025. “Agency Management System/CRM for Health & Life Insurance: Agencybloc.” AgencyBloc Insurance Agency CRM, https://www.agencybloc.com/. Accessed 31 July 2025. “AMS vs CRM: Choosing the Right Fit for You.” AMS vs CRM: What’s Right for You?, https://www.glueup.com/blog/ams-vs-crm. Accessed 31 July 2025. HawkSoft. “Privacy.” HawkSoft, https://www.hawksoft.com/privacy/. Accessed 31 July 2025. “Industry Standard CRM and Sales Tool.” MedicarePRO, https://www.medicareproapp.com/site/siteController/index. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025. HawkSoft. “Insurance Agency Management System.” HawkSoft, https://www.hawksoft.com/agency-management-system/. Accessed 31 July 2025. Katz, Alan. “Nextagency Agency Management System.” NextAgency, 2 Aug. 2025, https://nextagency.com/. “Riskmatch for Agencies & Brokers.” Vertafore, https://www.vertafore.com/products/insurance-analytics-tool/riskmatch. Accessed 31 July 2025. “Sales Enablement Tools for Health & Life Insurance Agencies.” AgencyBloc Insurance Agency CRM, https://www.agencybloc.com/ams/sales-enablement/. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025. Presson, Molly. “What Is an Agency Management System?” Home, PlanYear, Inc., 18 Apr. 2023, https://www.planyear.com/blog/what-is-an-agency-management-system.    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.

Connect with your clients in more than one way. Check out our recommendations for video calling software!   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.   Video Communication Resources: Google Meet Google Workspace Microsoft Meet Phone.com RingCentral Zoho Webinar Zoho Meeting Zoom Webinars Zoom Workplace   Resources: 5 Things From the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill Field Notes for Agents Playlist Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing Setting Up Your Insurance Business Structure ft. Frank Lavery & Justin Abodalo The Insurance Agent’s Guide to Generating Referrals – FREE eBook Download   References: “AI-Powered Online Video Meetings.” RingCentral, https://www.ringcentral.com/video.html. Accessed 24 July 2025. “Collaboration Tools for Teams of All Sizes.” Zoom, https://www.zoom.com/en/products/collaboration-tools/. Accessed 24 July 2025. “Deliver Your Message, Captivate Your Audience.” Zoom, https://www.zoom.com/en/products/webinars/. Accessed 24 July 2025. “Google Meet: Online Web and Video Conferencing Calls | Google Workspace.” Google Workspace, Google, https://workspace.google.com/products/meet/. Accessed 24 July 2025. “Google Workspace: Secure Online Productivity & Collaboration Tools.” Google Workspace, Google, https://workspace.google.com/. Accessed 24 July 2025. Asurion. “How to Share Your Screen on Facetime.” Asurion, 6 Feb. 2025, https://www.asurion.com/connect/tech-tips/share-iphone-ipad-screen-facetime/. “Online Meeting Software & Platform - Zoho Meeting.” Zoho, https://www.zoho.com/meeting/. Accessed 24 July 2025. “Small Business Communication Software: Microsoft Teams.” Microsoft, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/small-medium-business. Accessed 24 July 2025. “Video Meetings.” Phone.Com, 21 Feb. 2025, https://www.phone.com/video-meetings/. “Zoho Webinar: Video Webinar Platform & Tool.” Zoho, https://www.zoho.com/webinar/. Accessed 24 July 2025.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance     Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Stay in touch with clients, expand your network, and grow your business with these email communication tools!   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.   Email Communication Resources: AgencyBloc AgentMethods’ AMPlify Canva Constant Contact Google Workspace MailChimp MedicareCENTER Microsoft 365 ReminderMedia Ritter Insurance Marketing SquareSpace Zoho Mail   Ritter Resources: Are Your Medicare Marketing Materials Compliant? Content Library Insurance Agents as TPMOs: What CMS Compliance Regulations Mean for You Modern Medicare Marketing for Today’s Agents - FREE eBook Download The Ritter Blog   References: “Agency Management System/CRM for Health & Life Insurance: Agencybloc.” AgencyBloc Insurance Agency CRM, https://www.agencybloc.com/. Accessed 22 July 2025. AgentMethods. “Insurance Marketing Automation - Increase Sales, Renewals, and Referrals.” AgentMethods, https://www.agentmethods.com/amplify/. Accessed 22 July 2025. “Can-SPAM Act: A Compliance Guide for Business.” Federal Trade Commission, 22 July 2025, https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/can-spam-act-compliance-guide-business. CANVA: Visual Suite for Everyone, https://www.canva.com/. Accessed 22 July 2025. “Digital and Email Marketing Platform | Constant Contact.” Constant Contact, https://www.constantcontact.com/. Accessed 22 July 2025. “Email Marketing Tools & Templates.” Squarespace, https://www.squarespace.com/email-marketing. Accessed 22 July 2025. “Email Users Statistics and Facts.” Market.Us, 18 Nov. 2024, https://market.us/statistics/internet/email-users/. “Gmail: Private & Secure Email for Personal or Business | Google Workspace.” Google, Google, https://workspace.google.com/products/gmail/. Accessed 22 July 2025. “Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) & Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act - Microsoft Compliance.” Microsoft Compliance | Microsoft Learn, https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/compliance/regulatory/offering-hipaa-hitech. Accessed 22 July 2025. “Medicare Marketing Guidelines.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/managed-care-marketing/medicare-guidelines. Accessed 22 July 2025. “Microsoft Outlook (Formerly Hotmail): Free Email and Calendar: Microsoft 365.” Microsoft Outlook (Formerly Hotmail): Free Email and Calendar | Microsoft 365, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/outlook/email-and-calendar-software-microsoft-outlook. Accessed 22 July 2025. “Personally Branded Marketing 2025.” ReminderMedia, 10 Mar. 2025, https://remindermedia.com/. “Secure Business Email Hosting for Your Organization: Zoho Mail.” Zoho, https://www.zoho.com/mail/. Accessed 22 July 2025. “Turn Emails into Revenue.” Mailchimp, https://mailchimp.com/. Accessed 22 July 2025.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance     Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

The best tool to connect with your clients is in your hands! We’ve compiled a list of applications that make compliant communication through the phone a lot easier. Listen to learn more!   Read the text version   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Phone & VolP Resources: AgencyBloc Phone.com RingCentral Zoom Phone   Call Recording Application Resources: AgencyBloc’s Plus Suite Integrity’s MedicareCENTER Recordia Telephony Service Senior Market Sales CallRecording Solution TTEC Mobile Record and Store Now   Ritter Resources: eBooks & Guides Field Notes Episode Playlist The Ritter Blog   References:   Tautimes, Mari. “Should Insurance Agents Use Text Messages to Communicate with Clients?” Western Asset Protection Blog, Western Asset Protection, 16 May 2019, info.westernassetprotection.com/blog/should-insurance-agents-use-text-messages-to-communicate-with-clients Dice, Zach. “VoIP vs. Company Cell Phones: Which Is Best for Your Business?” Dice Communications Blog, Dice Communications, 3 Nov. 2022, dicecommunications.com/six-key-differentiators-between-company-cell-phones-and-voip Alder, Steve. “HIPAA Training Requirements.” HIPAA Journal, HIPAA Journal, 21 May 2023, www.hipaajournal.com/hipaa-training-requirements/                            “Telephone Consumer Protection Act 47 USC § 227.” Federal Communications Commission, Federal Communications Commission, www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/tcpa-rules.pdf Accessed 22 July 2024. Alder, Steve. “The Use of Technology and HIPAA Compliance.” HIPAA Journal, HIPAA Journal, 27 Nov. 2023, www.hipaajournal.com/the-use-of-technology-and-hipaa-compliance/  “Worldwide Texting Statistics.” Vermont State Highway Safety Office, State of Vermont, 20 June 2018, shso.vermont.gov/sites/ghsp/files/documents/Worldwide%20Texting%20Statistics.pdf Staff in the Office of Technology. “Can-SPAM Act: A Compliance Guide for Business.” Federal Trade Commission, 17 Jan. 2024, www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/can-spam-act-compliance-guide-business   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 August 15, 2025: Threads, Waze, AEP Countdown CMS 2026 Medicare Part D Bid Information Medicare Part B Cost Projections 2026 COLA Estimate CY2026 ACA Premium Rate Filings   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.   Threads, Waze, AEP Countdown: “Number of Threads Users.” Backlinko.Com, Backlinko, 17 July 2025, backlinko.com/threads-users. Mendes, Marcus. “Threads Crosses 400M Monthly Active Users as It Gains on X.” 9to5Mac.Com, 9to5Mac, 13 Aug. 2025, 9to5mac.com/2025/08/12/threads-crosses-400m-monthly-active-users-as-it-gains-on-x/. Price, Emily. “Threads Just Achieved Its Biggest Milestone Yet.” FastCompany.Com, Fast Company, 12 Aug. 2025, www.fastcompany.com/91384230/meta-threads-just-achieved-its-biggest-milestone-yet. Malik, Aisha. “Threads Now Has More than 400 Million Monthly Active Users.” TechCrunch.Com, TechCrunch, 12 Aug. 2025, techcrunch.com/2025/08/12/threads-now-has-more-than-400-million-monthly-active-users/. “Waze Will End Updates for Older Android Devices Soon.” 9to5google.Com, Google, 11 Aug. 2025, 9to5google.com/2025/08/11/waze-will-end-updates-for-older-android-devices-soon/.   CMS 2026 Medicare Part D Bid Information: “2026 Medicare Part D Bid Information and Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration Parameters.” CMS.Gov, CMS, 28 July 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-part-d-bid-information-and-part-d-premium-stabilization-demonstration-parameters. 2026 Medicare Part D Bid Info Likely Means Higher Premiums & Plan Disruption — Here's Why The 2026 Medicare Part D Redesign Updates Agents Should Know   Medicare Part B Cost Projections: “2025 Medicare Trustees Report.” CMS.Gov, CMS, 18 June 2025, www.cms.gov/oact/tr/2025. LeValley, Donna. “Seven Medicare Changes Coming in 2026.” Kiplinger.Com, Kiplinger, 8 Aug. 2025, www.kiplinger.com/retirement/medicare/medicare-changes-coming-in-2026.   2026 COLA Estimate: “2025 Medicare Trustees Report.” CMS.Gov, CMS, 18 June 2025, www.cms.gov/oact/tr/2025. LeValley, Donna. “Seven Medicare Changes Coming in 2026.” Kiplinger.Com, Kiplinger, 8 Aug. 2025, www.kiplinger.com/retirement/medicare/medicare-changes-coming-in-2026.   CY2026 ACA Premium Rate Filings: Minemyer, Paige. “KFF Analysis Finds a Median ACA Premium Hike of 18% for 2026.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, FierceHealthcare, 8 Aug. 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/kff-analysis-finds-median-aca-premium-hike-18-2026. Ortaliza, Jared, Matt McGough, Kaitlyn Vu, et al. “How Much and Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Going up in 2026.” Healthsystemtracker.Org, KFF, 6 Aug. 2025, www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/how-much-and-why-aca-marketplace-premiums-are-going-up-in-2026/.   Resources: 5 Things About ICHRA 2026 D-SNP Market Snapshot 2026 Midwest D-SNP Market Opportunity Ritter Insurance Marketing Certification Center Should You Hire an Assistant for Your Insurance Business? What New Insurance Agents Need to Know   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance     Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.