Agent Survival Guide Podcast

Sarah J. Rueppel | Ritter Insurance Marketing
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Apr 25, 2025 • 17min

CMS Updates to MA and Part D for CY 2026

  The Friday Five for April 25, 2025: Dr. Oz shares MAHA vision as CMS admin CY 2026 Part D Coverage Cost Breakdown CY 2026 Selected Drug Subsidy Cost Breakdown Provisions Not Finalized in 2026 MA and Part D Final Rule Impact of Non-Finalized Provisions on Agents   Dr. Oz shares MAHA vision as CMS admin: Simmons-Duffin, Selena. “5 Things to Know as Dr. Oz Prepares to Lead Medicare and Medicaid.” NPR.Org, NPR, 3 Apr. 2025, www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/03/25/g-s1-55766/dr-mehmet-oz-medicare-medicaid-cms-trump. “Dr. Mehmet Oz Shares Vision for CMS.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 25 Apr. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/dr-mehmet-oz-shares-vision-cms. Olsen, Emily. “Dr. Oz Sworn in as CMS Administrator.” Healthcaredive.Com, Healthcare Dive, 21 Apr. 2025, www.healthcaredive.com/news/dr-mehmet-oz-sworn-in-cms-administrator/745880/.   CY 2026 Part D Coverage Cost Breakdown: “Final CY 2026 Part D Redesign Program Instructions.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/final-cy-2026-part-d-redesign-program-instructions. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025. “Medicare and Medicaid Programs; 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.” Federalregister.Gov, Federal Register, 15 Apr. 2025, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/15/2025-06008/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-to-the-medicare.   CY 2026 Selected Drug Subsidy Cost Breakdown: John, Stephnie A., and Abdie Santiago. “The IRA in 2025: The Future of Medicare Part D.” Mintz.Com, Mintz, 13 Feb. 2025, www.mintz.com/insights-center/viewpoints/2146/2025-02-13-ira-2025-future-medicare-part-d. “Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Manual – Chapter 5.” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/files/document/chapter-5-benefits-and-beneficiary-protection-v92011.pdf. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025. “Factsheet: Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program.” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/files/document/fact-sheet-medicare-selected-drug-negotiation-list-ipay-2026.pdf. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.   Provisions Not Finalized in 2026 MA and Part D Final Rule: “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, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-medicare-advantage-program-medicare-prescription-final. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025. Tong, Noah. “Medicare Advantage Final Rule Excludes Anti-Obesity Drug Coverage under Medicare, Medicaid.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 4 Apr. 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/medicare-advantage-final-rule-excludes-anti-obesity-drug-coverage-under-medicare-medicaid. “Medicare and Medicaid Programs; 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.” Federalregister.Gov, Federal Register, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/15/2025-06008/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-to-the-medicare. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025. “Medicare Coverage of Anti-Obesity Medications.” Aspe.Hhs.Gov, Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, 26 Nov. 2024, aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/127bd5b3347b34be31ac5c6b5ed30e6a/medicare-coverage-anti-obesity-meds.pdf.   Resources: 2025 Maximum Broker Commissions for Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D: https://ritterim.com/blog/2025-maximum-broker-commissions-for-medicare-advantage-and-medicare-part-d/ 3 Additional Effective Techniques for Closing Insurance Sales: https://lnk.to/asg656 4 Effective Techniques for Closing Insurance Sales: https://lnk.to/asg655 5 Things About the 2026 CMS MA and Part D Rate Announcement: https://lnk.to/asgf20250411 CMS Updates, Content Library, & More! https://lnk.to/asgf20250328 Recent ACA Coverage Changes Reversed with 2025 Marketplace Proposed Rule: https://ritterim.com/blog/recent-aca-changes-reversed-with-2026-marketplace-proposed-rule/ Subscribe to the Ritter Blog: https://ritterim.com/blog/ The Best Appointment Schedulers for Insurance Agents: https://lnk.to/asg657   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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Apr 23, 2025 • 4min

Agent Apps | Grow Your Garden with These Apps

No green thumb? No worries! Tina has two apps that guide you in the gardening process!   From Seed to Spoon Official Website: https://www.seedtospoon.net/  GrowIt Mobile Official Website: https://growitmobile.com/   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Apps for Content Creation: https://lnk.to/ASGA81 How to Better Market Yourself: https://ritterim.com/blog/how-to-better-market-yourself/ How to Create a Healthy Balance Between Work and Life: https://lnk.to/asg643 Introducing a Content Marketing Solution for Insurance Agents: https://lnk.to/contentlibrary   References: “From Seed to Spoon Vegetable Garden Planner Mobile App.” From Seed to Spoon Vegetable Garden Planner Mobile App, 31 Jan. 2025, https://www.seedtospoon.net/. “Garden App.” Garden and Plant Care, 4 Feb. 2023, https://growitmobile.com/category/garden-app/.   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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Apr 22, 2025 • 18min

Learn How to Sell ACA Products During the Off-Season ft. Danica Stover

Join Sarah and Danica as they discuss how agents in the Medicare industry can easily step into the Under-65 market!   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: ACA 101: Selling Under-65 Health Insurance: https://lnk.to/chQNkw How to Help Clients Navigate ACA Marketplace Subsidies & Taxes: https://lnk.to/qzlRwV Sign’s It’s Time to Expand Your Insurance Portfolio & Make the Move! https://ritterim.com/blog/signs-its-time-to-expand-your-insurance-portfolio-and-make-the-move/ Questions to Ask Clients Shopping for an ACA Plan: https://lnk.to/ZmW0rd Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing The State of the ACA Market in 2025: https://ritterim.com/blog/the-state-of-the-aca-market-in-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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Apr 21, 2025 • 11min

5 Myths About Selling ACA Health Insurance Plans

Don’t let fear hold you back from expanding your business! The under-65 market is brimming with opportunities. That’s why we’re debunking 5 common myths about the ACA market to help you get started.    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: 6 Reasons Insurance Agencies Selling Medicare Products Should Sell ACA: https://ritterim.com/blog/6-reasons-insurance-agencies-selling-medicare-products-should-sell-aca/ 8 Reasons Why Insurance Agents Should Sell ACA Plans: https://lnk.to/SNNOSG ACA 101 Selling Under-65 Health Insurance: https://lnk.to/chQNkw FAQs About ACA Certification and Training: https://ritterim.com/blog/faqs-about-aca-certification-and-training/ FAQs About Selling On-Exchange & Off-Exchange Under-65 Plans: https://ritterim.com/blog/faqs-about-selling-on-exchange-off-exchange-under-65-plans/ How to Become Certified for ACA Marketplace Sales with Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) Training: https://ritterim.com/blog/how-to-become-certified-for-aca-marketplace-sales-with-federally-facilitated-marketplace-ffm-training/ How Much Can Agents Make Selling Under-65 Insurance?: https://lnk.to/TlGBGH Key Changes for ACA Open Enrollment 2025 ft. Ross Baker from HealthSherpa: https://lnk.to/UXgO5Q Lawsuit Changes DACA Recipients’ Affordable Care Act Eligibility: https://ritterim.com/blog/lawsuit-changes-daca-recipients-affordable-care-act-eligibility/ Meet Your Sales Team: https://ritterim.com/meet-your-sales-team/ Ritter Docs Site: https://docs.ritterim.com/ Simplify Marketplace Enrollments with HealthSherpa: https://lnk.to/2chDBN   References: “Eligibility for the Premium Tax Credit.” IRS, Internal Revenue Service, https://www.irs.gov/affordable-care-act/individuals-and-families/eligibility-for-the-premium-tax-credit/. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025 FAQs for Marketplace Agents and Brokers, CMS,  https://www.agentbrokerfaq.cms.gov/s/. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025. “Find out What Immigration Statuses Qualify for Coverage in the Marketplace.” HealthCare.Gov, https://www.healthcare.gov/immigrants/immigration-status/. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025. “General Resources.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/marketplace/agents-brokers/general-resources. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025. “Learn What to Do If You Already Have Medicare Health Coverage.” HealthCare.Gov, https://www.healthcare.gov/medicare/medicare-and-the-marketplace/. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025. “The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.” Democrats.Senate.Gov, https://www.dpc.senate.gov/healthreformbill/healthbill04.pdf. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025. “Welcome to the Health Insurance Marketplace®.” HealthCare.Gov, https://www.healthcare.gov/. Accessed 21 Mar. 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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Apr 19, 2025 • 5min

Agent Apps | Free Workout & Fitness Apps

Need some support on your fitness journey? We review two apps that offer free workouts, progress tracking, and community. Click play to learn more!   Body by Blogilates on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/body-by-blogilates/id1520242025 Body by Blogilates on Google Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.blogilates.body&hl=en_US FitOn App: https://fitonapp.com/   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Apps for Cyber Security: https://lnk.to/asga80 Diversify Your Insurance Portfolio & Reap Real Rewards: https://lnk.to/asg651 How to Better Market Yourself: https://ritterim.com/blog/how-to-better-market-yourself/ How Medicare Helps Your Clients Stay Healthy: https://ritterim.com/blog/how-medicare-helps-your-clients-stay-healthy/ How to Create a Healthy Balance Between Work and Life: https://lnk.to/asg643   References: “#1 Free Fitness App, Stop Paying for Home Workouts.” FitOn, https://fitonapp.com/. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025. Jones, Autumn. “9 Workout Motivation Tips That Keep You Accountable | Planet Fitness.” Planet Fitness, https://www.planetfitness.com/community/articles/9-workout-motivation-tips-keep-you-accountable. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025. Warren, Homa. “Benefits of Exercise Classes and Groups.” Baylor College of Medicine Blog Network, 15 Feb. 2024, https://blogs.bcm.edu/2024/02/13/benefits-of-exercise-classes-and-groups/. “Body by Blogilates.” App Store, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/body-by-blogilates/id1520242025. “Blogilates - Apps on Google Play.” Google, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.blogilates.body&hl=en_US. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025. Taylor, Ian. “Group Workouts Can Make You Fitter – If You Do It Right.” BBC Science Focus Magazine, 22 Aug. 2023, https://www.sciencefocus.com/comment/group-workouts-fitter. Dutta, Tania. “Is Working out in a Group Better for You? Science May Say Yes!” Zeel, 5 Oct. 2024, https://www.zeel.com/blog/fitness-training/is-working-out-in-a-group-better-for-you-science-may-say-yes/.   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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Apr 17, 2025 • 32min

Building the Foundation for Success ft. Roy Snarr

What does success look like for your insurance business? For Roy Snarr, it starts with building a solid foundation. Listen to learn more about Roy’s story and the advice he has for insurance agents.   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Find Roy Snarr Online: Annuity Producers: https://www.annuityproducers.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roysnarrretirementsolutions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sfi-snarr-financial-insurance-services/ Website: https://roysnarr.com/   Register with 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.
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Apr 16, 2025 • 15min

A Quick Guide to Understanding Universal Life Insurance

Universal life insurance can be confusing for clients. In this episode we break down the three main types and helpful tips for educating clients!     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: 5 Life Insurance Myths Your Clients May Believe: https://ritterim.com/blog/5-life-insurance-myths-your-clients-may-believe/ Get Your Portfolio Review: https://ritterim.com/portfolio/>/p> Identifying Ideal Clients for Universal Life Products: https://ritterim.com/blog/identifying-ideal-clients-for-universal-life-products/ Life Insurance for Each of Life’s Stages: https://ritterim.com/blog/life-insurance-for-each-of-lifes-stages/ Register with Ritter: https://app.ritterim.com/public/registration/ The Complete Guide on How to Sell Final Expense Insurance FREE eBook Download: https://ritterim.com/final-expense-ebook/   References: Kagan, Julia. “Term Life Insurance: What It Is, Different Types, Pros and Cons.” Investopedia, Investopedia, https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/termlife.asp. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025. Powers, Stephanie. “What Is Indexed Universal Life Insurance (IUL)?” Investopedia, Investopedia, https://www.investopedia.com/articles/insurance/09/indexed-universal-life-insurance.asp. Accessed 18 Mar. 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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Apr 15, 2025 • 4min

On the Road with Paul Montemayor

Hit the road with Paul Montemayor! We talk about what agents can expect when attending Ritter Roadshows!   Upcoming Events & Webinars for Insurance Agents: Integrity Webinars: https://learningcenter.tawebhost.com/MedicareCENTER-Webinar-Schedule.pdf Ritter Insurance Marketing Events: https://ritterim.com/events/ Registration for upcoming Ritter Summits: https://summits.ritterim.com/   Not registered with Ritter? See what our FMO is all about: https://ritterim.com/   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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Apr 14, 2025 • 17min

FMO vs. IMO vs. NMO vs. MGA vs. GA: What’s the Difference?

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   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 3 Advantages of Being an Independent Insurance Agent: https://ritterim.com/blog/3-advantages-of-being-an-independent-insurance-agent/ 5 Perks of Being a Part-Time Insurance Agent: https://lnk.to/YGJ3KX Best Practices for Training Downline Agents: https://lnk.to/DA1sIn   How Insurance FMOs Work: https://ritterim.com/how-insurance-fmos-work/ Learn More About Integrity Tools: https://ritterim.com/integrity-tools/ Life Insurance for Each of Life's Stages: https://ritterim.com/blog/life-insurance-for-each-of-lifes-stages/ The Benefits of Joining a Top Insurance FMO: https://ritterim.com/blog/the-benefits-of-joining-a-top-insurance-fmo/ What Are Insurance Hierarchies & How Do They Work? https://ritterim.com/blog/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  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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Apr 11, 2025 • 10min

5 Things About the 2026 CMS MA and Part D Rate Announcement

CMS just released the 2026 MA and Part D Rate Announcement! Listen to learn more about what this means for the upcoming coverage year.   Resources: 3 Additional Effective Techniques for Closing Insurance Sales: https://lnk.to/asg656 4 Effective Techniques for Closing Insurance Sales: https://lnk.to/asg655 CMS Updates, Content Library, & More! https://lnk.to/asgf20250328 Introducing a Content Marketing Solution for Insurance Agents: https://lnk.to/contentlibrary  The Best Appointment Schedulers for Insurance Agents: https://lnk.to/asg657   References: “2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice Fact Sheet.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 10 Jan. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-advance-notice-fact-sheet. “2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7 Apr. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-rate-announcement. “Announcement of Calendar Year (CY) 2026 Medicare Advantage (MA) Capitation Rates and Part C and Part D Payment Policies.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7 Apr. 2025, www.cms.gov/files/document/2026-announcement.pdf. Tong, Noah. “CMS Finalizes 5.06% Medicare Advantage Benchmark Increase.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 8 Apr. 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/cms-finalizes-506-medicare-advantage-benchmark-increase. “CMS Finalizes 2026 Payment Policy Updates for Medicare Advantage and Part D Programs.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7 Apr. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-finalizes-2026-payment-policy-updates-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-programs. “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, 7 Apr. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-medicare-advantage-program-medicare-prescription-final. “Final CY 2026 Part D Redesign Program Instructions.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7 Apr. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/final-cy-2026-part-d-redesign-program-instructions.   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/   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us 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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