Agent Survival Guide Podcast: Empowering Insurance Agents Selling Medicare, Long-term Care, Life, Annuities, & Final Expense

The Friday Five for May 23, 2025: Field Notes 5.23.2025 Google Announces NotebookLM App AI Actions in Microsoft Windows 11 TikTok Sleep Meditation for Teens 2025 Social Media Marketing Industry Report   Field Notes 5.23.2025: Register for Ritter Insurance Marketing Summits: https://summits.ritterim.com/   Google Announces NotebookLM App: Beaty, Artie. “Google’s Popular AI Tool Gets Its Own Android App - How to Use NotebookLM on Your Phone.” Zdnet.Com, ZDNET, 19 May 2025, www.zdnet.com/article/googles-popular-ai-tool-gets-its-own-android-app-how-to-use-notebooklm-on-your-phone/. Peters, Jay. “Google Releases Its NotebookLM Mobile App.” Theverge.Com, The Verge, 19 May 2025, www.theverge.com/news/669828/google-releases-its-notebooklm-mobile-app. Wang, Biao. “Understand Anything, Anywhere with the New NotebookLM App.” Blog.Google, Google Blog, 19 May 2025, blog.google/technology/ai/notebooklm-app/.   Microsoft Announces AI Actions in Windows 11: Warren, Tom. “Microsoft Is Putting AI Actions into the Windows Fil

This week we’ve got apps that can help you with searching and comparing healthcare and prescriptions!   ZocDoc: https://www.zocdoc.com/ GoodRX: https://www.goodrx.com/ Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Building the Foundation for Success ft. Roy Snarr: https://lnk.to/snarr2025 Healthy Habits for Feeling in Control: https://lnk.to/MM202547 Leveling Up: From Chill Mode to Growth Mode ft. Christian Brindle: https://lnk.to/brindle2025   References: “Free Goodrx VS Gold Comparison Guide – Support.” GoodRx, https://support.goodrx.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004952903-Free-GoodRx-vs-Gold-Comparison-Guide. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025. “How Does Goodrx Rewards Work? – Support.” GoodRx, https://support.goodrx.com/hc/en-us/articles/4416674577179-How-does-GoodRx-Rewards-work. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025. “How Do I Join My Video Visit? | Help Center.” ZocDoc, https://www.zocdoc.com/patient-help/en/articles/8711864-how-do-i-join-my-video

We’ve got details on the CMS decision to reverse their decision on the Disaster/Emergency SEP for Medicare Beneficiaries.   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 Myths about Selling ACA Health Plans: https://lnk.to/asg660  Building the Foundation for Success ft. Roy Snarr: https://lnk.to/snarr2025 Does Your Medicare Sales Approach Satisfy Different Budgets? https://lnk.to/G6g1fm Medicare Advantage Emergency-Related SEPs: https://ritterim.com/blog/medicare-advantage-emergency-related-seps/   References: “Medicare Advantage and Part D Enrollment and Disenrollment Guidance Updated: 2024.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid, https://www.cms.gov/files/document/cy2025cdenrollmentanddisenrollmentguidancepdf.pdf. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, h

There’s no substitute for hard work, or “making your own luck.” Michael Krantz, one of New York’s top insurance producers, joined Sarah to talk about success and what drives him to keep going in this industry.   Find Michael Krantz Online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-krantz-2004401b Official Website: https://www.withavid.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 Surviva

The Friday Five for May 16th, 2025: Dunkin’ and Starbucks Summer 2025 Menus Viral Music Charts for Content Creation Potential Heart Benefit in Shingles Vaccine Possible Hints at ACA Subsidy Direction for 2026 AHIP 2026 Certification Dates   Dunkin’ and Starbucks Summer 2025 Menus: “Dunkin’ Summer Menu.” Dunkindonuts.Com, Dunkin’, www.dunkindonuts.com/en/summer-menu. Accessed 13 May 2025. Fink, Bailey. “Starbucks Is Bringing Back Customers’ ‘Favorite Drink Ever’ This Summer.” Allrecipes.Com, Allrecipes, 17 Apr. 2025, www.allrecipes.com/starbucks-summer-menu-2025-11717043. Baker, Nicolette. “Starbucks’ Summer Menu Just Dropped — Including a Brand-New Iced Beverage.” Foodandwine.Com, Food & Wine, 15 Apr. 2025, www.foodandwine.com/starbucks-summer-menu-2025-11715175.   Viral Music Charts for Content Creation: “100 Top Trending Songs on TikTok.” Tokchart.Com, Tokchart, tokchart.com/. Accessed 14 May 2025. Bowe, Tucker. “Apple Quietly Gave Your Iphone a Simple yet Fun New Feature.” Gearpatrol.Com, Gear Patrol

We breakdown the 2025 Marketplace Proposed Rule and highlight what we think agents like you should know!    Read the text version    Contact our Under-65 Sales Team!   Resources: CMS Finalizes Improvements to Marketplace Plan Selection with 2026 Final Rule: https://ritterim.com/blog/cms-finalizes-improvements-to-marketplace-plan-selection-with-2026-final-rule/ Everything Agents Need to Know About Selling in State-Based Marketplaces: https://ritterim.com/blog/everything-agents-need-to-know-about-selling-in-state-based-marketplaces/ Everything You Need to Know About the ACA OEP: https://ritterim.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-aca-oep/ How to Help Clients Navigate ACA Marketplace Subsidies & Taxes: https://lnk.to/qzlRwV Lawsuit Changes DACA Recipients’ Affordable Care Act Eligibility: https://ritterim.com/blog/lawsuit-changes-daca-recipients-affordable-care-act-eligibility/ Learn with Knight School: https://ritterim.com/knight-school/ Meet Ritter’s Under-65 Sales Team: https://ritterim.com/me

Join the ASGPodcast as we talk about the Medicare Part B Premium Giveback, how it’s been overhyped and misrepresented, and how to stay compliant when talking about it.   Read the text version   Resources: 5 Things About the 2026 CMS MA and Part D Rate Announcement: https://lnk.to/asgf20250411 Do's and Don'ts of Medicare Compliance: https://ritterim.com/blog/dos-and-donts-of-medicare-compliance/ Guidelines for Sharing Personal Beneficiary Data with Other TPMOs: https://lnk.to/asg647 How to Stay Compliant During All Medicare Sales: https://lnk.to/41gE4C What Not to Say During Medicare Educational and Sales Events: https://ritterim.com/blog/what-not-to-say-during-medicare-educational-and-sales-events/   References: “Costs.” Medicare.Gov, Medicare, www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025. “Misleading Medicare Marketing: What to Look Out For.” Ncoa.Org, National Council on Aging, www.ncoa.org/article/misleading-medicare-marketing-dont-be-fooled-during-medicare-open-enrollment/. Accessed

The Friday Five for May 9, 2025: Rite Aid Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Again Apple WWDC 2025 Dates & Rumors Discount Medicare Insurance Scam Alert Rueppel Recommends Books & Streaming Picks May 2025 Aetna Health Plans to Exit ACA Marketplace for CY 2026   Rite Aid Files for 2nd Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: Download the “Rite Aid Letter to Customers - May 5, 2025.” Restructuring.Ra.Kroll.Com, Kroll Restructuring Administration, restructuring.ra.kroll.com/RiteAid/Home-DownloadPDF?id1=MzM0MTA2Mg%3D%3D&id2=0. Accessed 6 May 2025. Grothaus, Michael. “Rite Aid Bankruptcy: What to Know about Store Closings, Prescription Transfers, Layoffs, Gift Cards, and More.” Fastcompany.Com, Fast Company, 6 May 2025, www.fastcompany.com/91329223/rite-aid-bankruptcy-2025-stores-closing-prescription-transfers-gift-cards. Arias, Pilar. “Rite Aid Files for Bankruptcy for Second Time in Less than 2 Years.” Foxbusiness.Com, Fox Business, 6 May 2025, www.foxbusiness.com/economy/rite-aid-files-bankruptcy-second-time-less-than

Get tips on how to get involved with your community, find potential ACA clients, and market your brand – all in this episode!   Read the text version   The Insurance Agent’s Guide to Establishing Successful Affinity Partnerships FREE eBook Download Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 5 Insurance Marketing Tips to Help Agents Stand Out in Crowd: https://lnk.to/asgf20250321 5 Things to Consider When Creating Your Personal Brand: https://lnk.to/asgf20250404 5 Types of Content to Share on Social Media: https://lnk.to/asgf20250131 6 Ways to Generate ACA Leads: https://lnk.to/ASG663 ACA Consumer Authorization Form FREE PDF Download: https://ritterim.com/documents/aca-consumer-authorization-form-template.pdf Apps for Content Creation: https://lnk.to/ASGA81 Best Video Editing Apps for Social Media: https://lnk.to/8xfGo0 Build Your Brand with Community Involvement: https://ritterim.com/blog/build-your-brand-with-commu

Need to keep track of everyone during a busy week or a night out? Check out these location sharing apps!   Glympse App Official Website: https://corp.glympse.com/ Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/ SnapChat: https://www.snapchat.com/ Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Apps to Take with You on Your Next Road Trip: https://lnk.to/asga77 Best Apps for Sports Fans: https://lnk.to/asga78 The Power of Listening & Laughter: https://lnk.to/kDjaoK   References: Google Maps, Google, https://www.google.com/maps/. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025. “Less Social Media. More Snapchat.” Snapchat, https://www.snapchat.com/. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025. “Share Your Real-Time Location with Others in Google Maps.” Google Maps Help, Google, https://support.google.com/maps/answer/15437054?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025. “Streamline Operations and Enhance Productivity with Real-Time Location Intelligence

What are plan crosswalks in the Affordable Care Act Marketplace? Find out what this means for your clients and how agents can help in the process.    Read the text version    Register with Ritter: https://app.ritterim.com/public/registration/   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Everything Agents Need to Know About Selling in Sate-Based Marketplaces: https://ritterim.com/blog/everything-agents-need-to-know-about-selling-in-state-based-marketplaces/   Everything You Need to Know About the ACA OEP: https://ritterim.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-aca-oep/    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 Help Clients Navigate ACA Marketplace Subsidies & Taxes: https://lnk.to/qzlRwV Knight School: https://ritterim.com/knight-school/ Steps to Get Ready for OEP: Federal Exchange States &a

Putting others first in a me-first world? Scott Zimmerman joins Sarah to chat about this mentality that we’re all familiar with, and the powerful results it can have on your insurance business.   Find Scott Zimmerman Online: Email: scott@corpstrat.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scott.zimmerman.75491 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescottzimmerman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-zimmerman-9463a12/  Official Website: https://www.corpstrat.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqxWt4UeW26lqlQ9Qdz3Uyw   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.thre

Join Sarah as she dives back into CMS regulations! This week, she highlights 5 regulations from the 2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule.   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 the 2026 CMS MA and Part D Rate Announcement: https://lnk.to/asgf20250411 CMS 2025 Marketplace Integrity & Affordability Proposed Rule: https://lnk.to/asgf20250314 CMS Updates to MA and Part D for CY 2026: https://lnk.to/asgf20250425 Expanded Medicare Telehealth Benefits Extended Through September 2025: https://ritterim.com/blog/expanded-medicare-telehealth-benefits-extended-through-september-2025/  Recent ACA Coverage Changes Reversed with 2025 Marketplace Proposed Rule: https://ritterim.com/blog/recent-aca-changes-reversed-with-2026-marketplace-proposed-rule/   References: “CMS Finalizes 2026 Payment Policy Updates for Medicare Advantage and Part D Programs.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services,

Expand your Affordable Care Act client base with these six lead generation strategies!   Read the text version   Register with Ritter: https://app.ritterim.com/public/registration/ Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 5 Insurance Marketing Tips to Help Agents Stand Out from the Crowd: https://lnk.to/asgf20250321 5 Types of Content to Share on Social Media: https://lnk.to/asgf20250131 Apps for Content Creation: https://lnk.to/ASGA81 Build Your Brand with Community Involvement: https://ritterim.com/blog/build-your-brand-with-community-involvement/ Carriers with Ritter: https://ritterim.com/products/by-carrier/ Community Engagement & ACA Marketing Suggestions for Agents: https://ritterim.com/blog/community-engagement-aca-marketing-suggestions-for-agents/ How to Better Market Yourself: https://ritterim.com/blog/how-to-better-market-yourself/ Marketing & Incentives: https://ritterim.com/marketing-incentives/

Ready to break out of your comfort zone and start scaling your insurance business? Christian Brindle, host of the Seven Figures or Bust podcast, joins Sarah to talk about next steps for agents, regardless of where you’re at in the industry today.   The 7 Figures or Bust Community: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/551409828919739 Podcast: https://lnk.to/qxXT4M Register for the Seven Figures Summit: https://sevenfiguremedicareagentsummit.com/ University: https://sevenfigureu.com/   Find Christian Brindle Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianbrindle/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-brindle-a4411ab4/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa1Nb2ZB5TbBJ3-jYO90chQ   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.yo

Discover the steps to get ready-to-sell in the Affordable Care Act Marketplace. We’re talking certifications, client authorization, and more!   Read the text version   Register with Ritter   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   ACA Forms: ACA Consumer Authorization Live Call Script: https://ritterim.com/documents/aca-consumer-authorization-live-call-script.pdf Eligibility Application Attestation: https://ritterim.com/documents/aca-eligibility-application-attestation.pdf Eligibility Application Attestation Live Call Script: https://ritterim.com/documents/aca-consumer-eligibility-application-attestation-live-call-script.pdf Marketplace Consent Form: https://ritterim.com/documents/aca-consumer-marketplace-authorization-form.pdf   Resources: 2025 ACA Exchange & FFM Certification Info: https://lnk.to/ZvnhS8 Contract & Get Appointment to Sell with Health Insurance Companies: https://ritterim.com/blog/contract-get-appointed

  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 & Med

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://ww

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/ The State of the ACA Market in 2025: https://ritterim.com/blog/the-state-of-the-aca-market-in-2025/ Questions to Ask Clients Shopping for an ACA Plan: https://lnk.to/ZmW0rd   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/@ritteri

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