Episodes

  • Medicare Enrollment Periods Explained

    Medicare Enrollment Periods Explained
    Jul 9 2025
    We’ve got the breakdown of all the Medicare and Medicare Advantage enrollment periods that beginner agents need to know. Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: 10 Essential Tools for Beginner Insurance Agents: https://ritterim.com/blog/10-essential-tools-for-beginner-insurance-agents/ Apps for Comparing Healthcare & Prescriptions: https://lnk.to/ASGA85 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Do’s and Don’ts: https://ritterim.com/blog/medicare-advantage-open-enrollment-dos-and-donts/ Self-Guided Training with Knight School: https://ritterim.com/knight-school/ The Difference Between Medicare & Medicaid: https://lnk.to/ASGAE01 What is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It? https://lnk.to/asg672 References: Franchina, Chris. “AEP vs. OEP: Understanding the Differences for Medicare.” Policy Engineer, 11 Jan. 2025, https://policyengineer.com/aep-vs-oep-understanding-the-differences-for-medicare/. “Get Ready to Buy.” Medicare.Gov, https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap/ready-to-buy. Accessed 17 June 2025. “Joining a Plan.” Medicare, “Joining a Plan.” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan. Accessed 10 June 2025. Worstell, Christian. “Medicare AEP vs. OEP: Know Your Enrollment Periods.” Medicare AEP vs. OEP | How to Enroll or Change Your Medicare Plan | MedicareAdvantage.Com, MedicareAdvantage.com, 18 Mar. 2025, https://www.medicareadvantage.com/enrollment/medicare-aep-vs-oep. “Medicare Open Enrollment.” CMS.Gov, https://www.cms.gov/priorities/key-initiatives/medicare-open-enrollment-partner-resources. Accessed 10 June 2025. “Medicare Open Enrollment Fact Sheet 2025.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/files/document/2024-medicare-open-enrollment-fact-sheet.pdf. Accessed 10 June 2025. “Special Enrollment Periods.” Medicare, Medicare.gov, https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan/special-enrollment-periods. Accessed 10 June 2025. “What Is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period? | News & Articles | UnitedHealthcare.” UHC.Com, UnitedHealthcare, https://www.uhc.com/news-articles/medicare-articles/what-is-the-medicare-annual-enrollment-period. Accessed 10 June 2025. “What If I Missed My Initial Enrollment Period? | News & Articles | UnitedHealthcare.” UHC.Com, UnitedHealthcare, https://www.uhc.com/news-articles/medicare-articles/what-if-i-missed-my-initial-enrollment-period. Accessed 10 June 2025. “What Is the Medicare General Enrollment Period?” NOCA.Org, National Counsel of Aging, https://www.ncoa.org/article/a-closer-look-at-the-medicare-general-enrollment-period/. Accessed 10 June 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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    13 mins
  • Field Notes on Digital Marketing Resources

    Field Notes on Digital Marketing Resources
    Jul 8 2025
    Take your business into the modern world of digital marketing. We’ve compiled the ultimate guide to getting started, tips, resources, and more! Read the text version Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing Full-Service Digital Marketing Services: $99 Social ConciergeBee Disruptive Advertising Firebelly MarketingHubstaff Talent Ignite Visibility KlientBoostLinkedIn Lyfe Marketing ReminderMedia SEO DiscoveryUpwork Self-Service Digital Marketing Options: Buffer Constant Contact GoDaddy Google Ads HostGator HubSpot MailChimp Semrush SEO Meta in 1 Click Social Bee Squarespace Wix Resources: 3 Insurance Business Tools You Absolutely Can’t Live Without Ritter Insurance Marketing Agent Compliance Handbook How to Market Yourself Online Webinar Field Notes on Traditional Marketing Integrity Tools Insurance Agents as TPMOs: What CMS Compliance Regulations Mean for You Introducing The Content Library for Health Insurance Agents Modern Medicare Marketing for Today’s Agents FREE eBook Download PlanEnroll Ritter’s Content Library Ritter Insurance Marketing Registration Form Social Media Marketing for Insurance Agents FREE eBook Download The Ultimate Agent Resource List Pt. 2: Keeping in Touch with Clients References: Kumar, Naveen. “167 Digital Marketing Statistics 2025 [Facts & Growth].” DemandSage, 4 Mar. 2025, https://www.demandsage.com/digital-marketing-statistics/. “Digital Marketing: Everything You Need to Know to Get It Right.” HubSpot Blog, https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/what-is-digital-marketing. Accessed 16 June 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 16 June 2025. Nguyen, Stephanie T. “Can-SPAM Act: A Compliance Guide for Business.” Federal Trade Commission, 24 Jan. 2025, https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/can-spam-act-compliance-guide-business/ . “Subpart V—Medicare Advantage Communication Requirements.” Code of Federal Regulations, eCFR.gov, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-422/subpart-V. Accessed 16 June 2025. “Writing Alt Text for Infographics: Quick Tips.” WCAG Audits, ADA Accessibility Audits & Section 508 Audits, Bureau of Internet Accessibility, 7 Nov. 2023, https://www.boia.org/blog/writing-alt-text-for-infographics-quick-tips. 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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    22 mins
  • Field Notes on Traditional Marketing Resources

    Field Notes on Traditional Marketing Resources
    Jul 7 2025
    Learn how to promote your insurance business with traditional marketing strategies. We cover what agents should know: marketing materials, use cases, and where to find resources!

    Partner Resources:

    AllOver Media

    Lead Concepts

    LeadingResponse

    ReminderMedia Branded Magazine Info

    Ritter Agents working with ReminderMedia

    Design Resources:

    99Designs

    Fiverr

    Freelancer

    Upwork

    Print Resources:

    4imprint

    Carvertise

    FASTSIGNS

    Lead Concepts

    MOO

    Office Depot Printing Services

    Printful

    Staples Print & Marketing Services

    Sticker Mule

    Vistaprint

    Wrapify

    Ritter Resources:

    8 Relationship Marketing Strategies for Insurance Agents featuring ReminderMedia’s Luke Acree and Andrew Saksa

    Get Access to Exclusive Leads When You Become a PlanEnroll Network Agent

    Integrity Official Site

    Integrity Tools

    LeadCENTER

    MedicareCENTER

    MedicareCENTER FAQs

    PlanEnroll FAQs

    Read The Ultimate Agent Resource List Part 1

    Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing

    ShopRitterIM

    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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    34 mins
  • Setting Up Your Insurance Business Structure ft. Frank Lavery & Justin Abodalo

    Setting Up Your Insurance Business Structure ft. Frank Lavery & Justin Abodalo
    Jul 1 2025

    Ever thought about incorporating your insurance business? Not sure if it’s the right move? In this episode, Sarah is joined by attorneys Frank Lavery and Justin Abodalo to learn more about business entities and how they’re structured. Frank focuses on the corporate law side, while Justin specializes in tax implications. Listen as theyir share their knowledge and weigh the pros and cons of each business structure option.

    Find Frank Lavery Online:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-lavery-a05a57255/

    McNees: https://www.mcneeslaw.com/people/frank-lavery/

    Find Justin Abodalo Online:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-abodalo-463b3547/

    McNees: https://www.mcneeslaw.com/people/justin-abodalo/

    References:

    Finnerty, Timothy, et al. “Closing Call for the Corporate Transparency Act: Fincen Removes Reporting Requirements for Domestic Business Entities.” Mcneeslaw.Com, McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC, 27 Mar. 2025, www.mcneeslaw.com/closing-call-corporate-transparency-act-fincen/.

    Abodalo, Justin. “New Digital World, New Category of Form 1099.” Mcneeslaw.Com, McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC, 2 Oct. 2024, www.mcneeslaw.com/new-digital-world-form-1099/.

    “Tax and Corporate Law Publications.” Mcneeslaw.Com, McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC, 30 Apr. 2025, www.mcneeslaw.com/practice/corporate-tax/.

    Resources:

    Building the Foundation for Success ft. Roy Snarr: https://lnk.to/snarr2025

    Leveling Up: From Chill Mode to Growth Mode ft. Christian Brindle: https://lnk.to/brindle2025

    Operating From a People-First Mentality ft. Scott Zimmerman: https://lnk.to/zimmerman2025

    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.

    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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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • The Pros and Cons of Working with Regional and National Carriers

    The Pros and Cons of Working with Regional and National Carriers
    Jun 30 2025
    Is business growth on your 2025 goals list? Don't miss this episode! We outline features and drawbacks of the different carrier types to help you fill in portfolio gaps.

    Read the text version

    Request your Free Portfolio Review from the team at Ritter

    Resources:

    Adding Spokes to Your Wheel ft. Robert Rothschild: https://lnk.to/rothschild2025

    Diversify Your Insurance Portfolio & Reap Real Rewards: https://lnk.to/asg651

    Learn more about Integrity Tools: https://ritterim.com/integrity-tools/

    Meet the Ritter Sales Team: https://ritterim.com/meet-your-sales-team/

    Operating From a People-First Mentality ft. Scott Zimmerman: https://lnk.to/zimmerman2025

    Portfolio Review Request: https://ritterim.com/portfolio/?utm_source=asg_podcast_link

    Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://app.ritterim.com/public/registration/?utm_source=asg_podcast_link

    Ritter Insurance Marketing Carriers by State: https://ritterim.com/products/by-carrier/

    Ritter Platform: https://app.ritterim.com/

    Takeaways on Social Media Marketing in 2025: https://lnk.to/asgf20250523

    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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    10 mins
  • Takeaways from the 2025 ACA Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Final Rule

    Takeaways from the 2025 ACA Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Final Rule
    Jun 27 2025
    Join Sarah for a rundown of this week’s updates for insurance agents, featuring her deep dive into the CMS 2025 ACA Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Final Rule. Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Connect With 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/ Resources: 5 Things About the Insurance License Exam, 1 Year Later: https://lnk.to/asgf20250620 Are You Self-Sabotaging Your Insurance Sales Success? https://ritterim.com/blog/are-you-self-sabotaging-your-insurance-sales-success/ Four Reasons Why Ritter Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency: https://ritterim.com/blog/four-reasons-why-ritter-should-be-your-fmo-insurance-agency/ How to Build Intentional Value ft. Neil Reich: https://lnk.to/reich2025 Leveling Up: From Chill Mode to Growth Mode ft. Christian Brindle: https://lnk.to/brindle2025 Register with RitterIM.com Seven Figures or Bust Episode 79 - What Is CMS Doing? w/ Special Guest Sarah Rueppel! https://lnk.to/qzTwIw Summer 2025 Survival Guide: https://lnk.to/asgf20250606 References: “2025 Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Final Rule.” CMS.Gov, CMS, 20 June 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2025-marketplace-integrity-and-affordability-final-rule. “2025 Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Proposed Rule.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 10 Mar. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2025-marketplace-integrity-and-affordability-proposed-rule. “CMS Finalizes Major Rule to Lower Individual Health Insurance Premiums for Americans.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 20 June 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-finalizes-major-rule-lower-individual-health-insurance-premiums-americans. Minemyer, Paige. “CMS Finalizes Rule Aimed at ‘improper’ Sign-Ups on the ACA Exchanges.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 20 June 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/cms-finalizes-rule-aimed-improper-sign-ups-aca-exchanges. Minemyer, Paige. “Democrats Introduce Bill to Establish a Medicare ‘part E’ Public Option.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 16 June 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/democrats-introduce-bill-establish-medicare-part-e-public-option. Mercado, Darla. “Fed Decision Recap: Central Bank Signals Stagflation Fears, Powell Says Fed ‘Well Positioned to Wait’ on Rates.” CNBC.Com, CNBC, 18 June 2025, www.cnbc.com/2025/06/18/fed-meeting-live-updates-feds-interest-rate-projections-loom.html. “HHS Secretary Kennedy, CMS Administrator Oz Secure Industry Pledge to Fix Broken Prior Authorization System.” HHS.Gov, Department of Health & Human Services, 23 June 2025, www.hhs.gov/press-room/kennedy-oz-cms-secure-healthcare-industry-pledge-to-fix-prior-authorization-system.html. Minemyer, Paige. “Mehmet Oz: Insurers’ Prior Auth Pledge ‘an Opportunity for the Industry to Show Itself.’” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 23 June 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/oz-insurers-prior-auth-pledge-opportunity-industry-show-itself. “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Marketplace Integrity and Affordability.” Federalregister.Gov, Federal Register, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/25/2025-11606/patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act-marketplace-integrity-and-affordability. Accessed 25 June 2025. Schneider, Howard. “Powell Repeats Rate Cuts Can Wait as Fed Studies Tariff Impacts.” Reuters.Com, Reuters, 24 June 2025, www.reuters.com/business/powell-repeats-rate-cuts-can-wait-fed-studies-tariff-impacts-2025-06-24/. Simmons-Duffin, Selena. “RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz Say Health Insurers Will Cut Red Tape on ‘Prior Authorizations.’” NPR.Org, NPR, 24 June 2025, www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/06/24/nx-s1-5442713/rfk-jr-dr-oz-health-insurance-prior-authorization. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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    18 mins
  • 2026 Maximum Broker Commissions for Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D

    2026 Maximum Broker Commissions for Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D
    Jun 26 2025
    This just in: CMS 2026 maximum broker commissions for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D. Listen to learn more about commission structure and the caps writing MA and PDP business in your market for the upcoming 2026 plan year.

    Read the text version

    Resources:

    AHIP 2026 Certification Dates: https://lnk.to/asgf20250516

    Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.

    FAQs About NABIP Medicare Certification: https://ritterim.com/blog/faqs-about-nabip-medicare-certification/

    How to Avoid Using Elderspeak: https://lnk.to/asgf20250530

    Reach out to the team at Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://ritterim.com/meet-your-sales-team/

    Reassuring Your Clients During Difficult Times: https://lnk.to/asg671

    What is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It? https://lnk.to/asg672

    References:

    “2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement.” CMS.Gov, CMS, 7 Apr. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-rate-announcement.

    Agent Broker Compensation and Training and Testing Requirements CY2026: https://ritterim.com/documents/cms-memos/memo-agent-broker-compensation-and-training-and-testing-requirements-cy2026.pdf

    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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    8 mins