Agent Survival Guide | Empowering Insurance Agents to Survive Today and Thrive Tomorrow

Debbie Hoffman joins Sarah to talk about her journey as an independent insurance agent. Listen to learn about Debbie’s approach to building her agency and how she defines success.
 
Find Debbie Hoffman Online:
HIR Insurance Agency
LinkedIn
 
Resources:
ACA in 2027: CMS Changes, Fraud Prevention & Identity Proofing ft. Arthur Barlow
How to Stay Top of Mind & Build Trust That Drives Growth ft. Bjorn Piltingsrud and Andrew Saksa
Turning Life Changes into Sales Opportunities
 
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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social 
Opinions expressed by interview guests are their own and not representative of Ritter Insurance Marketing or Integrity. The Agent Survival Guide Podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. For Agent Training and Educational Purposes Only. Any plan benefits, premiums, copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket costs shown are hypothetical examples provided for illustrative purposes only and are not representative of any specific insurance plan or product. Actual plan benefits and costs vary by plan, service area, eligibility, and other applicable factors. Agents must reference current, carrier-approved plan materials when discussing specific plan benefits or costs with consumers.

The Friday Five for October 23, 2026:
Medicare Advantage Stakeholders Survey Results
Epic Announces New Prescription Marketplace
CMS Removes Duplicate Enrollments from ACA Rolls
NABIP Files Lawsuit Over Moratorium on New ACA Agents
CMS Medicare Advantage Proposed Rule
 
Get Connected:
🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!  
📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
📢 Submit a shoutout to be read in a future episode
🎙️ Be a Guest on the ASG Podcast
📰 Get Field Notes delivered to your inbox!
💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com.
 
Medicare Advantage Stakeholders Survey Results:
“Charting A Path Forward For Medicare Advantage: Expert Consensus On Policy Priorities And Trade-Offs.” Healthaffairs.org, Health Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026, https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.01724. 
“Little room for stakeholder onsensus among potential Medicare Advantage reforms.” Fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 8 Oct. 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/look-stakeholder-perspectives-medicare-advantage-reform.
 
Epic Announces Prescription Marketplace:
“Epic teams up with Amazon Pharmacy, LillyDirect and Mark Cuban to launch prescription drug pricing tool.” Fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 15 Oct. 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/health-tech/epic-teams-amazon-pharmacy-mark-cuban-launch-prescription-drug-pricing-tool.
“Prescription Marketplace Will Let Patients Compare Pharmacy Cash Prices Before Leaving the Doctor’s Office.” Epic.com, Epic, 15 Oct. 2026, https://www.epic.com/epic/post/prescription-marketplace-will-let-patients-compare-pharmacy-cash-prices-before-leaving-the-doctors-office/.
“New Regulations Make It Easier to Find, Compare, and Report Healthcare Pricing and Coverage Information.” 5 Oct. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/new-regulations-make-it-easier-find-compare-report-healthcare-pricing-coverage-information.
“Transparency in Coverage Final Rules (CMS 9882-F).” cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 5 Oct. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/transparency-coverage-final-rules-cms-9882-f.
 
CMS Removes Duplicate Enrollments from ACA Rolls:
“CMS takes aim at duplicative ACA, Medicaid enrollments.” Fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 14 Oct. 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/cms-takes-aim-duplicative-aca-medicaid-enrollments.
“Trump Administration Delivers Second Year of Savings by Stopping Taxpayer Payments for Duplicate and Deceased Enrollees in Obamacare.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 14 Oct. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trump-administration-delivers-second-year-savings-stopping-taxpayer-payments-duplicate-deceased.
“US cuts Obamacare subsidies for 189,000 with duplicate coverage.” Reuters.com, Reuters, 14 Oct. 2026, https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-government-cuts-subsidies-189000-obamacare-enrollees-2026-10-14/.
 
NABIP Files Lawsuit Over Moratorium on New ACA Agents:
“Agent, broker group sues CMS to block ACA registration freeze.” Beckerspayer.com, Becker’s Payer, 16 Oct. 2026, https://www.beckerspayer.com/legal/agent-broker-group-sues-cms-to-block-aca-registration-freeze/.
“CMS Cracks Down on Fraud, Waste, and Abuse in the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 22 Sep. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-cracks-down-fraud-waste-abuse-federal-health-insurance-marketplacer.
“NABIP Seeks Injunctive Relief Against HHS and CMS Over Marketplace Moratorium Affecting Nearly 19,000 Agents and Brokers.” Nabip.org, National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals, 15 Oct. 2026, https://nabip.org/media/11423/cms-lawsuit_press-release_final_261015.pdf.
“NABIP sues CMS over moratorium on new ACA broker registrations.” Fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 15 Oct. 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/nabip-sues-cms-over-moratorium-new-aca-broker-registrations.
 
CMS Medicare Advantage Proposed Rule:
“CMS Proposes Reforms to Strengthen Transparency and Affordability in Medicare Advantage and Part D.” cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 16 Oct. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-proposes-reforms-strengthen-transparency-affordability-medicare-advantage-part-d.
“Fact Sheet: Medicare Program; Implementation of Sections 6219, 6220, and 6224 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (CMS-4214-P).” cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 16 Oct. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-program-implementation-sections-6219-6220-6224-consolidated-appropriations-act-2026-cms.
“Medicare Program; Implementation of Sections 6219, 6220, and 6224 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026.” Federalregister.gov, Federal Register, 20 Oct. 2026, https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-21420.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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Learn more about Custom Health Option and Individual Care Expense (CHOICE) Arrangements. These healthcare options (formerly known as Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements or ICHRA) can be offered by agents and are increasing in popularity.
 
Read the text version
 
Get Connected:
🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!  
📧 Connect with our Under-65 Health Team to Get More Info on CHOICE Arrangements
📢 Submit a shoutout to be read in a future episode
🎙️ Be a Guest on the ASG Podcast
💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com.
 
Resources:
Getting Started Selling Group Ancillary Benefits ft. Max Ravenelle
Insurance Agents Can Generate More Leads
 
References:
“CHOICE Arrangements: A Guide for Employers.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/marketplace/employer-initiatives, Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.
“Growth Trends for ICHRA & QSEHRA Volume Five: 2025-2026.” Hracouncil.org, HRA Council, https://www.hracouncil.org/resources/Documents/2026%20HRA%20Council%20Data%20Report%20-%20PDF%20Version.pdf, Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.
“Health Insurance Marketplace Calculator.” Kff.org, KFF, https://www.kff.org/interactive/subsidy-calculator/, Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.
 
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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social 
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Nothing hits (or hurts!) quite like a lost sale. While it’s easy to focus on the loss, we choose to focus on solutions. Find out how you can too, and make lost opportunities few and far between.
 
Read the text version
 
Get Connected:
🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!  
📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 
📢 Submit a shoutout to be read in a future episode
🎙️ Be a Guest on the ASG Podcast
💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
3 Additional Effective Techniques for Closing Insurance Sales
4 Effective Techniques for Closing Insurance Sales
Developing an Agency – Your Guide to Getting Started
Diversify Your Insurance Portfolio & Reap Real Rewards
PlanEnroll
Request a Portfolio Review
The Ritter Platform
The Ultimate Agent Resource List Pt. 3: Staying Organized
Why Hiring an Assistant Can Transform Your Insurance Business
 
References:
“5 qualities effective sales leaders need to have + how to cultivate them for yourself” blog.hubspot.com, Hubspot, 3 Nov. 2025, https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/habits-to-become-a-more-effective-salesperson.
“7 Active Listening Techniques for Better Communication.” Verywellmind.com, verywellmind, 14 Apr. 2026, https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-active-listening-3024343.
 
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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social  
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

As an insurance agent, remaining compliant is a top priority in order to prove that you’re trustworthy to your clients. Today, we’re going to be teaching you what to look out for to make sure you avoid agent negligence.
 
Read the text version
 
Get Connected:
🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!  
📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
Do's and Don'ts of Medicare Compliance 
Getting Started Selling Medicare Supplements
The Complete Guide to Client Loyalty and Retention
Why Trust Is an Insurance Agent's Most Important Non-Renewable Resource
 
References:
Insurance agent & broker negligence. Gump, Faiella & Bugalski. (2024, September 20). https://www.centralmolaw.com/services/other-practice-areas/insurance-agent-broker-negligence/.  
McDuffy, T. (2025, October 20). Negligence and the “reasonable person” . FindLaw. https://www.findlaw.com/injury/accident-injury-law/standards-of-care-and-the-reasonable-person.html.  
National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.-a). Subpart V—Medicare Advantage Communication Requirements. Code of Federal Regulations. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-422/subpart-V.  
National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.-b). Subpart V—Part D Communication Requirements. Code of Federal Regulations. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-423/subpart-V.  
Understanding insurance broker negligence. Rah Law. (2023, December 14). https://www.rah.law/understanding-insurance-broker-negligence/.  
What is insurance law?. Super Lawyers. (2025, October 8). https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/insurance-coverage/.  
When do an insurance agent’s actions constitute negligence? Glickman & Glickman. (2025, September 29). https://www.glickman-law.com/blog/2025/09/when-do-an-insurance-agents-actions-constitute-negligence/.  
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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social 
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

The Friday Five for October 16, 2026:
Apple “Welcome Home” Event & Rumors
CMS 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings
2027 Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
Integrity Launches Ask Integrity Sales Coach
Integrity Announces ACA EDE in IntegrityCONNECT Platform
 
Get Connected:
🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!  
📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
📢 Submit a shoutout to be read in a future episode
🎙️ Be a Guest on the ASG Podcast
📰 Get Field Notes delivered to your inbox!
💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Apple “Welcome Home” Event & Rumors:
“Apple Set to Debut Touch-Screen MacBook and New iPad Mini in Late October.” Bloomberg.com, Bloomberg, 8 Oct. 2026, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-10-08/apple-set-to-debut-touch-screen-macbook-and-new-ipad-mini-in-late-october.
“Apple to Launch Touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro and OLED iPad mini on October 27.” Macrumors.com, MacRumors, 8 Oct. 2026, https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/08/apple-october-27-macbook-pro/.
“Apple will reportedly debut its first touchscreen MacBook in three weeks.” Theverge.com, The Verge, 8 Oct. 2026, https://www.theverge.com/tech/1008422/apple-macbook-pro-touchscreen-ipad-mini-rumor.
“Everything Apple launched at its ‘Welcome Home’ event.” Theverge.com, The Verge, 13 Oct. 2026, https://www.theverge.com/tech/1009816/apple-smart-home-event-homeview-homepod-mini-roundup.
“Meet Apple HomeView, a new way to enjoy entertainment, stay connected, and manage the home.” Apple.com, Apple, 13 Oct. 2026, https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/10/meet-apple-homeview-a-new-way-to-enjoy-entertainment-and-manage-the-home/.
 
CMS 2027 MA and Part D Star Ratings:
“2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 8 Oct. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2027-medicare-advantage-part-d-star-ratings.
“CMS: About 71% of MAPD plan enrollees in coverage with four or more stars for 2027.” Fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 8 Oct. 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/cms-about-71-mapd-plan-enrollees-coverage-four-or-more-stars-2027.
“CMS Part C and D Performance Data.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 8 Oct. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/part-c-d-performance-data.
“Low-Performing Icon Definition.” Ecfr.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/part-422/section-422.166#p-422.166(h)(1)(ii)(A). Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.
 
2027 Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA):
“Consumer Price Index (CPI) Summary” bls.gov, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 14 Oct. 2026, https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm.
“Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).” Ssa.gov, Social Security Administration, https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/colasummary.html, Accessed 13 Oct. 2026. 
“Social Security Cost-Of-Living Adjustment For 2027 Arrives Wednesday—Here’s What To Know.” Forbes.com, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2026, https://www.forbes.com/sites/fionariley/2026/10/12/social-security-cost-of-living-adjustment-for-2027-arrives-wednesday-heres-what-to-know/.
“Social Security Announces 3.6 Percent Benefit Increase for 2027.” Ssa.gov, Social Security Administration, 14 Oct. 2026, https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2026-10-14.html.
 
Integrity Launches Ask Integrity Sales Coach:
Ask Integrity Sales Coach
Health | NEW! AI Sales Coach
Life | NEW! AI Sales Coach in IntegrityCONNECT
 
Integrity Announces Affordable Care Act (ACA) Enhanced Direct Enrollment (EDE) in IntegrityCONNECT:
“Integrity Announces ACA in IntegrityCONNECT Platform, Transforming Agents' AI-Empowering Sales Offering.” Prnewswire.com, PR Newswire, 7 Oct. 2026, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/integrity-announces-aca-in-integrityconnect-platform-transforming-agents-ai-empowering-sales-offering-302900686.html.
Integrity Events & Webinars On Demand
Webinar: Health | ACA Success Starts Here: Quote, Compare, Enroll
Webinar: Health | How to Manage the New ACA Requirements in IntegrityCONNECT
 
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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Are you trying to plan a Medicare educational event, but you want to make sure you stay compliant? From agent do’s and don’ts to how to set up your educational event, we teach you how to do just that!
 
Read the text version
 
Get Connected:
🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 
📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
Do's and Don'ts of Medicare Compliance
FAQs & Guidelines on Compliant Medicare Marketing Materials
How to Organize a Turning 65 Seminar on a Budget
How to Stay Compliant During All Medicare Sales
Rules for Hosting a Compliant Medicare Sales Event
What Not to Say During Medicare Educational and Sales Events
 
References:
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2024, September 10). Medicare Marketing Guidelines. CMS.gov. https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/managed-care-marketing/medicare-guidelines
National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Federal register. Federal Register . https://www.federalregister.gov/
 
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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social 
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Sales events are a great way to generate Medicare leads. Learn best practices and how to stay CMS compliant while hosting a Medicare sales event in this episode!
 
Read the text version
 
Get Connected:
🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
📢 Submit a shoutout to be read in a future episode
🎙️ Be a Guest on the ASG Podcast
📰 Get Field Notes delivered to your inbox!
💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
CMS Improves Plan Transparency and Choice with 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule
How to Host a Successful Medicare Sales Event
How to Stay Compliant During All Medicare Sales
Carrier Pages on Ritter Docs
Rules for Hosting a Compliant Medicare Educational Event
What Not to Say During Medicare Educational and Sales Events
 
References:
“Medicare Advantage Communication Requirements.” Federal Register, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-422/subpart-V. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.
“Medicare Part D Communication Requirements.” Federal Register, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-423/subpart-V. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.
“Medicare Marketing Guidelines.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/managed-care-marketing/medicare-guidelines. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.
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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social 
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

When stepping into the ACA marketplace, you’ll obviously have a plethora of different plans to offer to your clients. What if we told you there was an easy way to break down the different types of plans you could be selling in hopes of helping your clients better understand what they’re buying into? In this episode of the Agent Survival Guide Podcast, we’ll be guiding your next sale to a podium finish by breaking down the ACA metal tiers!
 
Read the text version
 
Get Connected:
🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!  
📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
📢 Submit a shoutout to be read in a future episode
🎙️ Be a Guest on the ASG Podcast
💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
ACA 101: Selling Under-65 Health Insurance 
ACA in 2027: CMS Changes, Fraud Prevention & Identity Proofing ft. Arthur Barlow  
Understanding ACA Plan Metal Tiers 
 
References:  
Average monthly marketplace premiums by metal tier: KFF State Health Facts. KFF. (2025, November 3). https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/state-indicator/average-marketplace-premiums-by-metal-tier/?currentTimeframe=0&sortModel=%7B%22colId%22%3A%22Location%22%2C%22sort%22%3A%22asc%22%7D  
Health Insurance Marketplace. (n.d.-a). Health plan categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold, & Platinum. HealthCare.gov. https://www.healthcare.gov/choose-a-plan/plans-categories/  
Lewis, B. E. (2026, March 25). What are the four metal tiers of Affordable Care Act Health Plans?. GoodRx. https://www.goodrx.com/insurance/aca/aca-tiers-of-coverage  
Quality ratings of health plans. HealthCare.gov. (n.d.-b). https://www.healthcare.gov/quality-ratings/  
 
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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social 
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

We all know that MA Plans are non-commissionable, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t be curious about making a sale. In this episode, we’ll be diving into payments and fees that can come with selling Medicare plans.
 
Read the text version
 
Get Connected:
🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!  
📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
📢 Submit a shoutout to be read in a future episode
🎙️ Be a Guest on the ASG Podcast
💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
7 Actions You Can Take If Your Medicare Plans Go Non-Commissionable
8 Reasons Why Insurance Agents Should Sell ACA Plans
ACA 101: Selling Under-65 Health Insurance
A Quick Guide to Cross-Selling Ancillary Insurance with Medicare Products
How to Explain the Real Cost of a Funeral & Help Your Clients Plan for One
Selling Hospital Indemnity with Medicare Advantage: Is It Worth It?
 
References:
Alerion Advisors. (n.d.). Are brokers still in the crosshairs? policy and market updates for 2026. Rebellis Group. https://partners.rebellisgroup.com/download-webinar-are-brokers-still-in-the-crosshairs-policy-and-market-updates-for-2026
(2008, September 18). Part D Communication Requirements. Federal Register. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-423/subpart-V
National Archives and Records Administration. (2005, January 28). Medicare Advantage program. Federal Register. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-422
Q2 impact report. NABIP. (n.d.). https://nabip.org/
 
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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social 
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Are you ready for go-time? In this episode of the Agent Survival Guide podcast, we're covering the 4th quarter and the essential details, dates, and what it means now that prep time is over.
 
Read the text version
  
Get Connected:
🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!   
📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!  
📢 Submit a shoutout to be read in a future episode
🎙️ Be a Guest on the ASG Podcast
💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
8 Reasons Why Insurance Agents Should Sell ACA Plans
Busy ACA Agent’s Sales Calendar
Everything You Need to Know About the ACA OEP
Federal Judge Strikes Down ACA Marketplace Rule Provisions
Free Guides
Guiding Your Clients from the Marketplace to Medicare
 
References:
Norris, Louise. “What Are the Deadlines for the ACA’s Open Enrollment Period?” Healthinsurance.Org, 10 Aug. 2026, www.healthinsurance.org/faqs/what-are-the-deadlines-for-the-acas-open-enrollment-period/.
 
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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social 
Opinions expressed by interview guests are their own and not representative of Ritter Insurance Marketing or Integrity. The Agent Survival Guide Podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

As we get older, we have more time to experience what life has to offer. However, with age also comes wear and tear on certain senses. In this episode, we’ll be teaching you how to identify clients who might need help taking care of these important factors of life.
 
Read the text version
 
Get Connected:
🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!  
📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
📢 Submit a shoutout to be read in a future episode
🎙️ Be a Guest on the ASG Podcast
💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
Client Sync Consumer User Guide
Cross-Sell to Fill Coverage Gaps or Unmet Needs
IntegrityCONNECT
Why Trust Is an Insurance Agent's Most Important Non-Renewable Resource
 
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). Preventing oral diseases and conditions in communities. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/prevention/?CDC_AAref_Val=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Foralhealth%2Fbasics%2Fadult-oral-health%2Ftips.html
Cohen, R. A., & Bottoms-McClain, L. (2024, April 26). Dental Care Among Adults Age 65 and Older. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db500.htm
Hibbler, R. (2024, January 5). The importance of Eye Care and annual exams. Tapestry 360 Health. https://tap360health.org/the-importance-of-eye-care-and-annual-exams/
Persky, W. (2025, August 11). The problem with Medicare Advantage Plans. Microscopic New Live Site. https://www.microscopiccolitisfoundation.org/blog/the-problem-with-medicare-advantage-plans
U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Dental services. Medicare.gov. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/dental-services
Why dental care is important for your overall health. UI Health. (2024, January 3). https://hospital.uillinois.edu/mile-square-health-center/patient-resources/blog-and-news/dental-health-is-important
 
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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social 
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Jeff is back for another Content Corner episode with Sarah!  Hear about the newest Content Library series and shareables for the month of October. No tricks – just spooky treats to delight your clients!
 
Get Connected:
🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!  
📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
📢 Submit a shoutout to be read in a future episode
🎙️ Be a Guest on the ASG Podcast
💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
4 Ways to Keep Trick-or-Treating Safe
5 Spooky Stories for Halloween
Best Practices for Using Ritter’s Content Library
Content Corner: Fundamentals of Senior Finance
Content Library: Cooking for Beginners ft. Jeff Snyder
Content Library Homepage
Fun Halloween Ways to Get Fit
Fun Tricks for Tasty Halloween Treats
Ready-Made Marketing for Insurance Agents: Inside the Content Library
The Content Library: Content Marketing for Insurance Agents
Trick-or-Treating Without Overeating
Why Do We Feel Fear?
 
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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social 
Opinions expressed by interview guests are their own and not representative of Ritter Insurance Marketing or Integrity. The Agent Survival Guide Podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

The Friday Five for October 9, 2026:
6 Days Until AEP 2027!
2026 Kindle Lineup & Accessories
Medicare Advantage Mapped
KFF MA Plan Options for CY 2027
$90 Rebate for Qualifying Medicare Beneficiaries
 
Get Connected:
🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!  
📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
📢 Submit a shoutout to be read in a future episode
🎙️ Be a Guest on the ASG Podcast
📰 Get Field Notes delivered to your inbox!
💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Ritter Resources
 
2026 Kindle Lineup & Accessories:
“Amazon introduces a completely redesigned Kindle family.” Aboutamazon.com, Amazon, https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/new-kindle-lineup-2026, Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.
 
Medicare Advantage Mapped:
“Every Medicare Advantage plan, mapped for agents.” Windermerefinancial.com, Windermere Financial, https://windermerefinancial.com/medicare-plan-map, Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.
 
KFF MA Plan Options for CY 2027:
“The Average Medicare Beneficiary has 28 Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan Options for 2027.” Kff.org, KFF, 1 Oct. 2026, https://www.kff.org/medicare/the-average-medicare-beneficiary-has-28-medicare-advantage-prescription-drug-plan-options-for-2027/.
 
$90 Rebate for Qualifying Medicare Beneficiaries:
“Fact Sheet: 2026 Medicare Costs.” Medicare.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Dec. 2025, www.medicare.gov/publications/11579-medicare-costs.pdf.
“Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Announces Medicare Improvement Fund Payments for Seniors.” Whitehouse.gov, The White House, 2 Oct. 2026, https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/10/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-announces-medicare-improvement-fund-payments-for-seniors/.
“Medicare Improvement Fund Premium Rebate Frequesntly Asked Questions.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 3 Oct. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-improvement-fund-premium-rebate-frequently-asked-questions.
“Medicare Monthly Enrollment.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 23 Sep. 2026, https://data.cms.gov/summary-statistics-on-beneficiary-enrollment/medicare-and-medicaid-reports/medicare-monthly-enrollment.
“More than 20 million Medicare beneficiaries may get one-time $90 payment – here’s who qualifies.” Cnbc.com, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2026, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/10/05/medicare-part-b-beneficiaries-90-payment.html.
“The Medicare and Medicaid Improvement Funds: Budgetary History and Projections.” Cbo.gov, Congressional Budget Office, https://www.cbo.gov/publication/59115#_idTextAnchor009, Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.
“Who Qualifies for the New $90 Medicare Part B Rebate?” Kiplinger.com, Kiplinger, 6 Oct. 2026, https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/medicare/who-qualifies-for-the-new-medicare-part-b-rebate.
 
Resources:
5 Ways Insurance Agents Should Be Using Ask Integrity
2027 Medicare Advantage & Part D Premiums, Enrollment, and Plan Trends
ACA in 2027: CMS Changes, Fraud Prevention & Identity Proofing ft. Arthur Barlow
Beyond the Benefits: Navigating Coverage Gaps in 2027 ft. Jameson Keller
Getting Started Selling Group Ancillary Benefits ft. Max Ravenelle
 
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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Ever wonder what it would take to branch out into group benefit sales? We did too, and Max Ravenelle, Director of Group Sales at Ritter Insurance Marketing was kind enough to answer the call and Sarah’s questions.
 
Contact Max Ravenelle by email at M.Ravenelle@ShieldsBrokerage.com or call 603-418-0805 to learn more!
 
Additional Episodes Like This One:
How to Stay Top of Mind & Build Trust That Drives Growth ft. Bjorn Piltingsrud and Andrew Saksa
Making Cross‑Selling Less Awkward for Insurance Agents ft. Demetri Simos and Dawn Myers
Turning Life Changes into Sales Opportunities ft. Bobby Nerem & 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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social 
Opinions expressed by interview guests are their own and not representative of Ritter Insurance Marketing or Integrity. The Agent Survival Guide Podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.