2020-07

  The Friday Five for July 31, 2020: Trump’s Executive Orders on Drug Pricing Movement on Next Stimulus Bill 2021 Medicare Part B Premium Proposal Humana & Heal Kaiser Family Foundation Study on COVID-19 and Kids   Mentioned in this episode:   Economic relief talks ramp up as GOP releases bill: Democrats, White House officials meet Everything Coming to Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu & Amazon Prime Video in August 2020 Humana invests $100 million in telehealth start-up Heal Medicare Part B premium would be frozen in Republicans’ HEALS relief bill Pharma execs, upset by Trump’s drug pricing executive orders, refuse White House meeting The Second Stimulus Package Proposal: How HEALS Act Will Affect You Trump signs series of executive orders aimed at lowering drug costs What Do We Know About Children and Coronavirus Transmission?   More episodes you’ll like:   July 24, 2020 | The Friday Five The Friday Five for July 24, 2020: Six Months of COVID-19; WFH Productivity Tips; Windows 10 Hacks; Built To Last Branding Conference; and Diamond Wars. 2021 Medicare Advantage and Part D Certification Info Looking for 2021 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D agent certification and product training details? Find out how to get carrier AHIP, Medicare Advantage certification, Part D certification, and product training details in one convenient place! 5 Must-Haves for Every Insurance Agent This AEP Are these must-haves part of your strategy for this Annual Enrollment Period? They should be! Listen as we highlight five essentials to simplify your Medicare sales this AEP.   The latest from Ritter’s Blog:   Tips for Becoming a Top-Producing Insurance Agency Becoming a top producing agency isn’t something that happens overnight. It will take work and maybe a bit of trial and error to see what will work best for your business and sales flow. FAQs About NAHU Medicare Certification Got questions about NAHU’s Medicare Advantage and Part D certification training? We’ve got answers! NEW: NAHU 2021 Medicare Certification Training New this year, NAHU is offering a Medicare certification training for agents who’d like to sell 2021 Medicare Advantage and Part D products for the Annual Enrollment Period.   Subscribe & Follow:   Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Podbean Spotify Stitcher   Connect on social:   Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn  

  Maximize your productivity - even as you work from home! Let's face it, WFH is lasting longer than most of us thought. If you're struggling to stay productive right now, we get it! Try out our list of productivity hacks to get back on track.   Read the text version.   Mentioned in this episode:   20 Tips for Working From Home Call Ritter Insurance Marketing at 1-800-769-1847 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Website Contact the Team at Ritter Insurance Marketing Create a New Space to Increase Your Sales Create Your Own Free Medicareful Website Health Benefits of Having a Routine How Do Work Breaks Help Your Brain? 5 Surprising Answers How to Eliminate Distractions Learn More About the Ritter Platform Pros and Cons of Having an Office Space Outside of Your Home Ritter Can Help You Stay in Touch with Your Clients Ritter Insurance Marketing Official Website The Value of Staying in Touch with Clients   More episodes you’ll like:   5 Must-Haves for Every Insurance Agent This AEP Are these must-haves part of your strategy for this Annual Enrollment Period? They should be! Listen as we highlight five essentials to simplify your Medicare sales this AEP. 5 Tips on How to Sell Insurance Over the Phone Ready to improve your over-the-phone selling skills? In this episode, we cover the best practices to use when you’re talking insurance with clients on the phone. Guiding Your Agency Through COVID-19 It's an unprecedented time. COVID-19 has shut down businesses small and large, and if you're wondering how to run your business during a pandemic, you are not alone. How can your insurance agency continue to help clients and stay productive amidst the coronavirus pandemic? We've got some insight that might help. Reassuring Clients During Difficult Times How are your clients doing? Do they have questions about COVID-19 and Medicare? Have you reached out? Have they? If you're not sure what to say, or even where to start, we've got some suggestions in this episode. (And they're easy to implement, too!) Using e-Apps to Work From Home COVID-19 has changed the way we currently do business. Learn how technology can help mitigate the space between how you used to sell insurance and the “new normal” we’ve found ourselves in.   The latest from Ritter’s Blog:   Tips for Becoming a Top-Producing Insurance Agency Becoming a top producing agency isn’t something that happens overnight. It will take work and maybe a bit of trial and error to see what will work best for your business and sales flow. FAQs About NAHU Medicare Certification Got questions about NAHU’s Medicare Advantage and Part D certification training? We’ve got answers! NEW: NAHU 2021 Medicare Certification Training New this year, NAHU is offering a Medicare certification training for agents who’d like to sell 2021 Medicare Advantage and Part D products for the Annual Enrollment Period.   Subscribe & Follow:   Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Podbean Spotify Stitcher   Connect on social:   Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn  

  How are your clients doing? Do they have questions about COVID-19 and Medicare? Have you reached out? Have they? If you're not sure what to say, or even where to start, we've got some suggestions in this episode. (And they're easy to implement, too!)   Read the text version.   Mentioned in this episode:   Be Prepared to Discuss Medicare Telehealth Coverage This AEP How You Can Sell Insurance in Your State During COVID-19 Find Out How to Take Safe, Easy Medicare Enrollments Online Get Registered with Ritter – It’s FREE! Learn More About the Ritter Platform More Seniors Are Embracing Technology. But Can They Use It? UCSD Researchers Suggest Asking Them. Ritter and Carrier Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic Ritter Can Help You Stay in Touch with Your Clients The Top 5 Benefits of Positive Thinking   More episodes you’ll like:   July 24, 2020 | The Friday Five The Friday Five for July 24, 2020: Six Months of COVID-19; WFH Productivity Tips; Windows 10 Hacks; Built To Last Branding Conference; and Diamond Wars Guiding Your Agency Through COVID-19 It's an unprecedented time. COVID-19 has shut down businesses small and large, and if you're wondering how to run your business during a pandemic, you are not alone. How can your insurance agency continue to help clients and stay productive amidst the coronavirus pandemic? We've got some insight that might help. How to Add Technology to Your Insurance Business Need to bring technology into your business? Not sure where to begin? Start by listening to this episode! We’ll help you revamp your insurance sales process. The Best Software for Tracking Your Medicare Commissions How do you track your Medicare commissions? Want a better solution? Listen to this episode of our ASG Podcast for suggestions on tracking (and troubleshooting!) your hard-earned insurance commissions. Using e-Apps to Work From Home COVID-19 has changed the way we currently do business. Learn how technology can help mitigate the space between how you used to sell insurance and the “new normal” we’ve found ourselves in.   The latest from Ritter’s Blog:   Tips for Becoming a Top Producing Insurance Agency Becoming a top producing agency isn’t something that happens overnight. It will take work and maybe a bit of trial and error to see what will work best for your business and sales flow. FAQs About NAHU Medicare Certification Got questions about NAHU’s Medicare Advantage and Part D certification training? We’ve got answers! NEW: NAHU 2021 Medicare Certification Training New this year, NAHU is offering a Medicare certification training for agents who’d like to sell 2021 Medicare Advantage and Part D products for the Annual Enrollment Period.   Subscribe & Follow:   Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Podbean Spotify Stitcher   Connect on social:   Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn  

  The Friday Five for July 24, 2020: Six Months of COVID-19 WFH Productivity Tips Windows 10 Hacks Built To Last Branding Conference Diamond Wars   Mentioned in this episode:   Built To Last – Branding Audio Conference from Buffer & Wistia Business Wars by Wondery – Diamond Wars | The Diamond Rush | 1 Coronavirus: What I learnt in Oxford’s vaccine trial Diamonds: Articles of Interest #11 by Avery Trufleman and 99% Invisible Endless Thread by WBUR and Reddit – Encore: We Want Plates + Pile Of Crockery Floodlines By The Atlantic Here’s what we’ve learned in six months of COVID-19 – and what we still don’t know How to Stay Productive When the World Is on Fire Monster or Machine? A Profile of the Coronavirus at 6 Months Register to Attend Ritter Summits Six months on, the coronavirus remains a mystery Windows 10 hacks: 11 hidden tricks to master now   More episodes you’ll like:   How to Market Yourself Effectively Not sure where to start when it comes to marketing yourself or your insurance business? Need to refresh your current marketing strategy? Listen to our marketing tips for insurance agents in this episode of our ASG Podcast. Build Your Brand with Community Involvement Connect with your local community and grow your insurance business at the same time! Use our helpful tips to get started. 5 Tips for Creating Your Own Personal Brand Branding yourself sets your insurance business apart from the competition. Check out our tips before you begin developing your personal brand. July 17, 2020 | The Friday Five The Friday Five for July 17, 2020: Aetna and Give an Hour partnership; Oak Street Health News; Possibility for Medicare Expansion in Next Covid-19 Stimulus; Zoom Announces New Product; Register for Ritter’s Summits! You’re Invited to Ritter’s Virtual Summits You’re invited to our virtual Summits! We’re kicking off AEP 2021 with nine Summits for insurance agents! You’ll get a chance to meet our staff and the carriers we work with! During these online presentations, our carriers will reveal exclusive first looks for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D products. It’s the AEP insurance training you don’t want to miss…  Register today!   The latest from Ritter’s Blog:   Tips for Becoming a Top-Producing Insurance Agency Becoming a top producing agency isn’t something that happens overnight. It will take work and maybe a bit of trial and error to see what will work best for your business and sales flow. FAQs About NAHU Medicare Certification Got questions about NAHU’s Medicare Advantage and Part D certification training? We’ve got answers! NEW: NAHU 2021 Medicare Certification Training New this year, NAHU is offering a Medicare certification training for agents who’d like to sell 2021 Medicare Advantage and Part D products for the Annual Enrollment Period.   Subscribe & Follow:   Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Podbean Spotify Stitcher   Connect on social:   Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn  

  The Friday Five for July 17, 2020: Aetna and Give an Hour partnership Oak Street Health News Possibility for Medicare Expansion in Next Covid-19 Stimulus? Zoom Announces New Product Register for Ritter’s Summits!   Ritter Summits 2020:   8/24: New Jersey Summit 8/25: NYC Summit 8/26: Philadelphia Summit 8/27: Harrisburg Summit 9/1: Georgia Summit 9/2: Greater NY Summit 9/3: Maryland Summit 9/9: California Summit 9/10: Florida Summit Register to Attend!   Mentioned in this episode:   Aetna, Give an Hour team up to offer free counseling to frontline health workers Google is adding 117 new emoji in Android 11 coming this fall – see them all Hospital Heroes Program Oak Street Health Continues Nationwide Expansion, Announces New York and Mississippi by End of 2020 Oak Street Health files for IPO Register to Attend Ritter's Virtual Summits The 17 Hidden Emoji Secrets You Never Noticed These Medicare changes may be included in the next coronavirus package Zoom introduces all-in-one home communications appliance for $599   More episodes you’ll like:   July 10, 2020 | The Friday Five The Friday Five for July 10, 2020: CMS Proposed Rule on End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System (PPS); AHIP's State of Medigap 2020; Capital Rx teaming up with Walmart; Walmart debuts Walmart Insurance Services, LLC; and Walgreens and VillageMD announce partnership. NEW: NAHU 2021 Medicare Certification Training NAHU just launched a brand-new Medicare certification training for agents selling Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D for the 2021 Annual Enrollment Period. Find out the details on this alternative to AHIP Medicare certification, including pros and cons, NAHU vs. AHIP, and more! FAQs About NAHU Medicare Certification Got questions about NAHU’s Medicare Advantage and Part D certification training? We’ve got answers! In this episode, we talk about the cost of NAHU certification, CE credits, training module topics, and more – you don’t want to miss it!!!    The latest from Ritter’s Blog:   2021 Maximum Broker Commissions for Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D Ritter has everything you need to know about 2021 maximum broker commissions for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D initial enrollments. Note: Insurance providers are NOT REQUIRED to pay the maximum commission rate. Ritter and Carrier Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic The COVID-19 virus has effectively changed the way the United States operates for the foreseeable future. A compilation of information from the carriers Ritter supports regarding their capacity to continue operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here Are the Medicare Out-of-Pocket Expenses That Cost Beneficiaries Most Do you know what your Medicare clients likely spend the most money on out of pocket? Do your clients know what out-of-pocket costs they can expect with Medicare? The stats are in!   Subscribe & Follow:   Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Podbean Spotify Stitcher   Connect on social:   Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn  

  Got questions about NAHU’s Medicare Advantage and Part D certification training? We’ve got answers! In this episode, we talk about the cost of NAHU certification, CE credits, training module topics, and more – you don’t want to miss it!!!     Read the text version.   Mentioned in this episode:   Email NAHU with questions at professionaldevelopment@nahu.org Information on NAHU Corporate Partnerships Medicare Advantage Certification Training Guidebook NAHU Course Credit Details NAHU’s Online Learning Institute State Rules for Insurance Continuing Education The Survivor’s AEP Checklist   More episodes you’ll like:   July 10, 2020 | The Friday Five The Friday Five for July 10, 2020: CMS Proposed Rule on End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System (PPS); AHIP's State of Medigap 2020; Capital Rx teaming up with Walmart; Walmart debuts Walmart Insurance Services, LLC; Walgreens and VillageMD announce partnership NEW: NAHU 2021 Medicare Certification Training NAHU just launched a brand-new Medicare certification training for agents selling Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D for the 2021 Annual Enrollment Period. Find out the details on this alternative to AHIP Medicare certification, including pros and cons, NAHU vs. AHIP, and more! 2021 Medicare Advantage and Part D Certification Info Looking for 2021 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D agent certification and product training details? Find out how to get carrier AHIP, Medicare Advantage certification, Part D certification, and product training details in one convenient place!   The latest from Ritter’s Blog:   How You Can Sell Insurance in Your State During COVID-19 We’ve gathered information regarding your state’s stance on in-person sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as information about applying for unemployment benefits as a self-employed worker. Identifying Ideal Clients for LTCi Who typically purchases long-term care insurance (LTCi) policies? We’ve got your answer. To help you identify ideal clients for LTC insurance policies, we’ve created a profile containing the characteristics of a conventional LTCi buyer. FAQs About AHIP Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, completing the annual AHIP certification is important for licensed insurance agents selling Medicare plans. We answer some frequently asked questions about AHIP certification.   Subscribe & Follow:   Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Podbean Spotify Stitcher   Connect on social:   Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn  

  NAHU just launched a brand-new Medicare certification training for agents selling Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D for the 2021 Annual Enrollment Period. Find out the details on this alternative to AHIP Medicare certification, including pros and cons, NAHU vs. AHIP, and more! Read the text version.   Mentioned in this episode:   NAHU Online Learning Institute NAHU Course Credit Details How Professional Organizations Make You a Better Agent   More episodes you’ll like:   July 10, 2020 | The Friday Five The Friday Five for July 10, 2020: CMS Proposed Rule on End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System (PPS); AHIP's State of Medigap 2020; Capital Rx teaming up with Walmart; Walmart debuts Walmart Insurance Services, LLC; Walgreens and VillageMD announce partnership 2021 Medicare Advantage and Part D Certification Info Looking for 2021 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D agent certification and product training details? Find out how to get carrier AHIP, Medicare Advantage certification, Part D certification, and product training details in one convenient place! 3 Ways to Calculate Your Client’s Life Insurance How do you calculate the amount of life insurance your client needs? We outline three methods insurance agents can use to find the right amount of coverage.   The latest from Ritter’s Blog:   How You Can Sell Insurance in Your State During COVID-19 We’ve gathered information regarding your state’s stance on in-person sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as information about applying for unemployment benefits as a self-employed worker. Identifying Ideal Clients for LTCi Who typically purchases long-term care insurance (LTCi) policies? We’ve got your answer. To help you identify ideal clients for LTC insurance policies, we’ve created a profile containing the characteristics of a conventional LTCi buyer. FAQs About AHIP Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, completing the annual AHIP certification is important for licensed insurance agents selling Medicare plans. We answer some frequently asked questions about AHIP certification.   Subscribe & Follow:   Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Podbean Spotify Stitcher   Connect on social:   Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn  

  The Friday Five for July 10, 2020: CMS Proposed Rule on End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System (PPS) AHIP's State of Medigap 2020 Capital Rx teaming up with Walmart Walmart debuts Walmart Insurance Services, LLC Walgreens and VillageMD announce partnership   Mentioned in this episode:   CMS Proposes Medicare Payment Changes to Support Innovation and Increased Access for Dialysis in the Home Setting Capital Rx Announces Collaboration with Walmart to Expand Prescription Drug Cost Savings End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System (PPS) Calendar Year (CY) 2021 Proposed Rule (CMS-1732-P) Fact Sheet How to know what sunscreen you should wear on your face, and what’s better for your body, according to dermatologists Startup PRM Capital Rx, Walmart partner to shed light on specialty, mail-order drug prices State of Medigap 2020 Supplement Coverage Two Times Less Likely to Have Problems Paying Medical Bills The 23 Best Sunscreens for Your Face, According to Allure Editors Walgreens opening doctor offices at hundreds of drugstores Walmart confirms a new avatar – it’s also a health insurance agency Walmart quietly registers insurance business in its latest move into health care   More episodes you’ll like:   July 3, 2020 | The Friday Five The Friday Five for July 3, 2020: HHS and the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency; Anthem releases update to Alexa Skill; CVS launches platform to aid reopening efforts; How to cope with stress and anxiety right now; and Changes to Google Photos back up process. 3 Ways to Calculate Your Clients’ Life Insurance Needs How do you calculate the amount of life insurance your client needs? We outline three methods insurance agents can use to find the right amount of coverage. 4 No-Good Reasons Why insurance Agents Quit Ever want to just throw in the towel and stop being an insurance agent? We’ve been there! But, before you do anything you might regret, listen to this episode.   The latest from Ritter’s Blog:   How You Can Sell Insurance in Your State During COVID-19 We’ve gathered information regarding your state’s stance on in-person sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as information about applying for unemployment benefits as a self-employed worker. Identifying Ideal Clients for LTCi Who typically purchases long-term care insurance (LTCi) policies? We’ve got your answer. To help you identify ideal clients for LTC insurance policies, we’ve created a profile containing the characteristics of a conventional LTCi buyer. FAQs About AHIP Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, completing the annual AHIP certification is important for licensed insurance agents selling Medicare plans. We answer some frequently asked questions about AHIP certification.   Subscribe & Follow:   Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Podbean Spotify Stitcher   Connect on social:   Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn  

  Looking for 2021 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D agent certification and product training details? Find out how to get carrier AHIP, Medicare Advantage certification, Part D certification, and product training details in one convenient place!   Read the text version.   Mentioned in this episode:   FAQs About AHIP Four Reasons Why Ritter Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency Learn More About Medicareful Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing Ritter’s Certification Center What is AHIP and Why Do You Need It?   More episodes you’ll like:   July 3, 2020 | The Friday Five The Friday Five for July 3, 2020: HHS and the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency; Anthem releases update to Alexa Skill; CVS launches platform to aid reopening efforts; How to cope with stress and anxiety right now; and Changes to Google Photos back up process AHIP Test Tips & Tricks for Medicare Certification Learn the rules for taking the AHIP test, information on discounts and reimbursement, how to prepare yourself, test-taking tips, legit tech hacks, and more! Before you begin your first attempt at AHIP certification, be sure to listen to this ASG Podcast episode! How to Recruit Insurance Agents to Your Downline Want to build a successful downline for your insurance business? Don’t miss our best practices for recruiting agents to your agency! And be sure to check out the show notes for a link to grab your copy of our eBook – Developing an Agency – Your Guide to Getting Started. How to Sell Medicare Advantage Plans – FREE Guide Get ready to find out what selling Medicare Advantage is all about! Whether you’re already an insurance agent selling Medicare or you’re transitioning to MA sales, we want to help you build your career. Our eBook is packed with information on Medicare Advantage – certification, contracting, sales pitches, cross-selling tips, training, marketing, and more! Wondering who qualifies for MA plans or when you can enroll your clients? We answer those questions, and give you an AEP Ready-to-Sell Checklist, FAQs on AHIP, and info on enrolling clients online with Medicareful. Download your copy of our FREE eBook today! The Survivor’s AEP Checklist Prepare for AEP with the Agent Survival Guide! The Annual Enrollment Period will be here before we know it! Use our checklist to plan ahead, and you'll be "ready-to-sell" with plenty of time to spare.   The latest from Ritter’s Blog:   How to Check for Your First Looks The moment when carrier First Looks become available is a very exciting time for insurance agents! It can put a spring in your step and help you get in the mood for the upcoming Annual Enrollment Period! 2021 Maximum Broker Commissions for Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D Ritter has everything you need to know about 2021 maximum broker commissions for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D initial enrollments. Note: Insurance providers are NOT REQUIRED to pay the maximum commission rate. Reassuring Clients During Difficult Times During times of uncertainty, like the COVID-19 pandemic, it is likely that your clients will look to you for reassurance, and answers. Are you prepared to provide the support they are seeking?   Subscribe & Follow:   Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Podbean Spotify Stitcher   Connect on social:   Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn  

  How do you calculate the amount of life insurance your client needs? We outline three methods insurance agents can use to find the right amount of coverage.   Read the text version.   Mentioned in this episode:   4 Steps to Every Final Expense Sale How to Make the Most of Life Insurance Awareness Month When to Recommend Life Insurance Based on Its Tax Advantages   More episodes you’ll like:   5 Life Insurance Myths Your Clients May Believe Do your clients truly understand life insurance? We debunk five myths your clients may use as objections to purchasing a policy. Learn how to handle these objections and make the sale! Identifying Ideal Clients for Universal Life Insurance Products Is universal life insurance a good fit for your clients? In this episode, we cover the ideal clients for each type of universal life product – guaranteed (GUL), index (IUL), and traditional (UL). The Increasing Value of Combining Life and LTC Insurance Do linked-benefit Life/LTC insurance products have a place in your portfolio? Find out why the market is ripe for these types of plans right now!   The latest from Ritter’s Blog:   2021 Medicare Advantage & Part D Certification Info Medicare agent certification and product training details for 2021 are being released! Luckily, you can find many carriers’ AHIP, Medicare Advantage certification, Part D certification, and product training details in one place. How to Check for Your First Looks The moment when carrier First Looks become available is a very exciting time for insurance agents! It can put a spring in your step and help you get in the mood for the upcoming Annual Enrollment Period! 2021 Maximum Broker Commissions for Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D Ritter has everything you need to know about 2021 maximum broker commissions for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D initial enrollments. Note: Insurance providers are NOT REQUIRED to pay the maximum commission rate.   Subscribe & Follow:   Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Podbean Spotify Stitcher   Connect on social:   Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn