2020-11

  CMS just announced the 2021 Medicare Part A and B premiums and deductibles. Find out what the cost of Medicare will be for your clients in the coming year.   Join the Ritter family!   Mentioned in this episode:   CMS 2021 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles CMS July 2020 Fast Facts Here’s What Medicare Costs in 2021   More episodes you’ll like:   Carriers and Plans Participating in CMS Model to Save Consumers on Insulin Costs Get the scoop on the Part D Senior Savings Model! This new initiative brings major insulin savings to your Medicare clients. They could pay just $35 for a one-month supply of insulin. Learn all the details in this can't miss episode of our Agent Survival Guide Podcast. Examining the Medicare Part B Premium Giveback Lower your clients’ Medicare Advantage costs with the Medicare Part B Premium Giveback! Learn more about how this unique plan benefit works. Halfway Through AEP: Reflect and Renew Your Medicare Sales We've hit the halfway point of AEP! Now is a great time to think about what you're doing well! It's also beneficial to consider what could be improved on to really maximize your sales potential. Listen to learn how to reflect, renew, and re-energize your sales for the remainder of the Annual Enrollment Period. Major Changes Coming to the MA & PDP Market for 2021 Get the details on what's new in the Medicare Advantage and Part D industry for 2021! Learn about the improvements coming to these plans and how your clients will benefit from these changes! Navigating Insurance Sales During the Medicare AEP & COVID AEP is coming and COVID-19 is still here. What does that mean for your Medicare sales and commissions this year? Learn how to pivot your sales strategy and adapt your business to sell Medicare Advantage, Med Supp, and Medicare Part D Prescription plans compliantly during AEP and the pandemic. We're here to help you do it! Note: This episode was updated on November 5, 2020 to include additional information on compliance.   Articles to Share with Your Clients:   Here’s What Medicare Costs in 2021 CMS has announced the 2021 Medicare costs. Check them out so you know what to expect this AEP! How Can a Diagnosis-Related Group Determine Your Care? You may have never heard about a diagnosis-related group (DRG), but they can influence your health care. In fact, they are a critical part of the Medicare program. The Difference Between The Flu and a Cold With cases peaking around the same time, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the flu and a cold. Since one can be much more severe than the other, it's important to know how to tell if you have a cold or the flu.   The latest from Ritter’s Blog:   The Benefits of Joining a Top Insurance FMO If you’re wondering what exactly an FMO is and why you should join one, you’ve come to the right place! We have the answers you’ve been looking for to help you determine if you should join an FMO and how you can benefit from doing so! How to Check Medicare Extra Help Eligibility for Your Client Is your client eligible for the Medicare Extra Help program? You could play a huge role in getting them financial assistance with prescription drug coverage and medications. What are the income limits for Part D Extra Help, and are there Medicare Extra Help look-up tools? How to Build Rapport Selling Insurance Online Or Over the Phone Don’t let social distancing get in the way of your insurance sales! If you’re trying to foster trust with prospects, we’ve got six tips for building rapport over the phone or online, fast.   Subscribe & Follow:   Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Podbean Spotify Stitcher   Connect on social:   Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn  

  We've hit the halfway point of AEP! Now is a great time to think about what you're doing well! It's also beneficial to consider what could be improved on to really maximize your sales potential. Listen to learn how to reflect, renew, and re-energize your sales for the remainder of the Annual Enrollment Period.   Read the text version.   Mentioned in this episode:   4 Tips for Making a Better Insurance Pitch Finish Work Faster Using e-Apps How Client Retention Boosts Insurance Sales How to Follow up with Medicare Clients Compliantly Learn More About Medicareful Meet the Ritter Sales Team! Methods to Boost Your Medicare Business Online Contracting with Ritter Organization Tips and Tricks for AEP Rules for Hosting a Compliant Medicare Educational Event Rules for Hosting a Compliant Medicare Sales Event See What Lady Gaga’s Meat Dress Looks Like Now – 5 Years Later Senior Speak: Talking to Medicare Clients Age 65 and Older Stress Relief Tips to Get You Through AEP The Hidden Value of Selling Medicare Supplements During AEP The Ritter Platform Launches 3 New Tools and Shared Client Records What Seniors Value Most in an MA Plan Why Do People Buy Brand Names?   More episodes you’ll like:   November 6, 2020 | The Friday Five KFF first looks on Part D and Medicare Advantage for 2021, preparing for an uncertain future; how to be brave and put yourself out there; detecting the “COVID cough”; and ways to repurpose your old smartphone. 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. How to Survive AEP: Wellness Tips for Insurance Agents Keep your cool this AEP with tips from our Agent Survival Guide team. We’ll help you navigate through the Annual Enrollment Period and practice good self-care, too!   Articles to Share with Your Clients:   4 Health Benefits You Get From Your Favorite Book Not only can reading help you unwind, it makes you smarter, slows brain-aging, and can even help fight Alzheimer’s! Maybe it’s time to visit your local library. Go Outside, It’s Good For You While our homes may be cozy, you'd never guess there are a number of reasons why you'd want to spend time outside. These are the health benefits of being outdoors! The Physical Toll of Excessive Stress Being stressed out isn't fun on its own, but when it becomes chronic, stress can have wide-ranging effects on our health. Here's a few of the most well-supported claims.   The latest from Ritter’s Blog:   The Benefits of Joining a Top Insurance FMO If you’re wondering what exactly an FMO is and why you should join one, you’ve come to the right place! We have the answers you’ve been looking for to help you determine if you should join an FMO and how you can benefit from doing so! How to Check Medicare Extra Help Eligibility for Your Client Is your client eligible for the Medicare Extra Help program? You could play a huge role in getting them financial assistance with prescription drug coverage and medications. What are the income limits for Part D Extra Help, and are there Medicare Extra Help look-up tools? How to Build Rapport Selling Insurance Online Or Over the Phone Don’t let social distancing get in the way of your insurance sales! If you’re trying to foster trust with prospects, we’ve got six tips for building rapport over the phone or online, fast.   Subscribe & Follow:   Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Podbean Spotify Stitcher   Connect on social:   Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn  

  The Friday Five for November 6, 2020: KFF First Looks on Part D and Medicare Advantage for 2021 Preparing for an Uncertain Future How to Be Brave and Put Yourself Out There Detecting the “COVID cough” Ways to Repurpose Your Old Smartphone   Mentioned in this episode:   8 news uses for your old smartphone Algorithm spots ‘Covid cough’ inaudible to humans How to Master The Art of Putting Yourself Out There Medicare Advantage 2021 Spotlight: First Look Medicare Part D: A First Look at Medicare Prescription Drug Plans in 2021 These are the top 5 skills to learn right now, says futurist – and where to find free online courses   More episodes you’ll like:   October 30, 2020 | The Friday Five The Friday Five for October 30, 2020: new tax numbers from IRS for 2021, Walmart sues DOJ, Facebook, Google, Twitter, and Section 230, Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2020, and handling stress During AEP, COVID-19, and an election cycle. 7 Strategies to Prevent Rapid Disenrollments from Medicare Plans Learn how you can prevent rapid disenrollments from Medicare plans! Nothing is more frustrating for insurance agents than a rapid disenrollment. But there are some ways you can make sure this doesn't happen to you. We outline 7 best practices in this can't-miss episode! Carriers and Plans Participating in CMS Model to Save Consumers on Insulin Costs Get the scoop on the Part D Senior Savings Model! This new initiative brings major insulin savings to your Medicare clients. They could pay just $35 for a one-month supply of insulin. Learn all the details in this can't miss episode of our Agent Survival Guide Podcast. Major Changes Coming to the MA & PDP Market for 2021 Get the details on what's new in the Medicare Advantage and Part D industry for 2021! Learn about the improvements coming to these plans and how your clients will benefit from these changes! The Ritter Platform Launches New Drug Cost Estimator and Prefilled Applications Big News! We've added two brand-new features to The Ritter Platform - a Prescription Drug Cost Estimator and Prefilled Applications! Learn more about these new additions and how they can simplify your selling process this AEP.   Articles to Share with Your Clients:   Being Together When You’re Apart Social isolation can be very dangerous for seniors' mental and physical health. What are some ways you can stay connected while practicing social distancing? The Difference Between the Flu and a Cold With cases peaking around the same time, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the flu and a cold. Since one can be much more severe than the other, it's important to know how to tell if you have a cold or the flu. Dishes to Impress Your Friends: Risotto Risotto is a showstopping dish that you can whip out for just yourself or whenever you have friends or family over. Here's how to make this incredible, creamy Italian rice dish.   The latest from Ritter’s Blog:   The Benefits of Joining a Top Insurance FMO If you’re wondering what exactly an FMO is and why you should join one, you’ve come to the right place! We have the answers you’ve been looking for to help you determine if you should join an FMO and how you can benefit from doing so! How to Check Medicare Extra Help Eligibility for Your Client Is your client eligible for the Medicare Extra Help program? You could play a huge role in getting them financial assistance with prescription drug coverage and medications. What are the income limits for Part D Extra Help, and are there Medicare Extra Help look-up tools? How to Build Rapport Selling Insurance Online Or Over the Phone Don’t let social distancing get in the way of your insurance sales! If you’re trying to foster trust with prospects, we’ve got six tips for building rapport over the phone or online, fast.   Subscribe & Follow:   Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Podbean Spotify Stitcher   Connect on social:   Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn  

  Get the scoop on the Part D Senior Savings Model! This new initiative brings major insulin savings to your Medicare clients. They could pay just $35 for a one-month supply of insulin. Learn all the details in this can't miss episode of our Agent Survival Guide Podcast.   Read the text version.   Mentioned in this episode:   CMS Part D Senior Savings Model List of Part D Senior Savings Model Drugs List of Participating Plans in Part D Senior Savings Model   More episodes you’ll like:   October 30, 2020 | The Friday Five The Friday Five for October 30, 2020: new tax numbers from IRS for 2021, Walmart sues DOJ, Facebook, Google, Twitter, and Section 230, Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2020, and handling stress During AEP, COVID-19, and an election cycle. Major Changes Coming to the MA & PDP Market for 2021 Get the details on what's new in the Medicare Advantage and Part D industry for 2021! Learn about the improvements coming to these plans and how your clients will benefit from these changes! The Ritter Platform Launches New Drug Cost Estimator and Prefilled Applications Big News! We've added two brand-new features to The Ritter Platform - a Prescription Drug Cost Estimator and Prefilled Applications! Learn more about these new additions and how they can simplify your selling process this AEP.   Articles to Share with Your Clients:   3 Simple Ways to Lower Your Blood Sugar High blood sugar affects millions of Americans, especially seniors. It may not have to, though. These three tips can be simple to follow and effective in helping you reach a healthier blood glucose level. How Does Medicare Cover Diabetes?Diabetes is a very common condition affecting millions of seniors around the country. Does Medicare cover diabetes treatment or prevention programs? What is Diabetes, and How Can I Prevent or Manage It? Diabetes is one of the most common health conditions facing Americans. What is this condition and how can you prevent it? If you have it, how can you manage it?   The latest from Ritter’s Blog:   How to Check Medicare Extra Help Eligibility for Your Client Is your client eligible for the Medicare Extra Help program? You could play a huge role in getting them financial assistance with prescription drug coverage and medications. What are the income limits for Part D Extra Help, and are there Medicare Extra Help look-up tools? How to Build Rapport Selling Insurance Online Or Over the Phone Don’t let social distancing get in the way of your insurance sales! If you’re trying to foster trust with prospects, we’ve got six tips for building rapport over the phone or online, fast. What Does ‘Ready-to-Sell’ Mean for Medicare Agents You have to be “ready-to-sell” with carriers before the Annual Enrollment Period if you want to sell Medicare products for the upcoming plan year, but what does it mean to be “ready-to-sell” Medicare plans?   Subscribe & Follow:   Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Podbean Spotify Stitcher   Connect on social:   Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn  

  Learn how you can prevent rapid disenrollments from Medicare plans! Nothing is more frustrating for insurance agents than a rapid disenrollment. But there are some ways you can make sure this doesn't happen to you. We outline 7 best practices in this can't-miss episode!   Read the text version.   Mentioned in this episode:   40% of the American middle class face poverty in retirement, study concludes 5 Reasons Clients Switch Medicare Plans During AEP CMS 2019 Medicare Communications and Marketing Guidelines Do’s and Don’ts of Medicare Compliance How to Follow up with Medicare Clients Compliantly How to Save Your Clients Money on Prescription Drugs Is Your Doctor in Your Medicare Plan’s Network? How to Tell Medicare and the High Cost of Prescription Drugs Outbound Education and Verification Calls Your Formulary: Knowing What’s Covered What Seniors Value Most in an MA Plan Why Client Retention Should Be Your Top Priority   More episodes you’ll like:   October 30, 2020 | The Friday Five The Friday Five for October 30, 2020: new tax numbers from IRS for 2021, Walmart sues DOJ, Facebook, Google, Twitter, and Section 230, Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2020, and handling stress During AEP, COVID-19, and an election cycle. Do’s and Don’ts of Medicare Compliance Need a recap on Medicare compliance this AEP? We break down the CMS Medicare Communications and Marketing Guidelines for insurance agents, including new compliance rules for 2021. We’ll go over what’s allowed — and what’s not — in this updated episode of the ASG Podcast. How Client Retention Boosts Insurance Sales Master the art of treating your client as the renewal, not their policy. Learn why building relationships with your current clients is more beneficial (and cost effective!) than courting new ones. Keys to Client Retention: Digital Communication Improving your digital communication skills can benefit your business, but where do you start? Use the tips and resources outlined in this episode of the ASG Podcast!  Staying Compliant Without Compromising Salesmanship If you're feeling overwhelmed by Medicare compliance, then this episode is one you simply must listen to! We've got three easy ways to stay compliant without having to sacrifice time that could be spent selling. Check out our show notes for a special bonus section with links to our compliance resources.   The latest from Ritter’s Blog:   How to Build Rapport Selling Insurance Online Or Over the Phone Don’t let social distancing get in the way of your insurance sales! If you’re trying to foster trust with prospects, we’ve got six tips for building rapport over the phone or online, fast. Rules for Hosting a Compliant Medicare Educational Event While events are often a great way to generate leads, holding Medicare educational events during the COVID pandemic is a legal and ethical grey area. What is allowed at seminars for the 2021 AEP? What Does ‘Ready-to-Sell’ Mean for Medicare Agents You have to be “ready-to-sell” with carriers before the Annual Enrollment Period if you want to sell Medicare products for the upcoming plan year, but what does it mean to be “ready-to-sell” Medicare plans?   Subscribe & Follow:   Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Podbean Spotify Stitcher   Connect on social:   Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn