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

The Friday Five for August 21, 2026:
Register to Attend Ritter Summits
Apple Devices Rumored for Fall 2026
Spotify Announces PlayList Notes
Journaling for Personal Development
MyChart Medicare Kit Scam
 
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.
 
Field Notes:
2027 Medicare Advantage & Part D Certification
Certification Center on Ritter Docs
Register to Attend a Ritter Insurance Marketing Summit Near You!
 
Apple Devices Rumored for Fall 2026:
Christoffel, Ryan. “Apple has eight new products to unveil at September event: report.” 9to5mac.com, 9 to 5 Mac, 10 Aug 2026, https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/10/apple-has-eight-new-products-to-unveil-at-september-event-report/.
Bonifield, Stevie. “It looks like Apple’s iPhone 18 really will skip the fall launch this year.” Theverge.com, The Verge, 12 Aug. 2026, https://www.theverge.com/tech/979231/apple-base-iphone-18-launch-delayed.
Clover, Juli. “What’s Coming in September: New iPhones, Apple Watches and More.” Macrumors.com, Mac Rumors, 13 Aug. 2026, https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/13/apple-september-announcement-rumors/.
 
Spotify Announces Playlist Notes:
Spotify Gets More Personal With Playlist Notes. Newsroom.spotify.com, Spotify For the Record, 17 Aug. 2026, https://newsroom.spotify.com/2026-08-17/playlist-notes-editors-listeners/.
 
Journaling for Personal Development:
“8 Questions to Shape Your Day with Intention and Focus.” carterfowlercreative.com, Carter Fowler Creative, https://www.carterfowlercreative.com/post/productivity-journal-prompts, Accessed 18 August. 2026.
Sanders, Bryce. “10 Principles of Time Management for Advisors.” Thinkadvisor.com, Think Advisor, 12 Aug. 2026, https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2026/08/12/10-principles-of-time-management-for-advisors/.
“Getting Started with a Bullet Journal.” Beingboss.club, Being Boss, 9 May 2026, https://beingboss.club/articles/getting-started-bullet-journal.
“Why Every Business Leader Should Start Journaling Today.” Yfsmagazine.com, YFS Magazine, 22 Sep. 2025, https://yfsmagazine.com/2025/09/22/business-leader-journaling/.
 
MyChart Medicare Kit Scam:
Bruce, Giles. “7 health systems warn of MyChart ‘Medicare Kit’ scam.” Beckershospitalreview.com, Becker’s Hospital Review, 13 Aug. 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/healthcare-information-technology/cybersecurity/7-health-systems-warn-of-mychart-medicare-kit-scam/.
“Alert: Beware of Fraudulent MyChart Emails.” Southeasthealth.org, Southeast Health, https://www.southeasthealth.org/alert-beware-of-fraudulent-mychart-emails/, accessed 18 Aug. 2026.
“Cass Health Warns Patients of MyChart Phishing Scam.” Casshealth.org, Cass Health, 10 Aug. 2026, https://www.casshealth.org/2026/08/cass-health-warns-patients-of-mychart-phishing-scam/.
Content Library – Identifying Scams and How to Protect Yourself
“How do I protect myself from MyChart scams and fraud?” mychart.org, MyChart, https://www.mychart.org/l/en-us/help/staying-safe-from-scams-and-fraud/, accessed 17 Aug. 2026.
“MyChart Phishing Scam Warning.” Metrohealth.org, Metro Health, https://www.metrohealth.org/en/mychart/mychart-phishing-scam-warning/, accessed 17 Aug. 2026.
“MyChart Security Alert.” Methodisthealthsystem, Methodist Health System, https://www.methodisthealthsystem.org/mychart-security-alert, accessed 17 Aug. 2026.
Bruce, Giles. “Sentara warns of ‘MyChart Medicare Kit’ scam.” Beckershospitalreview.com, Becker’s Hospital Review, 12 Aug. 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/healthcare-information-technology/cybersecurity/sentara-warns-of-mychart-medicare-kit-scam/.
Berceau, Trevor. “Staying Safe from Scams and Fraud.” Mychart.org, MyChart, 27 Jul. 2026, https://www.mychart.org/l/en-us/news/staying-safe-from-scams-and-fraud/.
 
Resources:
2027 ACA & Medicare Cost Projections
5 More Ways to Generate Medicare Leads
Marketplace Training Resources for Health Insurance Agents
New CMS Identity Proofing & Agent Authorization Rules
Turning Life Changes into Sales Opportunities
 
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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 insurance business moves fast, so the best time to start building trust is before your services are needed. A great example of this is a Turning 65 Seminar, where you cover what client need to know when becoming Medicare-eligible. In this episode of the Agent Survival Guide Podcast, we cover the how you can effectively plan and hold a T65 event on any budget.
 
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:
Community-Based Marketing for Insurance Agents
Insurance Agents as TPMOs: What CMS Compliance Regulations Mean for You
Ritter’s Preferred Partners
Rules for Hosting a Compliant Medicare Educational Event
Shop RitterIM
 
References:
Dunys, Laurent. “The Complete Guide to Creating a Budget for an Event.” Eventtia, 20 June 2025, www.eventtia.com/the-complete-guide-to-creating-a-budget-for-an-event/.
“Ritter Insurance Marketing - Unforgettable Marketing for Insurance Agents.” Remindermedia, remindermedia.com/ritter-insurance/. Accessed 14 July 2026.
Financial Seminar Services, www.financialseminarservices.com/. Accessed 14 July 2026.
 
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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.

Misconceptions about insurance can sometimes get in the way of both the agent selling the plans and the client who is browsing the insurance market. In this episode of the Agent Survival Guide Podcast, we’re here to help you decode the facts from the fiction.
 
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:
2027 Maximum Broker Commissions for Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D
How Ask Integrity Can Streamline Your Medicare Sales Appointments
How Medicare Helps Your Clients Stay Healthy
IntegrityCONNECT
PlanEnroll
Ready to Join an FMO? 10 Things to Consider
Ritter Can Help You Stay in Touch with Your Clients
Ritter Insurance Marketing homepage
What Is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It?
 
References:
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2026, March 26). Agent broker compensation. CMS.gov. https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/managed-care-marketing/medicare-marketing-guidelines/agent-broker-compensation
Medicare Rights Center. (2025, March 28). Medicare eligibility for those under 65 - medicare interactive. Medicare Interactive. https://www.medicareinteractive.org/understanding-medicare/the-basics/medicare-eligibility-overview/medicare-eligibility-for-those-under-65
National Archives and Records Administration. (2026a, July 16). 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. (2026b, July 16). Part D communication requirements. Code of Federal Regulations. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-423/subpart-V
U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Avoid late enrollment penalties. Medicare.gov. https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs/avoid-penalties
Wagner, S. (2025, January 28). The U.S. has reached the peak of Peak 65 it’s time to apply retirement readiness lessons from the boomer experience. PR Newswire. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-us-has-reached-the-peak-of-peak-65-its-time-to-apply-retirement-readiness-lessons-from-the-boomer-experience-302360086.html
 
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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 August 14, 2026:
Certification Updates 8/14/2026
New CMS Identity Proofing & Agent Authorization Rules
Mark Zuckerberg’s AI Manifesto
CMS to Remove Xeljanz from Selected Drug List
KFF Study on Medicare Spending Trends
 
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.
 
Certification Updates 8/14/2026:
2027 Medicare Advantage & Part D Certification
Certification Center on Ritter Docs
 
New CMS Identity Proofing & Agent Authorization Rules:
Rosanes, Mark. “CMS tightens ACA broker access rules before open enrollment.” Insurancebusinessmag.com, Insurance Business, 10 Aug. 2026, https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/benefits/cms-tightens-aca-broker-access-rules-before-open-enrollment-585514.aspx.
“EDE Change Request (CR) 109: Identity Proofing and Agent/Broker Authorization.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 3 Aug. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/marketplace/agents-brokers/files/ede-identity-proofing-agent-broker-authorization-faqs.pdf.
 
Mark Zuckerburg’s AI Manifesto:
Zuckerberg, Mark. “The Future is for Everyone.” Meta.com, Meta, https://www.meta.com/thefutureisforeveryone/ Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.
 
CMS to Remove Xeljanz from Selected Drug List:
“Removal of Xeljanz; Xeljanz XR from the Selected Drug List Effective January 1, 2029.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 28 Jul. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/about-cms/information-systems/hpms/hpms-memos-archive-weekly/hpms-memos-wk-5-july-27-31.
 
KFF Study on Medicare Spending Trends:
“The Facts About Medicare Spending.” KFF.org, KFF, 4 Aug. 2026, https://www.kff.org/medicare/the-facts-about-medicare-spending/.
 
Resources:
2027 ACA & Medicare Cost Projections
5 Myths About Selling ACA Health Insurance Plans
Finding Opportunity Despite Medicare & ACA Market Challenges
Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Updates, CMS Appeals & CE Credits
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
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

In this episode of the Agent Survival Guide podcast, we teach agents five unique ways to help them find new clients in the insurance world. While most agents would think of your typical ways to find new sales, we’re teaching them how to make waves and stand out in the crowd.
 
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:
Affinity Partnerships for Insurance Agents
IntegrityCONNECT
IntegrityCONNECT Leads
Ritter Insurance Marketing Content Library
Ritter & ReminderMedia Partnership Offers Agents Insurance Marketing Solutions
ShopRitterIM
What to Know About SOAs in Medicare Health and Prescription Drug Plan Sales
 
References:
Custom ink. CustomInk. (n.d.). https://www.customink.com/
Forman-Katz, N. (2023, August 17). Key facts about the US radio industry and its listeners for National Radio Day. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/08/17/for-national-radio-day-key-facts-about-radio-listeners-and-the-radio-industry-in-the-us/
Joshi, V. (2024, August 22). Council post: The power of generosity: How giving back drives business growth. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/08/22/the-power-of-generosity-how-giving-back-drives-business-growth/
Lamar Advertising. (n.d.). Lamar Advertising. Billboard Advertising. https://lamar.com/en/products/billboards
Planenroll. PlanEnroll. (n.d.). https://www.planenroll.com/
Vistaprint. VistaPrint. (n.d.). https://www.vistaprint.com/signs-posters/yard-signs
 
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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.

Now that you’ve completed your FFM certification, what’s next? Continue your learning with our list of resources! Launch into ACA sales by increasing your knowledge of the marketplace. In this episode, we’ll teach you what you need to know about selling Affordable Care Act 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!
💌 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
Community Engagement & ACA Marketing Ideas for Agents
How to Become Certified for ACA Marketplace Sales with Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) Training
Ritter Insurance Marketing Events
Ritter Insurance Marketing Knight School
Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team
Simplify Marketplace Enrollments with HealthSherpa
The State of the ACA Market in 2026
What the Stay on 2025 ACA Final Rule Changes Means
 
References:
ACA quoting and enrollment platform - healthsherpa. HealthSherpa. (n.d.). https://www.healthsherpa.com/agents/features/agencies  
AHIP homepage. AHIP. (n.d.-a). https://www.ahip.org/  
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. (n.d.). Homepage. cbpp.org. https://www.cbpp.org/  
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. (n.d.-a). Home page - beyond the basics. Beyond the Basics. https://www.healthreformbeyondthebasics.org/  
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. (n.d.-b). Special enrollment periods (SEP) reference chart - beyond the basics. Beyond the Basics. https://www.healthreformbeyondthebasics.org/sep-reference-chart/  
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. (n.d.-c). Yearly income guidelines and thresholds - beyond the basics. Beyond the Basics. https://www.healthreformbeyondthebasics.org/reference-guide-yearly-thresholds/  
Health Insurance Exchanges and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) - ahip. AHIP. (n.d.-b). https://www.ahip.org/courses/health-insurance-exchanges-and-the-affordable-care-act-aca
Welcome to the Health Insurance Marketplace®. healthcare.gov. (n.d.). https://www.healthcare.gov/  
 
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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 August 7, 2026:
ACA 2027 Certification Updates
CY2027 ACA Premium Rate Filings So Far
CMS 2027 Medicare Part D Bid Information
2027 Medicare Part B Cost Projections
2027 COLA Estimate
 
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.
 
ACA 2027 Certification Updates:
Ritter Insurance Marketing Certification Center (for all things certification!)
 
CY2027 ACA Premium Rate Filings So Far:
McGough, Matt, et al. “How Much and Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Going Up in 2027.” KFF.Org, KFF, 4 Aug. 2026, www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/how-much-and-why-aca-marketplace-premiums-are-going-up-in-2027/.
 
CMS 2027 Medicare Part D Bid Information:
“2026 Medicare Part D Bid Information and Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration Parameters.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 28 Jul. 2025, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-part-d-bid-information-and-part-d-premium-stabilization-demonstration-parameters.
Minemyer, Paige. “CMS ending Medicare Part D subsidy program.” Fiercehealthcare, Fierce Healthcare, 29 Jul. 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/cms-ending-medicare-part-d-subsidy-program.
“Medicare Part D 2027 National Average Monthly Bid Amount Information.” cms.org, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 28 Jul. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-part-d-2027-national-average-monthly-bid-amount-information.
 
2027 Medicare Part B Cost Projections
“2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles” cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 14 Nov. 2025, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-parts-b-premiums-deductibles.
“2026 Annual Report of the Boards of Trustees of the Federal Hospital Insurance and Federal Supplement Medical Insurance Trust Funds.” Cms.org, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 9 Jun. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/oact/tr/2026.
LeValley, Donna. “Medicare 2027 Projections: Here’s How Much Your Monthly Premiums Are Estimated to Rise.” Kiplinger.com, Kiplinger, https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/medicare/medicare-2027-how-much-premiums-are-set-to-rise, Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.
Blake, Suzanne. “Medicare Update: New Estimate of How Much Premiums Will Increase.” Newsweek.com, Newsweek, 28 Jul. 2026, https://www.newsweek.com/medicare-update-new-estimate-of-how-much-premiums-will-increase-12256344.
 
2027 COLA Estimate:
Shesgreen, Deidre. “Social Security COLA 2027: An Early Look at How Much Payments Could Increase” aarp.org, AARP, 14 Jul. 2026, https://www.aarp.org/social-security/cola-2027-increase-estimate/.
 
Resources:
Finding Opportunity Despite Medicare & ACA Market Challenges
Insurance Agents Can Generate More Leads with a Referral Marketing Strategy
Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Updates, CMS Appeals & CE Credits
Real Sales Expectations for Insurance Agents
Turning Life Changes into Sales Opportunities ft. Bobby Nerem & Danica Stover
 
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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.

If you're thinking about becoming an insurance agent, you may be thinking about what can come along with the career change? What are some of the perks you might discover, and what downsides could sneak up on you? in this episode of The Agent Survival Guide Podcast, we help you weigh the good of becoming an insurance agent against the bad.
  
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:
5 Perks of Being a Part-Time Insurance Agent
5 Reasons Why Ritter Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency
2027 Maximum Broker Commissions for Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D
Diversify Your Insurance Portfolio & Reap Real Rewards
Get Access to Exclusive Leads When You Become a PlanEnroll Network Agent
Get Your ACA Insurance Sales Contracts Here — Recommendations for 2026
How Insurance FMOs Work
How Much Can Agents Make Selling Under-65 Insurance?
How Much Can Insurance Agents Make Selling Medicare?
How Professional Organizations Make You a Better Agent
Interview: Relationship Marketing Strategies for Insurance Agents
The Advantages of Being a Field vs. Call Center Insurance Agent
Why Trust Is an Insurance Agent's Most Important Non-Renewable Resource
Your Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Started in Insurance Sales
 
References:
Cubanski, J. (2025, October 7). A current snapshot of the medicare part D prescription drug benefit | KFF. KFF. https://www.kff.org/medicare/a-current-snapshot-of-the-medicare-part-d-prescription-drug-benefit/
Marketplace 2025 open enrollment period report: National snapshot | CMS. CMS.gov. (2025, January 17). https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/marketplace-2025-open-enrollment-period-report-national-snapshot-2
Marketplace 2026 open enrollment period report: National snapshot | CMS. CMS.gov. (2026, January 12). https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/marketplace-2026-open-enrollment-period-report-national-snapshot-0
Rosanes, M. (2024, January 22). Want to build a career selling insurance? here are the pros and Cons | Insurance Business. Insurance Business. https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/guides/want-to-build-a-career-selling-insurance-here-are-the-pros-and-cons-473774.aspx
 
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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.

Heard any of these myths about selling ACA plans? We’re debunking the rumors and delivering facts on ACA insurance sales. Listen as we set the record straight here on the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
 
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:
6 Reasons Insurance Agencies Selling Medicare Products Should Sell ACA
8 Reasons Why Insurance Agents Should Sell ACA Plans
ACA 101: Selling Under-65 Health Insurance
FAQs About ACA Certification and Training
FAQs About Selling On-Exchange & Off-Exchange Under-65 Plans
How Much Can Agents Make Selling Under-65 Insurance?
How to Become Certified for ACA Marketplace Sales with Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) Training
Meet Your Sales Team
Ritter Insurance Marketing Blog
Simplify Marketplace Enrollments with HealthSherpa
 
References:
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2024, December 11). General Resources | CMS. CMS.gov. https://www.cms.gov/marketplace/agents-brokers/general-resources
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). FAQs for Marketplace Agents and Brokers. CMS.gov. https://www.agentbrokerfaq.cms.gov/s/
Health Insurance Marketplace. (n.d.-a). Immigrants. healthcare.gov. https://www.healthcare.gov/immigrants/immigration-status/
Health Insurance Marketplace. (n.d.-b). Medicare and the Marketplace. healthcare.gov. https://www.healthcare.gov/medicare/medicare-and-the-marketplace/
Health Insurance Marketplace. (n.d.-c). The Marketplace in your state. healthcare.gov. https://www.healthcare.gov/marketplace-in-your-state/
Health Insurance Marketplace. (n.d.-d). Welcome to the Health Insurance Marketplace® | healthcare.gov. healthcare.gov. https://www.healthcare.gov/
Home | The Senate Democratic Caucus. (n.d.). https://www.democrats.senate.gov/
IRS. (2025, November 5). Eligibility for the Premium Tax Credit. irs.gov. https://www.irs.gov/affordable-care-act/individuals-and-families/eligibility-for-the-premium-tax-credit
 
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.

Life stage changes bring opportunities to talk with your clients about their coverage. Bobby Nerem and Danica Stover explain how leveraging this strategy adds real value to client interactions. Even better? They explain how naturally agents can cross-sell both life and under-65 health insurance through every stage of life.
 
Visit the Life & Annuities Resource Center
 
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:
Annuity Training (LARC)
Fact-Finder PDF Download
Life and Annuity Resource Center (LARC)
Life Insurance for Each of Life’s Stages
Life Training (LARC)
 
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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 July 31, 2026:
RegEd CE Courses Available on IntegrityCONNECT
Fresh Take on Social Platforms: ThingsBook
Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Reminder
CMS Files Appeal to Clover Decision
CMS & HHS File Expedited Appeal to Colombus I
 
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.
 
RegEd CE Courses Available on IntegrityCONNECT:
Learn More About IntegrityCONNECT
MyBenefits in IntegrityCONNECT
 
Fresh Take on Social Platforms: ThingsBook:
ThingsBook for iPhone
 
Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Reminder:
“Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Expectations and FAQs.” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 10 June 2026, www.cms.gov/files/document/medicare-glp-1-bridge-expectations-faqs.pdf.
 
CMS Files Appeal to Clover Decision:
Minemyer, Paige. “CMS appeals court decision behind 2026 MA star ratings recalculations.” Fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 22 Jul 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/cms-appeals-court-decision-behind-2026-ma-star-ratings-recalculations.
Kerfoot, Jenn. “Part XI: Star Rating Lawsuits & The Battle in the Courtroom and The Battle Against the Clock.” LinkedIn, Jenn Kerfoot, 27 July 2026, www.linkedin.com/pulse/part-xi-star-rating-lawsuits-battle-courtroom-against-jenn-kerfoot-pmswc/.
 
CMS & HHS File Expedited Appeal to Colombus I:
City of Colombus vs. RFK, Jr. Consent Motion to Expedite Appeal, litigationtracker.law.georgetown.edu, Georgetown Law Litigation Tracker, https://litigationtracker.law.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/City-of-Columbus_2026.07.22_DEFENDANTS-MOTION-TO-EXPEDITE-3.pdf, Accessed 27 Jul 2026.
Casolo, Elizabeth. “HHS Appeals Decision Vacating Provisions of 2025 ACA Marketplace Rule.” Beckerspayer.Com, Becker’s Payer Issues, 24 July 2026, www.beckerspayer.com/payer/aca/hhs-appeals-decision-vacating-provisions-of-2025-aca-marketplace-rule/.
Minemyer, Paige. “HHS appeals vacatur of 2025 ACA program integrity rule.” Fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 23 Jul 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/judge-tosses-multiple-provisions-cms-2025-aca-program-integrity-rule.
“Updated Statement Regarding the Failure to File and Reconcile Requirement for Plan Years 2026-2027.” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 27 July 2026, www.cms.gov/files/document/ftr-requirement-py26-27-statement.pdf.
 
Resources:
Federal Judge Vacates Several CMS ACA Provisions
Finding Opportunity Despite Medicare & ACA Market Challenges
Navigate Medicare Drug and Durable Medical Equipment Coverage for Diabetes
 
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.

After becoming an insurance agent, there might be some difficulty deciding what types of insurance to sell. In this episode, we break down the positives of selling Medicare insurance and what makes the market so fulfilling!
 
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: 
5 Reasons Why Ritter Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency
5 Steps to Selling Cancer Insurance
8 Powerful Practices for Selling Prescription Drug Plans
2027 Medicare Advantage & Part D Certification Info
Boost Business Selling Hospital Indemnity Insurance
Dental, Vision, and Hearing Insurance Sales: How, Who, and Why
Do's and Don'ts of Medicare Compliance
Getting Started Selling Medicare Supplements
How Much Money Can Agents Make Selling Ancillary Health Insurance?
How to Approach Selling Final Expense Insurance
IntegrityCONNECT Leads
Ritter Insurance Marketing Carriers
Save Time. Sell More.
Selling Ancillary Products
Selling Long-Term Care Insurance
SNPs: The Secret to Surviving Lock-in
There's More to Life Insurance Than Just a Policy
Understanding Medicare Advantage
 
References:
Freed, M., Fuglesten Biniek, J., Damico, A., Ochieng, N., & Neuman, T. (2026, June 5). Medicare advantage in 2026: Enrollment update and key trends. KFF. https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-in-2026-enrollment-update-and-key-trends/
Integrity. (2026, May 29). 2026 Medicare Age-In Study. Deft Research. https://deftresearch.com/2026-medicare-age-in-study/
Kaplan, S. (2024, July). America is unprepared to support its growing older adult population. Syracuse University. https://www.maxwell.syr.edu/research/lerner-center/population-health-research-brief-series/article/america-is-unprepared-to-meet-the-needs-of-its-growing-older-adult-population
Kroll, M. M. (2024, November 1). Generation X... “The forgotten generation.” University of New Hampshire. https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2024/11/generation-x-forgotten-generation
Medicare Marketing Guidelines. CMS.gov. (2024, September 10). https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/managed-care-marketing/medicare-guidelines
 
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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.

Referrals are a powerful lead generating tool, especially for insurance agents! Find out more in this explainer on referral marketing how to implement this strategy into your insurance business.
 
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:
How Insurance Agents Can Learn About Their Social Media Audiences
INtegrityCONNECT
Ritter Blog
ShopRitterIM
The Insurance Agent’s Guide to Establishing Successful Affinity Partnerships
Where It All Begins: Obtaining Permission to Contact for Medicare Sales
Why Trust Is an Insurance Agent's Most Important Non-Renewable Resource
 
References:
Canva
Medicare Marketing Guidelines | CMS. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2024, October 9). https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/managed-care-marketing/medicare-guidelines
Microsoft Word
 
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.

Out-of-pocket exposure is an important component in Medicare coverage conversations. In this episode, learn which costs factor into the OOP equation and help your clients make more educated decisions.
 
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:
8 Powerful Practices for Selling Prescription Drug Plans
2026 Medicare Part A & B Premiums & Deductibles
Are You Offering Multiple LTC Insurance Options?
Dental, Vision, and Hearing Insurance Sales: How, Who, and Why
Getting Started Selling Medicare Supplements
How to Save Beneficiaries Money on Prescription Drugs at a Preferred Pharmacy
Take Your Business to the Next Level
What’s Inside The Complete Guide on How to Sell Prescription Drug Plans?
 
References:
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) coverage. Medicare.gov. (n.d.). https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/durable-medical-equipment-dme-coverage
Ochieng, N., Cubanski, J., Neuman, T., & Damico, A. (n.d.). Health costs consume a large portion of income for millions of people with Medicare | KFF. https://www.kff.org/medicare/health-costs-consume-a-large-portion-of-income-for-millions-of-people-with-medicare/  
 
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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 your client has diabetes, what does (and doesn’t) Medicare cover? We talk about how diabetes treatments, supplies, and services are covered by the different parts of Medicare so you can help your clients know what to expect.
 
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:
Content Library: How Does Medicare Insurance Cover Diabetes?
Does Medicare Cover Durable Medical Equipment? A Guide for Agents
How Ask Integrity Can Streamline Your Medicare Sales Appointments
How Medicare Helps Your Clients Stay Healthy
The Advisor Approach: Cross-Selling by Fact-Finding
The Beginner’s Guide to C-SNPs
The Guide to Prospecting and Selling C-SNPS
Request Your Portfolio Review from Ritter Insurance Marketing
Save Time. Sell More with IntegrityCONNECT
What the Inflation Reduction Act Means for Your Medicare & ACA Clients
 
References:
“3 Things to Know About Medicare Insulin Costs.” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/publications/12172-3-things-to-know-about-medicare-insulin-costs.pdf. Accessed 9 June 2026.
“Can I Get a Medigap Plan If I Have Diabetes?” RSS, Sams Hockaday & Associates, www.samshockaday.com/blog/can-i-get-a-medigap-plan-if-i-have-diabetes. Accessed 9 June 2026.
Facing the Diabetes Cost Crisis: A Guide for Employers, American Diabetes Association, diabetes.org/sites/default/files/2024-10/Facing-Diabetes-Costs-Crisis.pdf. Accessed 9 June 2026.
“Insulin.” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/coverage/insulin. Accessed 9 June 2026.
“Medicare Coverage of Diabetes Supplies, Services, & Prevention Programs Booklet” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/publications/11022-medicare-coverage-of-diabetes-supplies-services-and-prevention-programs.pdf. Accessed 9 June 2026.
“Medicare Coverage of Diabetes Supplies Fact Sheet” Medicare Learning Network, Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Feb. 2026, www.cms.gov/files/document/mln7674574-medicare-coverage-diabetes-supplies.pdf.
“Statistics About Diabetes.” Diabetes in America: Prevalence, Statistics, and Economic Impact, American Diabetes Association, diabetes.org/about-diabetes/statistics/about-diabetes. Accessed 9 June 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.