Agent Survival Guide Podcast
The Friday Five
Episodes
20 hours ago
20 hours ago
The Friday Five for February 21, 2025:
Golden Birthday Cake Oreos Return
Amazon Kindle Update
RFK Jr. Confirmed as HHS Secretary
ACA Navigator Program Funding Cut
Nursing Home Demand Projections
Golden Birthday Cake Oreos Return:
Fink, Bailey. “Oreo Is Releasing 2 New Flavors—and Making One Permanent.” Allrecipes.Com, Allrecipes, 18 Feb. 2025, www.allrecipes.com/oreo-new-cookies-february-2025-11680020.
Bivins, Kenn. “Oreo Just Brought Back a ‘GOAT’ Flavor That Has Fans ‘Beyond Excited.’” Parade.Com, Parade, 19 Feb. 2025, parade.com/food/oreo-golden-birthday-cake-returns-2025.
Robledo, Anthony. “Oreo Reveals New Flavors: Double Chocolate Cakesters and Golden Birthday Cake.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 19 Feb. 2025, www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2025/02/18/oreo-new-flavors/79126601007/.
Amazon Kindle Update:
Liszewski, Andrew. “Amazon’s Killing a Feature That Let You Download and Backup Kindle Books.” Theverge.Com, The Verge, 14 Feb. 2025, www.theverge.com/news/612898/amazon-removing-kindle-book-download-transfer-usb.
“Download Your Kindle Books ASAP - before Amazon Kills This Feature next Week.” Zdnet.Com, ZDNET, 18 Feb. 2025, www.zdnet.com/article/download-your-kindle-books-asap-before-amazon-kills-this-feature-next-week/.
Younker, Scott. “Hurry! Download Your Kindle eBooks before Amazon Won’t Let You Anymore.” Tomsguide.Com, Tom’s Guide, 19 Feb. 2025, www.tomsguide.com/tablets/e-readers/hurry-download-your-kindle-ebooks-before-amazon-wont-let-you-anymore.
Heinzman, Andrew. “Kindle Is Making It Harder to Switch to Rival eReader Brands.” Howtogeek.Com, How-To Geek, 14 Feb. 2025, www.howtogeek.com/kindle-discontinues-download-transfer-via-usb/.
RFK Jr. Confirmed as HHS Secretary:
Simmons-Duffin, Selena. “RFK Jr. Confirmed as Trump’s Health Secretary, over Democrats’ Loud Objections.” Npr.Org, NPR, 13 Feb. 2025, www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/02/13/nx-s1-5294591/rfk-jr-trump-health-human-services-hhs-vaccines.
Weber, Lauren, and Rachel Roubein. “RFK Jr. Confirmed, Elevating Anti-Vaccine Activist to Nation’s Top Health Post.” Washingtonpost.Com, Washington Post, 13 Feb. 2025, www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/02/13/robert-kennedy-hhs-secretary-confirmation-vote/.
Beavins, Emma, and Dave Muoio. “RFK Jr. Sworn in as Head of HHS Following 52-48 Senate Vote.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 13 Feb. 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/senate-confirms-rfk-jr-head-hhs-52-48-vote.
Cueto, Isabella. “Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Confirmed by Senate as U.S. Health Secretary.” Statnews.Com, STAT, 13 Feb. 2025, www.statnews.com/2025/02/13/rfk-jr-confirmed-hhs-secretary-vote-vaccine-critic-to-top-trump-health-official/.
ACA Navigator Program Funding Cut:
Pestaina, Kaye. “A 90% Cut to the ACA Navigator Program.” KFF.Org, KFF, 18 Feb. 2025, www.kff.org/quick-take/a-90-cut-to-the-aca-navigator-program/.
“Biden-Harris Administration Awards $100 Million to Navigators Who Will Help Millions of Americans — Especially in Underserved Communities — Sign Up for Health Coverage.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 26 Aug. 2024, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-awards-100-million-navigators-who-will-help-millions-americans.
“CMS Announcement on Federal Navigator Program Funding.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 14 Feb. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-announcement-federal-navigator-program-funding.
Tong, Noah. “CMS Slashes ACA Navigator Program Funding 90% to $10M.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 14 Feb. 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/cms-slashes-aca-navigator-program-funding-10-million.
Nursing Home Demand Projections:
“CDC WONDER Database.” Wonder.Cdc.Gov, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://wonder.cdc.gov/. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.
Shuman, Taylor. “How Will America’s ‘Silver Tsunami’ Impact Demand for Nursing Homes?” SeniorLiving.Org, SeniorLiving.org, 23 Jan. 2025, www.seniorliving.org/nursing-homes/nursing-home-demand-projections/.
Berger, Chloe. “The Boomer Housing Crisis Is Pacing to Get Even Worse: ‘We’ve Never Had a Population Pyramid That Looks like This.’” Msn.Com, MSN, 12 Feb. 2025, www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/the-boomer-housing-crisis-is-pacing-to-get-even-worse-we-ve-never-had-a-population-pyramid-that-looks-like-this/ar-AA1yUKUG.
“The US Population Is Aging.” Urban.Org, Urban Institute, www.urban.org/policy-centers/cross-center-initiatives/program-retirement-policy/projects/data-warehouse/what-future-holds/us-population-aging. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.
“State Health Facts: Average Number of Certified Nursing Facility Beds.” KFF.Org, KFF, 5 Dec. 2024, https://www.kff.org/other/state-indicator/average-number-of-certified-nursing-facility-beds/.
“State Health Facts: Total Number of Certified Nursing Facilities.” KFF.Org, KFF, 5 Dec. 2024, https://www.kff.org/other/state-indicator/number-of-nursing-facilities/.
Resources:
5 Types of Content to Share on Social Media: https://lnk.to/asgf20250131
Best eBook & Audiobook Apps: https://lnk.to/WsIGZ5
Guidelines for Sharing Personal Beneficiary Data with Other TPMOs: https://lnk.to/asg647
MedicareCENTER FAQs: https://lnk.to/asg645
PlanEnroll FAQs: https://lnk.to/asg646
The Postseason Game Plan for Agents: https://lnk.to/asgf20250214
Follow Us on Social!
Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel
Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
Friday Feb 14, 2025
Friday Feb 14, 2025
The Friday Five for February 14, 2024:
Apple iOS 18.3.1 Updates
Trend Alert: Smart Ankle Watch?
Egg Substitutions for Baking & Protein
Healthcare Regulatory Update (of sorts)
The Postseason Game Plan
Download Your FREE Copy of The Postseason Game Plan Now!
Apple iOS 18.3.1 Updates:
Adorno, José. “IOS 18.3.1 Now Available Ahead of Big Ios 18.4 Upgrade.” Bgr.Com, BGR, 10 Feb. 2025, bgr.com/tech/ios-18-3-1-now-available-ahead-of-big-ios-18-4-upgrade/.
Disotto, John-Anthony. “iOS 18.4 Could Be the Biggest iPhone Upgrade Ever – Here’s Why.” TechRadar.Com, TechRadar, 11 Feb. 2025, www.techradar.com/phones/iphone/ios-18-4-could-be-the-biggest-iphone-upgrade-ever-heres-why.
Phelan, David. “Apple iOS 18.4 Release Date: The Major iPhone Update Is On Its Way.” Forbes.Com, Forbes Magazine, 8 Feb. 2025, www.forbes.com/sites/davidphelan/2025/02/08/apple-ios-184-release-date-the-major-free-iphone-update-is-on-its-way/.
Rossignol, Joe. “iOS 18.4 Will Include These New Features for Your iPhone.” MacRumors.Com, MacRumors, 5 Feb. 2025, www.macrumors.com/2025/02/05/ios-18-4-expected-features/.
Trend Alert: Smart Ankle Watch?
Lovejoy, Ben. “The Five Reasons Some People Wear Their Apple Watch on Their Ankle.” 9to5Mac.Com, 9to5Mac, 10 Feb. 2025, 9to5mac.com/2025/02/10/the-five-reasons-some-people-wear-their-apple-watch-on-their-ankle/.
Skwarecki, Beth. “Why (and How) to Wear Your Apple Watch on Your Ankle.” Lifehacker.Com, Lifehacker, 11 Feb. 2025, lifehacker.com/health/why-and-how-to-wear-an-apple-watch-on-your-ankle.
Heater, Brian. “Tiktok Influencers Are Wearing Apple Watches on Their Ankles.” Techcrunch.Com, TechCrunch, 10 Feb. 2025, techcrunch.com/2025/02/10/tiktok-influencers-are-wearing-apple-watches-on-their-ankles/.
Egg Substitutes for Baking & Protein:
David, Lauren. “8 Egg Substitutes for Cooking and Baking.” Aarp.Org, AARP, 10 Feb. 2025, www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2025/egg-substitutes-cooking-baking.html.
Valente, Lisa. “10 Foods with More Protein Than an Egg.” Eatingwell.Com, EatingWell, 18 Nov. 2024, www.eatingwell.com/article/291485/10-foods-with-more-protein-than-an-egg/.
McDonell, Kayla. “13 Effective Substitutes for Eggs.” Healthline.Com, Healthline Media, 7 Feb. 2024, www.healthline.com/nutrition/egg-substitutes.
Phaneuf, Taryn. “Egg Prices Are Rising Again. Here’s Why They’re So High.” Edited by Laura McMullen, Nerdwallet.Com, NerdWallet, 11 Feb. 2025, www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/why-are-eggs-so-expensive.
Lannon, KJ. “Egg Prices Got You Scrambling? Here’s 3 Substitutes to Use in Your Cake Mix.” Tastingtable.Com, Tasting Table, 10 Feb. 2025, www.tastingtable.com/1780478/egg-substitutes-boxed-cake-mix/.
Healthcare Regulatory Update (of sorts)
Bell, Allison. “10 House GOP Health Program and Tax Change Ideas.” Thinkadvisor.Com, ThinkAdvisor, 24 Jan. 2025, www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/01/24/10-house-gop-health-program-and-tax-change-ideas/.
Muoio, Dave. “Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Shake-up Leaves Medical Debt Reform in Limbo.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 6 Feb. 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/consumer-financial-protection-bureau-shakeup-leaves-medical-debt-reform-limbo.
Muoio, Dave, et al. “Healthcare Lobbying 2025: Here Are the Top Policy Issues for Hospitals, Payers, Docs and Tech.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 12 Feb. 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/healthcare-lobbying-2025-here-are-top-policy-issues-hospitals-payers-docs-and-tech.
The Postseason Game Plan:
https://postseasongameplan.com/
Resources:
5 Types of Content to Share on Social Media: https://lnk.to/asgf20250131
Best Apps for Sports Fans: https://lnk.to/asga78
Guidelines for Sharing Personal Beneficiary Data with Other TPMOs: https://lnk.to/asg647
MedicareCENTER FAQs: https://lnk.to/asg645
PlanEnroll FAQs: https://lnk.to/asg646
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://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel
Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
Friday Feb 07, 2025
Friday Feb 07, 2025
The Friday Five for February 7, 2025:
Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
RFK Jr. HHS Nomination Update
Apple Announces Invites
Tapestry from The IconFactory
2025 Senior Market Symposium
Register for the 2025 Senior Market Symposium!
RFK Jr. HHS Nomination Update:
Halleman, Sydney, et al. “RFK Jr. Clears Key Hurdle on Path to HHS Secretary.” Healthcaredive.Com, Healthcare Dive, 4 Feb. 2025, www.healthcaredive.com/news/rfk-jr-clears-key-hurdle-on-path-to-hhs-secretary/739096/.
Nix, Jessica. “RFK Jr. Clears Senate Committee, Heads to Full Vote to Lead HHS.” Thinkadvisor.Com, ThinkAdvisor, 4 Feb. 2025, www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/02/04/rfk-jr-clears-senate-committee-heads-to-full-vote-to-lead-hhs/.
Diamond, Dan, et al. “RFK Jr. Closes in on HHS Cabinet Post after Senate Panel Vote.” Washingtonpost.Com, Washington Post, 6 Feb. 2025, www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/02/04/rfk-jr-confirmation-committee-vote-hhs-secretary/.
Korecki, Natasha, et al. “Senate Panel Advances RFK Jr.’s Nomination to Be Health Secretary.” NBCNews.Com, NBC Universal News Group, 4 Feb. 2025, www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/senate-panel-advances-rfk-jrs-nomination-health-secretary-rcna190438.
Apple Announces Invites:
Apple Invites: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-invites/id6472498645
Peterson, Jake. “Apple’s New ‘Invites’ App Is Coming for Partiful.” Lifehacker.Com, Lifehacker, 4 Feb. 2025, lifehacker.com/tech/apple-new-invites-app.
Christoffel, Ryan. “Here Are Five Apple Invites Features You Might Have Missed.” 9to5mac.Com, 9to5Mac, 5 Feb. 2025, 9to5mac.com/2025/02/05/here-are-five-apple-invites-features-you-might-have-missed/.
“Introducing Apple Invites, a New App That Brings People Together.” Apple.Com, Apple Newsroom, 4 Feb. 2025, www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/02/introducing-apple-invites-a-new-app-that-brings-people-together/.
Tapestry from The IconFactory:
Perez, Sarah. “A Review of Tapestry, an App Powered by the Growing Open Web.” Techcrunch.Com, TechCrunch, 4 Feb. 2025, techcrunch.com/2025/02/04/a-review-of-tapestry-an-app-powered-by-the-growing-open-web/.
Scott, Steven, and Shaun Preece. “Tapestry Combines Social Media, Podcasts & YouTube in One App.” Spotify, Double Tap Podcast, 4 Feb. 2025, open.spotify.com/episode/6klC52wDtTANVIpBO9AH0O.
Tapestry by Iconfactory: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tapestry-by-iconfactory/id6448078074
Mehta, Ivan. “Team behind Twitterrific Launches a Multi-Feed App Called Tapestry.” Techcrunch.Com, TechCrunch, 4 Feb. 2025, techcrunch.com/2025/02/04/team-behind-twitterrific-launches-a-multi-feed-app-called-tapestry/.
Pierce, David. “The Timeline Apps Are Here, and They’re Awesome.” Theverge.Com, The Verge, 4 Feb. 2025, www.theverge.com/apps/605756/tapestry-reeder-surf-timeline-apps.
Christoffel, Ryan. “Twitterrific Team Launches New ‘Tapestry’ iPhone App for Bluesky, Mastodon, RSS, More.” 9to5mac.Com, 9to5Mac, 4 Feb. 2025, 9to5mac.com/2025/02/04/twitterrific-team-launches-new-iphone-app-tapestry-for-bluesky-mastodon-more/.
2025 Senior Market Symposium:
Register to Attend the 2025 Ritter Insurance Marketing Senior Market Symposium
Resources:
5 Types of Content to Share on Social Media: https://lnk.to/asgf20250131
How to Create a Healthy Balance Between Work and Life: https://lnk.to/asg643
Learning to Delight in the Limelight ft. Linda Ugelow: https://lnk.to/asg644
MedicareCENTER FAQs: https://lnk.to/asg645
PlanEnroll FAQs: https://lnk.to/asg646
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://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel
Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Friday Jan 31, 2025
At a loss for what to post on your business socials? Sarah highlights 5 types of content agents can share on social media – and they’re not all insurance related!
Resources:
5 Marketing Podcasts to Follow: https://lnk.to/asg638
Boost Sales and Productivity with Our Medicare Sales Planner: https://ritterim.com/blog/boost-sales-and-productivity-with-our-medicare-sales-planner
How to Create a Healthy Balance Between Work and Life: https://lnk.to/asg643
Learning to Delight in the Limelight ft. Linda Ugelow: https://lnk.to/asg644
Marketing Trends for 2025: https://lnk.to/asg639
Setting SMART Goals in 2025: https://lnk.to/asgf20250103
Stay Organized with the Busy ACA Agent’s Sales Calendar: https://ritterim.com/blog/stay-organized-with-the-busy-aca-agents-sales-calendar/
References:
Pierre, Yasmin. “Social Media Holiday Calendar 2025.” Brandwatch.Com, Brandwatch, 5 Dec. 2024, www.brandwatch.com/blog/social-media-holiday-calendar/.
“Your Ultimate Social Media Calendar Guide for 2025.” Theblogsocial.Com, The Blog Social, 7 Nov. 2024, www.theblogsocial.com/social-media-calendar-guide-2025/.
Marino, Susie. “The Big List of 500+ Social Media Holidays for Every Month of 2025.” Localiq.Com, Local IQ, 11 Dec. 2024, localiq.com/blog/social-media-holidays/.
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://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel
Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Friday Jan 24, 2025
The Friday Five for January 24, 2025:
Regulatory Freeze
TikTok Ban Update
Instagram Announces Edits
Optimal Ambient Temperature for Seniors
2025 ACA Enrollment Hits All-Time High
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Regulatory Freeze:
Isaac, Mike. “Instagram Debuts New Video-Editing App, as TikTok Deals With a Ban.” Nytimes.Com, The New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025, www.nytimes.com/2025/01/19/technology/instagram-video-app-tiktok-ban.html.
“Regulatory Freeze Pending Review.” Whitehouse.Gov, The United States Government, 20 Jan. 2025, www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/regulatory-freeze-pending-review/.
Treisman, Rachel. “Trump Is Signing a Flurry of Executive Orders. Here’s How Those Work.” Npr.Org, NPR, 21 Jan. 2025, www.npr.org/2025/01/21/nx-s1-5269600/trump-executive-actions-orders-memoranda-proclamation.
TikTok Ban Update:
“Application of Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act to TikTok.” Whitehouse.Gov, The United States Government, 21 Jan. 2025, www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/application-of-protecting-americans-from-foreign-adversary-controlled-applications-act-to-tiktok/.
Duffy, Clare, and David Goldman. “TikTok Is Back Online after Trump Pledged to Restore It.” Cnn.Com, CNN, 20 Jan. 2025, www.cnn.com/2025/01/19/tech/tiktok-ban/index.html.
Allyn, Bobby. “TikTok Is Back Online in the U.S., Following Trump’s Promise to Pause the Ban.” Npr.Org, NPR, 19 Jan. 2025, www.npr.org/2025/01/19/nx-s1-5267568/tiktok-back-online.
Lagatta, Eric. “TikTok Still Not Available on App Stores after Trump’s Executive Order: What We Know.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 22 Jan. 2025, www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2025/01/22/tiktok-ban-download-app-stores-update/77872210007/.
Instagram Announces Edits:
Davis, Wes. “Instagram Announces a Blatant CapCut Clone.” Theverge.Com, The Verge, 19 Jan. 2025, www.theverge.com/2025/1/19/24347358/instagram-edits-capcut-video-app-tiktok-ban.
Schoon, Ben. “Instagram ‘edits’ Coming to Android in February as CapCut Remains Banned.” 9to5google.Com, 9 To 5 Google, 20 Jan. 2025, 9to5google.com/2025/01/20/instagram-edits-app-android-february/.
Optimal Home Temperature for Senior Brain Health:
Pappas, Stephanie. “How Heat Affects the Mind.” Apa.Org, American Psychological Association, 1 June 2024, https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/06/heat-affects-mental-health.
“Home Ambient Temperature and Self-Reported Attention in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.” Pubmed.Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 3 Dec. 2024, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39656181/.
“Indoor Temperatures Affect Cognitive Function in Older Adults.” Neurosciencenews.Com, Neuroscience News, 14 Jan. 2025, neurosciencenews.com/temperature-aging-cognition-28353/.
Thompson, Dennis. “Is Your Home Too Warm for Seniors’ Brain Health?” Healthday.Com, HealthDay, 16 Jan. 2025, www.healthday.com/health-news/senior-health/is-your-home-too-warm-for-seniors-brain-health.
“Scientists Warn: Your Home Temperature Could Be Increasing Your Risk of Cognitive Decline.” SciTechDaily.Com, SciTechDaily, 22 Jan. 2025, scitechdaily.com/scientists-warn-your-home-temperature-could-be-increasing-your-risk-of-cognitive-decline/.
2025 ACA Enrollment Hits All-Time High:
Pifer, Rebecca. “ACA Enrollment Breaks Records Again in 2025.” Healthcaredive.Com, Healthcare Dive, 21 Jan. 2025, www.healthcaredive.com/news/aca-enrollment-2025-record-high-final/737679/.
“Over 24 Million Consumers Selected Affordable Health Coverage in ACA Marketplace for 2025.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 17 Jan. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/over-24-million-consumers-selected-affordable-health-coverage-aca-marketplace-2025.
“State-Based Marketplaces: 2025 Open Enrollment.” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/files/document/state-exchange-oe-chart-py-2025.pdf. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Resources:
5 Business Podcasts to Follow: https://lnk.to/asg636
8 Strategies to Prevent Rapid Disenrollments from Medicare Plans: https://lnk.to/asg641
CMS Draft Legislation for CY 2026: https://lnk.to/asgf20250117
How Relationship Marketing Can Make the Difference in Your Agency: https://lnk.to/asg642
Why Gen Z is a Good Fit for Selling Insurance: https://lnk.to/asg640
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://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel
Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
Friday Jan 17, 2025
Friday Jan 17, 2025
The Friday Five for January 17, 2025:
TikTok Ban & Popular Alternatives
Part D Cost-Sharing
Successor Regulation Rules
Creditable Coverage Determination
MA and Part D Advance Notice
TikTok Ban & Rising Alternatives:
“A Possible Tiktok Ban Is Just Days Away. A List of Other Apps Available.” Apnews.Com, AP News, 14 Jan. 2025, apnews.com/article/tiktok-alternative-social-media-platforms-ban-49af1bfd2a1543a09b327544c380f217.
Rosenblatt, Kalhan. “Chinese TikTok Alternative RedNote Tops App Charts Ahead of Potential TikTok Ban.” NBCNews.Com, NBCUniversal News Group, 14 Jan. 2025, www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/rednote-chinese-tiktok-alternative-tops-app-charts-ahead-ban-rcna187497.
Habeshian, Sareen. “Tiktok Ban Timeline: Here’s Where Things Stand.” Axios.Com, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025, www.axios.com/2025/01/13/tiktok-ban-timeline.
“TikTok Prepares for US Shutdown from Sunday, Sources Say.” Reuters.Com, Reuters, 15 Jan. 2025, www.reuters.com/technology/tiktok-preparing-us-shut-off-sunday-information-reports-2025-01-15/.
CMS Draft CY 2026 Part D Redesign Program:
“CMS Releases Proposed 2026 Payment Policy Updates for Medicare Advantage and Part D Programs.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 10 Jan. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-releases-proposed-2026-payment-policy-updates-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-programs.
“Draft CY 2026 Part D Redesign Program Instructions Fact Sheet.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 10 Jan. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/draft-cy-2026-part-d-redesign-program-instructions-fact-sheet.
“Draft CY 2026 Part D Redesign Program Instructions.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/files/document/draft-cy-2026-part-d-redesign-program-instructions.pdf. Accessed 14 Jan. 2025
“Final CY 2025 Part D Redesign Program Instructions.” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 10 Jan. 2025, www.cms.gov/files/document/final-cy-2025-part-d-redesign-program-instructions.pdf.
CMS 2026 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Advance Notice:
“2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice Fact Sheet.” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/files/document/2025-advance-notice-fact-sheet-and-faq.pdf. Accessed 14 Jan. 2025.
“2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 1 Apr. 2024, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2025-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-rate-announcement.
“2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice Fact Sheet.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 10 Jan. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-advance-notice-fact-sheet.
“Advance Notice of Methodological Changes for Calendar Year (CY) 2026 for Medicare Advantage (MA) Capitation Rates and Part C and Part D Payment Policies.” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 10 Jan. 2025, www.cms.gov/files/document/2026-advance-notice.pdf.
Goldman, Maya. “Biden Proposes $21B Pay Increase for MA Insurers.” Axios.Com, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025, www.axios.com/2025/01/13/biden-proposes-insurer-pay-increase .
Pifer, Rebecca. “CMS Revised Medicare Advantage Star Ratings. Here’s Which Payers Benefited.” Healthcaredive.Com, Healthcare Dive, 9 July 2024, www.healthcaredive.com/news/cms-revised-medicare-advantage-star-ratings-plan-scores/720697/.
Resources:
2025 ACA Enrollment Updates: https://lnk.to/asgf20250110
CMS Announces Part D Savings & 2026 Maximum Fair Prices for First 10 Medicare-Negotiated Drugs: https://lnk.to/BkBrUZ
How to Find Balance Between Life & Work: https://ritterim.com/blog/how-to-find-balance-between-life-and-work/
Instagram Basics for Insurance Agents: https://lnk.to/asg634
The Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage Determination Changes for 2025 or Beyond: https://ritterim.com/blog/the-medicare-part-d-creditable-coverage-determination-changes-for-2025-or-beyond/
Top 5 Apps of 2024: https://lnk.to/QkLB8T
Why Gen Z is a Good Fit for Selling Insurance: https://lnk.to/asg640
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://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel
Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
Friday Jan 10, 2025
Friday Jan 10, 2025
January 10, 2025:
Sarah’s 2025 Goals
Highlights from CES 2025
First HIPAA Update Since 2013
ACA DACA Enrollment Eligibility Update
2025 ACA Enrollment Snapshot #2
Sarah’s 2025 Goals:
Cement City: https://www.cementcity.org/
Highlights from CES 2025:
Carlson, Jeff. “CES 2025: We’re Obsessed With These 28 New Products So Far.” CNET.Com, CNET, 9 Jan. 2025, www.cnet.com/pictures/ces-2025-were-obsessed-with-these-28-new-products-so-far/.
Kastrenakes, Jacob. “CES 2025: All the News, Gadgets, and Surprises.” Theverge.Com, The Verge, 4 Jan. 2025, www.theverge.com/2025/1/4/24307731/ces-2025-tvs-gaming-smart-home-wearables-news.
Halliday AI Glasses: https://hallidayglobal.com/products/reservation
Ortiz, Sabrina. “Halliday Just Unveiled the AI Glasses That Meta, Google and Apple Have Been Trying to Build.” ZDNET.Com, ZDNET, 8 Jan. 2025, www.zdnet.com/article/halliday-just-unveiled-the-ai-glasses-that-meta-google-and-apple-have-been-trying-to-build/.
Mirumi: https://mirumi.ux-xu.com/
Segway Navimov X3 Series: https://navimow.segway.com/uk/product/navimow-x.html
Stolyar, Brenda. “The 31 Best Gadgets From CES 2025 You Can Buy Right Now.” Wired.Com, Conde Nast, 9 Jan. 2025, www.wired.com/story/the-gadgets-from-ces-2025-you-can-buy-right-now/.
Weatherbed, Jess. “These Smart Glasses Have a Tiny Little Screen Hidden in the Frame.” Theverge.Com, The Verge, 6 Jan. 2025, www.theverge.com/2025/1/5/24334030/halliday-smart-glasses-ai-tiny-display-frame-availability-price-ces.
First HIPAA Update Since 2013:
Olsen, Emily. “HHS Proposes HIPAA Update to Boost Healthcare Cybersecurity.” Healthcaredive.Com, Healthcare Dive, 3 Jan. 2025, www.healthcaredive.com/news/hhs-hipaa-security-rule-update-cybersecurity/736451/.
Beavins, Emma. “HHS Proposes New Cybersecurity Requirements as First Major HIPAA Update in 10 Years.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 7 Jan. 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/hhs-proposes-cybersecurity-updates-healthcare-organizations.
“HIPAA Security Rule To Strengthen the Cybersecurity of Electronic Protected Health Information.” Federalregister.Gov, Federal Register, 6 Jan. 2025, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/06/2024-30983/hipaa-security-rule-to-strengthen-the-cybersecurity-of-electronic-protected-health-information.
ACA DACA Enrollment Eligibility Update:
“DACA Eligibility Update.” Khbe.Ky.Gov, Kynect Health Coverage, khbe.ky.gov/Agents-kynectors/Documents/kynector-FAQ.pdf. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.
“HHS Final Rule Clarifying the Eligibility of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Recipients and Certain Other Noncitizens.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 3 May 2024, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/hhs-final-rule-clarifying-eligibility-deferred-action-childhood-arrivals-daca-recipients-and-certain.
“Immigration Status to Qualify for the Marketplace.” HealthCare.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.healthcare.gov/immigrants/immigration-status/. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.
“Kansas et al. v. United States of America et Al..” Litigationtracker.Law.Georgetown.Edu, Georgetown University, 2 Jan. 2025, litigationtracker.law.georgetown.edu/litigation/kansas-et-al-v-united-states-of-america-et-al/.
Pillair, Drishti, and Samantha Artiga. “Overview and Implications of the ACA Marketplace Expansion to DACA Recipients.” KFF.Org, KFF, 6 Jan. 2025, www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/issue-brief/overview-and-implications-of-the-aca-marketplace-expansion-to-daca-recipients/.
“Recent Court Decisions Impacting the Marketplace.” HealthCare.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.healthcare.gov/court-decisions/. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.
“State-Based Marketplaces: 2025 Open Enrollment.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 17 Oct. 2024, www.cms.gov/files/document/state-exchange-oe-chart-py-2025.pdf.
“State Health Insurance Marketplace Types, 2025.” KFF.Org, KFF, 26 Oct. 2024, www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/state-indicator/state-health-insurance-marketplace-types/.
“State of Kansas, et al. Appellees v. United States of America and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Appellants.” Litigationtracker.Law.Georgetown.Edu, Georgetown University, litigationtracker.law.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kansas_2024.12.16_ORDER.pdf. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.
2025 ACA Enrollment Snapshot #2:
“Marketplace 2024 Open Enrollment Period Report: Final National Snapshot.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 24 Jan. 2024, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/marketplace-2024-open-enrollment-period-report-final-national-snapshot.
“Marketplace 2025 Open Enrollment Period Report: National Snapshot.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 8 Jan. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/marketplace-2025-open-enrollment-period-report-national-snapshot-1.
“Nearly 24 Million Consumers Have Selected Affordable Health Coverage in ACA Marketplace, With Time Left to Enroll.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 8 Jan. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/nearly-24-million-consumers-have-selected-affordable-health-coverage-aca-marketplace-time-left.
Resources:
5 Tips for Finding Supplemental Coverage for ACA Plans: https://lnk.to/xDtALf
Lessons Learned in 2024: https://lnk.to/asg637
Marketing Trends for 2025: https://lnk.to/asg639
Setting SMART Goals in 2025: https://lnk.to/asgf20250103
Why Gen Z is a Good Fit for Selling Insurance: https://lnk.to/asg640
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
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://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel
Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
Friday Jan 03, 2025
Friday Jan 03, 2025
No resolutions, just goals! Join Sarah as she explains how to set SMART goals for your insurance business in 2025.
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Resources:
5 Business Podcasts to Follow: https://pod.fo/e/2921db
5 Things from the CMS 2026 MA and Part D Proposed Rule: https://pod.fo/e/28c9d2
Instagram Basics for Insurance Agents: https://pod.fo/e/28803f
References:
Alexander, Lucy. “How I Write SMART Goals and Make Them a Reality.” Blog.Hubspot.Com, HubSpot Blog, 26 July 2024, blog.hubspot.com/marketing/how-to-write-a-smart-goal-template.
Dan Harris, Ph.D. “How to Make Your SMART Goals Even SMARTER.” Quantumworkplace.Com, Quantum Workplace, www.quantumworkplace.com/podcast/how-to-make-your-smart-goals-even-smarter. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.
“How to Set Goals for 2025.” AFP, Association for Financial Professionals, 20 Nov. 2024, www.afponline.org/training-resources/resources/articles/Details/how-to-set-goals-for-2025.
Boogaard, Kat. “How to Write Smart Goals (with Examples).” Atlassian.Com, Atlassian, 12 Sept. 2024, www.atlassian.com/blog/productivity/how-to-write-smart-goals.
Bell, Simon. “SMART Goals.” Edited by Cat McLeod, Mindtools.Com, MindTools, www.mindtools.com/a4wo118/smart-goals. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.
“The SMARTER Method To Help You Define and Manage Your Business Goals.” Solocom, Solocom, solocom.ca/en/smarter-method/. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.
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://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel
Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
Friday Dec 27, 2024
Friday Dec 27, 2024
Join Sarah as she counts down the top 5 Agent Survival Guide Podcast episodes of 2024! Find out if your favorite episode made the cut… and thanks for listening this year!
Number Five: [02:22]
Number Four: [21:29]
Number Three: [31:18]
Number Two: [39:18]
Number One: [01:04:19]
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
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://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel
Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Links to Individual Episodes:
5 Perks of Being a Part-Time Insurance Agent: https://pod.fo/e/28ab20
Agent’s Guide to Email Communication Resources: https://pod.fo/e/28ab27
Developing a Retention Mindset ft. Blake Amos: https://pod.fo/e/28ab52
Key Changes for ACA Open Enrollment 2025 ft. Ross Baker: https://pod.fo/e/28aaeb
Using a SWOT Analysis to Review Your Insurance Business: https://pod.fo/e/28ab7f
Additional Episodes You Might Like:
5 Things About Prepping for the Insurance License Exam: https://pod.fo/e/28ab2c
9 Essential Tools for Beginner Insurance Agents: https://pod.fo/e/28ab2e
How Much Can Agents Make Selling Under-65 Insurance: https://pod.fo/e/28aaf7
Simplify Marketplace Enrollments with HealthSherpa: https://pod.fo/e/27a351
Steps to Get Ready for OEP: Federal & State Exchanges: https://pod.fo/e/28aaf6
What Today's Financial Environment Means for Medicare Beneficiaries & Agents: https://pod.fo/e/28aafb
Resources for Insurance Agents:
Developing an Agency — Your Guide to Getting Started: https://www.ritterim.com/agency-guide/
Email Template for Client Check-in: https://ritterim.com/documents/client-check-in-email-template.docx
FMO vs. IMO vs. NMO vs. MGA vs. GA: What’s the Difference? https://ritterim.com/blog/fmo-vs-imo-vs-nmo-vs-mga-vs-ga-whats-the-difference/
How Professional Organizations Make You a Better Agent: https://ritterim.com/blog/how-professional-organizations-make-you-a-better-agent/
Increase Sales and Productivity with the Busy Medicare Agent’s Sales Planner: https://www.ritterim.com/blog/increase-sales-and-productivity-with-the-busy-medicare-agents-sales-planner/
Modern Medicare Marketing for Today's Agents: https://www.ritterim.com/modern-marketing-guide/
Request a Portfolio Review from Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://ritterim.com/portfolio/
Ritter Agent Handbook: https://docs.ritterim.com/documents/compliance/Ritter-Agent-Handbook-2024.pdf
Ritter Insurance Marketing Official Site: https://ritterim.com/
Stay Organized with the Busy ACA Agent’s Sales Calendar: https://www.ritterim.com/blog/stay-organized-with-the-busy-aca-agents-sales-calendar/
The Complete Guide to Client Loyalty and Retention: https://ritterim.com/client-retention-guide/
The Complete Guide to Selling Affordable Care Act Insurance Plans: https://ritterim.com/aca-ebook/
The Ultimate Agent Resource List Pt. 1: Market Yourself: https://www.ritterim.com/blog/the-ultimate-agent-resource-list-pt.-1-market-yourself/
Your Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Started in Insurance Sales: https://ritterim.com/free-guide/?utm_source=asg_podcast_link
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
The resources in Agent's Guide to Email Communication Reesources are the opinions of staff and agents who work with Ritter Insurance Marketing. We cannot guarantee that an agent’s business will succeed if utilizing these recommendations. An agents is solely responsible for making all decisions and taking actions related to their business.
Friday Dec 20, 2024
Friday Dec 20, 2024
Celebrate the upcoming Ho-Ho-Holidays with these podcast recommendations! Sarah has picks that will keep you in a jolly, festive mood as you make your preparations.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Nicked: Official Site | Apple | Spotify
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol Podcast: Official Site | Apple | Spotify
The Nutcracker Podcast: Official Site | Apple | Spotify
‘Tis the Grinch Holiday Podcast: Apple | Spotify | Wondery
Welcome to Tinsel Town: Apple | Spotify
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
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://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel
Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
Friday Dec 13, 2024
Friday Dec 13, 2024
Join Sarah and Tina as they chat about their favorite gifts to give during this festive (and busy!) time of year. Consider this your survival guide for holiday gift-giving!
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Mentioned in this episode:
Alter Eco Foods: https://www.alterecofoods.com/
Penzeys Spices: https://www.penzeys.com/
Torchbearer Sauces: https://www.torchbearersauces.com/
Unreal Snacks: https://unrealsnacks.com/
Other episodes you might like:
Best Mobile Group Games! https://pod.fo/e/28b5ed
Instagram Basics for Insurance Agents: https://pod.fo/e/28803f
Top Holiday Toys of 2024: https://pod.fo/e/287dd6
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://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel
Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
Friday Dec 06, 2024
Friday Dec 06, 2024
This week, join Sarah as she takes a closer look at 5 provisions from the CMS 2026 MA and Part D Proposed Rule.
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Resources:
Best Mobile Group Games! https://pod.fo/e/28b5ed
Instagram Basics for Insurance Agents: https://pod.fo/e/28803f
The Power of Listening & Laughter: https://pod.fo/e/2870fa
References:
“Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (CMS-4208-P).” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 26 Nov. 2024, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-medicare-advantage-program-medicare-prescription.
“Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.” FederalRegister.Gov, Federal Register, www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2024-27939/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-to-the-medicare. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.
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://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel
Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
Friday Nov 22, 2024
Friday Nov 22, 2024
The Friday Five for November 22, 2024:
Bluesky Lists & Starter Packs
Missing Apple Notes Solution
KFF Updated FAQs on Medicare Drug Price Negotiation
New Section 1115 Demonstrations for Medicaid & CHIP
KFF 2025 Medicare Advantage Spotlight
Bluesky Lists & Starter Packs:
“Bluesky Start Packs - Bluesky Directory.” Blueskydirectory.Com, Bluesky Directory, blueskydirectory.com/starter-packs/all. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.
Cooper, Gael. “Bluesky Explained: Why This Social Media Network Has 20 Million Users and Is Growing.” CNET.Com, CNET, 19 Nov. 2024, https://www.cnet.com/tech/bluesky-explained-why-this-social-media-network-is-now-growing-by-1-million-users-daily/.
Isaac, Mike. “How Bluesky, Alternative to X and Facebook, Is Handling Explosive Growth.” Nytimes.Com, The New York Times, 17 Nov. 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/17/technology/bluesky-growing-pains.html.
Cunningham, Joel. “This Is the Best Way to Find People to Follow on Bluesky.” Lifehacker.Com, Lifehacker, 19 Nov. 2024, lifehacker.com/tech/best-way-to-find-people-to-follow-on-bluesky.
Cappelli, Amanda. “What Is Bluesky, the Online Platform Welcoming Users Leaving Elon Musk’s X?” CBS News, CBS Interactive, 17 Nov. 2024, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-is-bluesky-why-are-people-leaving-x-platform/.
Missing Apple Notes Solution:
Christoffel, Ryan. “Apple Confirms Fix for Disappearing Notes after iCloud Terms Issue.” 9to5Mac.Com, 9to5Mac, 18 Nov. 2024, 9to5mac.com/2024/11/18/apple-confirms-fix-for-disappearing-notes-after-icloud-terms-issue/.
Phelan, David. “Apple Confirms iPhone Missing Notes Bug And Shows How To Fix It.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 18 Nov. 2024, www.forbes.com/sites/davidphelan/2024/11/17/apple-confirms-iphone-missing-notes-bug-and-shows-how-to-fix-it-iphone-16-pro-max-icloud-data/.
Smith, Chris. “This Is Apple’s Official Fix for the Bug That Makes Notes Disappear in iOS 18.” BGR.Com, BGR, 19 Nov. 2024, bgr.com/tech/apple-official-fix-for-the-ios-18-disappearing-notes-bug/.
KFF Updated FAQs on Medicare Drug Price Negotiation:
Cubanski, Juliette. “FAQs about the Inflation Reduction Act’s Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program.” KFF.Org, KFF, 19 Nov. 2024, www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/faqs-about-the-inflation-reduction-acts-medicare-drug-price-negotiation-program/.
New Section 1115 Demonstrations for Medicaid & CHIP:
“About Section 1115 Demonstrations.” Medicaid.Gov, Medicaid, www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demonstrations/about-section-1115-demonstrations/index.html. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.
“Biden-Harris Administration Announces Approvals in Five States That Will Keep Eligible Children and Adults Enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 14 Nov. 2024, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-announces-approvals-five-states-will-keep-eligible-children-and-adults .
“Colorado Section 1115 Demonstration Amendment.” Medicaid.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 14 Nov. 2024, www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demonstrations/downloads/co-continuum-dmnstrtn-aprvl-11142024.pdf.
“Hawaii Section 1115 Demonstration Amendment.” Medicaid.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 14 Nov. 2024, www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demonstrations/downloads/hi-quest-integr-dmnstrtn-aprvl-11142024.pdf.
“Minnesota Section 1115 Demonstration Amendment.” Medicaid.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 14 Nov. 2024, www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demonstrations/downloads/mn-pmap-dmnstrtn-aprvl-11142024.pdf.
“New York Section 1115 Demonstration Amendment.” Medicaid.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 14 Nov. 2024, www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demonstrations/downloads/ny-medicaid-rdsgn-team-dmnstrtn-appvl-11142024.pdf.
“Pennsylvania Section 1115 Demonstration Amendment.” Medicaid.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 14 Nov. 2024, www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demonstrations/downloads/pa-former-foster-care-youth-diff-state-sud-dmnstrtn-appvl-11142024.pdf.
KFF 2025 Medicare Advantage Spotlight:
Freed, Meredith, Jeannie Fuglesten Biniek, et al. “Medicare Advantage 2025 Spotlight: A First Look at Plan Offerings.” KFF.Org, KFF, 15 Nov. 2024, www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/medicare-advantage-2025-spotlight-a-first-look-at-plan-offerings/.
Freed, Meredith, Jeannie Fuglesten Biniek, et al. “Medicare Advantage 2025 Spotlight: A First Look at Plan Premiums and Benefits.” KFF.Org, KFF, 15 Nov. 2024, www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/medicare-advantage-2025-spotlight-a-first-look-at-plan-premiums-and-benefits/.
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Resources:
5 Ways to Generate ACA Leads: https://pod.fo/e/28139a
7 Reasons Clients Switch Medicare Plans During AEP: https://pod.fo/e/284479
Halfway Through AEP 2025: https://pod.fo/e/2830c1
Ritter Staff’s Top 5 Apps: https://pod.fo/e/28515e
VA Benefits, Tricare for Life, and Medicare for Veteran Clients: https://pod.fo/e/281399
You're Not Alone This AEP!: https://pod.fo/e/27d8f4
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://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel
Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
Friday Nov 15, 2024
Friday Nov 15, 2024
The Friday Five for November 15, 2024:
FOMC November 2024 Meeting
Bluesky, Threads, X App Downloads vs. Site Traffic
2025 Medicare Part A/B Premiums & Deductibles
NordPass Top Passwords of 2024 List
Halfway Through AEP 2025
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
FOMC November 2024 Meeting:
“Consumer Price Index - October 2024.” Bls.Gov, Bureau of Labor & Statistics, 13 Nov. 2024, www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf.
“Consumer Price Index Summary - October 2024.” Bls.Gov, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 10 Oct. 2024, www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm.
“Meeting Calendars and Information.” Federalreserve.Gov, The Federal Reserve, www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomccalendars.htm. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.
“Personal Income and Outlays, September 2024.” Bea.Gov, Bureau of Economic Analysis, 31 Oct. 2024, www.bea.gov/news/2024/personal-income-and-outlays-september-2024.
“Transcript of Chair Powell’s Press Conference November 7, 2024.” Federalreserve.Gov, The Federal Reserve, www.federalreserve.gov/mediacenter/files/FOMCpresconf20241107.pdf. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.
Bluesky, Threads, X App Downloads vs. Site Traffic:
“Adam Mosseri (@mosseri) on Threads.” Threads, Meta, 3 Nov. 2024, www.threads.net/@mosseri/post/DB6zNlQSsJN?xmt=AQGzC2OVsSCAHSwTsMzAMlVJzFvTppOz8Np1TG7sEIM3bA.
“Bluesky Announces Series A to Grow Network of 13M+ Users.” Bsky.Social, Bluesky, 24 Oct. 2024, bsky.social/about/blog/10-24-2024-series-a.
“Social Media Fact Sheet.” Pewresearch.Org, Pew Research Center, 13 Nov. 2024, www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/social-media/.
“Top Websites in United States - October 2024 Most Visited & Popular Rankings.” Semrush.Com, Semrush, www.semrush.com/website/top/united-states/all/. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
Kirshner, Alex. “Sick of X and Elon Musk? This App Might Be for You.” Slate.Com, Slate, 12 Nov. 2024, slate.com/technology/2024/11/bluesky-app-twitter-exodus-x-elon-musk.html.
Holtermann, Callie. “With Surge in New Users, Bluesky Emerges as X Alternative.” Nytimes.Com, The New York Times, 14 Nov. 2024, www.nytimes.com/2024/11/12/style/bluesky-users-election.html.
“Top Apps & Games for Iphone on the IOS App Store in the United States.” Appfigures.Com, Appfigures, appfigures.com/top-apps/ios-app-store/united-states/iphone/top-overall. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
“Top Apps for Android on Google Play in the United States.” Appfigures.Com, Appfigures, appfigures.com/top-apps/google-play/united-states/top-apps. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
Tenbarge, Kat, and Kevin Collier. “X Sees Largest User Exodus since Musk Takeover.” NBCNews.Com, NBC Universal News Group, 13 Nov. 2024, www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/x-sees-largest-user-exodus-musk-takeover-rcna179793.
2025 Medicare Part A/B Premiums & Deductibles:
“2025 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 8 Nov. 2024, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2025-medicare-parts-b-premiums-and-deductibles.
2025 Medicare Part A and Part B Premiums and Deductibles: Episode | Post
NordPass Top Passwords of 2024 List:
Novak, Matt. “Americans Are Using the Dumbest Possible Passwords (2024 Edition).” Gizmodo.Com, Gizmodo, 14 Nov. 2024, gizmodo.com/americans-are-using-the-dumbest-possible-passwords-2024-edition-2000524147.
Kan, Michael. “Here Are 2024’s Most Used (and Worst) Passwords: Is Yours on the List?” Pcmag.Com, PCMAG, 14 Nov. 2024, https://www.pcmag.com/news/most-common-worst-passwords-2024-nordpass-is-yours-on-the-list .
Hill, Allan Rose. “Here Is the Latest List of Passwords You Should Never Use.” Boingboing.Net, Boing Boing, 13 Nov. 2024, boingboing.net/2024/11/13/here-is-the-latest-list-of-passwords-you-should-never-use.html.
Wong, Abel. “The Most Used Passwords of 2024 Are out - and It’s 123456 Again.” Technave.Com, TechNave, 14 Nov. 2024, technave.com/gadget/The-most-used-passwords-of-2024-are-out-and-it-s-123456-again-40655.html.
Roth, Emma. “These Are the Passwords You Definitely Shouldn’t Be Using.” Theverge.Com, The Verge, 13 Nov. 2024, www.theverge.com/2024/11/13/24295543/most-common-passwords-list-2024.
“Top 200 Most Common Passwords.” NordPass.Com, NordPass, nordpass.com/most-common-passwords-list/. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
Resources:
5 Ways to Generate ACA Leads: https://pod.fo/e/28139a
2025 Medicare Part A and B Premiums and Deductibles: https://pod.fo/e/282829
Apps to Stay Productive This AEP! https://pod.fo/e/27ed22
Halfway Through AEP: Reflect & Renew Your Medicare Sales Strategies: https://pod.fo/e/282828
How Ask Integrity Can Streamline Your Medicare Sales Appointments: https://pod.fo/e/27a354
How to Check Medicare Extra Help Eligibility for Your Client: https://pod.fo/e/282827
KFF 2025 ACA Open Enrollment Report & Tools: https://pod.fo/e/27f7a6
Staying Motivated Amidst Change & Disruption: https://pod.fo/e/28aaec
You're Not Alone This AEP! https://pod.fo/e/27d8f4
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://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel
Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
Friday Nov 08, 2024
Friday Nov 08, 2024
The Friday Five for November 8, 2024:
Spotify Custom Cover Art for Playlists
Instagram AI “Adult Classifier”
Starbucks & Dunkin’ Holiday Drink Menus
Streaming Picks for November 2024
KFF 2025 ACA Open Enrollment Report & Tools
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Spotify Custom Cover Art for Playlists:
Aurelie.Corinthios@groupsjr.com. “Take Your Spotify Playlists to the Next Level With Custom Cover Art.” Newsroom.Spotify.Com, Spotify, 22 Oct. 2024, newsroom.spotify.com/2024-10-22/create-cover-art-playlists-custom-beta/.
Spotify Playlists:
Interviews on the Agent Survival Guide Podcast
News for Insurance Agents
Social Media Marketing for Insurance Agents
Instagram AI “Adult Classifier:”
Barlow, Graham. “Instagram to Use AI to Catch Teens Lying about Their Age and Automatically Move Them to Restricted Accounts.” TechRadar.Com, TechRadar, 6 Nov. 2024, www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/instagram-to-use-ai-to-catch-teens-lying-about-their-age-and-automatically-move-them-to-restricted-accounts.
Basu, Suswati. “Instagram Uses AI to Detect Underage Users and Move Them to Teen Accounts.” Edited by Sam Shedden, Readwrite.Com, readwrite, 6 Nov. 2024, https://readwrite.com/instagram-ai-detect-underage-users/.
Borak, Masha. “Meta Announces New Age-Checking Measures for Young Instagram Users.” Biometricupdate.Com, Biometric Update | Biometrics News, Companies and Explainers, 5 Nov. 2024, www.biometricupdate.com/202411/meta-announces-new-age-checking-measures-for-young-instagram-users.
Bonifacic, Igor. “Meta Details ‘Adult Classifier’ Tool for Catching Teens Who Lie about Their Age on Instagram.” Engadget.Com, Engadget, 4 Nov. 2024, www.engadget.com/social-media/meta-details-adult-classifier-tool-for-catching-teens-who-lie-about-their-age-on-instagram-164439051.html.
Starbucks & Dunkin’ Holiday Menus:
“Starbucks Holiday Menu Returns with Festive New Refreshers & Food, Beginning Nov.7.” About.Starbucks.Com, Starbucks, 6 Nov. 2024, about.starbucks.com/stories/2024/starbucks-holiday-menu-returns-with-festive-new-refreshers-and-food-beginning-nov-7.
“‘Tis the Season at Dunkin’®: Introducing New Holiday Cookie Signature Latte, Almond Croissant, and the Return of Free Donut Wednesdays.” News.Dunkindonuts.Com, Dunkin’, 29 Oct. 2024, news.dunkindonuts.com/news/dunkin-holiday-menu-announcement.
Streaming Picks for November 2024:
Ridgely, Charlie. “Everything Coming to Netflix, Disney+ & Other Major Streaming Services in November 2024.” ComicBook.Com, ComicBook, 28 Oct. 2024, comicbook.com/movies/news/new-streaming-november-2024-movies-tv-shows-netflix-disney-max-prime-video/.
KFF 2025 ACA Open Enrollment Report & Tools:
“Health Insurance Marketplace Calculator.” KFF.Org, KFF, 30 Oct. 2024, www.kff.org/interactive/subsidy-calculator/.
Ortaliza, Jared, et al. “Ten Things to Watch for 2025 ACA Open Enrollment.” KFF.Org, KFF, 30 Oct. 2024, www.kff.org/policy-watch/ten-things-to-watch-for-2025-aca-open-enrollment/.
“Build a Custom State Report.” KFF.Org, KFF, www.kff.org/statedata/custom/. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.
“Temporary Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Consumers Losing Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Coverage Due to Unwinding of the Medicaid Continuous Enrollment Condition Operations for Plan Year 2024.” Medicaid.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 28 Mar. 2024, www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/downloads/extn-sep-cnsmrs-lsg-chip-cvrg-adndm-faq.pdf.
Resources:
Apple Intelligence iOS 18.1 Features: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20241101
Apps to Stay Productive This AEP! https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA20241106
Best eBook & Audiobook Apps: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA71
Budget-Friendly Streaming Services: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA70
You're Not Alone This AEP! https://link.chtbl.com/ASGM20241104
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://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel
Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.