March 5, 2021 | The Friday Five

March 5, 2021

h4>The Friday Five for March 5, 2021:

KFF Analysis on Healthcare Spending Using Medicare Rates
CMS Geographic Direct Contracting Model News
PET Imaging and CMS
Rural Medicare Beneficiaries & Switching Coverage
Work From Home Allergies

Mentioned in this episode:

Analysis: Spending on Health Care Would Drop by an Estimated $352 Billion in 2021 if Private Insurance Used Medicare Rates to Reimburse Hospitals and Other Health Care Providers

CMS finally relents after decade of not covering PET imaging for infection, inflammation

CMS pushes pause on controversial Geographic Direct Contracting model

Everything Coming to Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu & Amazon Prime Video in March 2021

Geographic Direct Contracting Model (CMS Official Site)

Limiting Private Insurance Reimbursement to Medicare Rates Would Reduce Health Spending by About $350 Billion in 2021

More Than Half of All People on Medicare Do Not Compare Their Coverage Options Annually

Reese’s is launching a peanut butter cup without any chocolate

Rural Enrollees in Medicare Advantage Have Substantial Rates of Switching to Traditional Medicare

Study: Rural patients struggle with access under Medicare Advantage

The best Movies and TV Shows Coming to Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime, and Hulu in March

Working from home? Beware of these 4 allergy hot spots in your home

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February 26, 2021 | The Friday Five

The Friday Five for February 26, 2021: President Biden nominates CMS Administrator, CMMI Admin picked by Biden Administration, Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine News, Fighting Zoom Fatigue, and YouTube Supervised Experiences.

3 Easy Ways to Build Your Insurance Sales Territory

Maximize your reach and grow your selling territory! We outline the best practices for insurance agents to follow.

Should You Become a Certified Insurance Counselor?

Learn more about becoming a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC). Take your agent status to expert level with this insurance industry designation!

Articles to Share with Your Clients:

How is Medicare Funded?

We talk a lot about what Medicare costs to use, but not how the benefits are financed. Here's how Medicare is funded, and how we each help ensure enrollees receive affordable health care.

Start Your Green Thumb with a Windowsill Garden

If you've ever wanted a garden, but don't have the space or time, you're in luck! Growing a windowsill garden can make it both easier and more convenient to have a garden.

The Truth About Expiration Dates

If you find food in the fridge that's past its Best By date, that means throw it out since it's expired, right? Let's look into the truth about Expiration Dates.

The latest from Ritter’s Blog:

Medicare Advantage Trial Rights Explained for Agents

If you have a client who enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan but wants to go (back) to Original Medicare, they may qualify for a Medicare Advantage trial right! This would allow them to update their coverage outside of the Annual Enrollment Period.

Ritter Continues Expansion, Acquires Ohio-Based Quick Insured Brokerage

Ritter has announced its merger with Ohio-based Quick Insured Brokerage (QIB), an independent wholesale brokerage agency.

Ritter and HTA Financial Services Merge Medicare Wholesale Businesses

Ritter Insurance Marketing is excited to announce the merger of HTA Financial Services (HTA) and Ritter’s wholesale Medicare business.

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February 26, 2021 | The Friday Five

February 26, 2021

The Friday Five for February 26, 2021:

President Biden nominates CMS Administrator
CMMI Admin picked by Biden Administration
Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine News
Fighting Zoom Fatigue
YouTube Supervised Experiences

Mentioned in this episode:

Biden Picks Health Policy Veteran to Run CMS

Biden selects Chiquita Brooks-LaSure as first Black woman to run Medicare

Dunkin’ adds avocado toast, matcha-topped doughnut and blueberry matcha latte to its spring menu

FDA review confirms safety and efficacy of single-shot Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine, especially against severe cases

Report: Obama administration veteran Fowler tapped to head CMMI

Sick of all those video calls? Four ways to get over ‘Zoom fatigue’

Youtube’s ‘supervised experiences’ help parents choose what content their kids can see

Youtube Will Introduce Supervised Accounts with Parental Controls for Teens and Tweens

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February 19, 2021 | The Friday Five

The Friday Five for February 19, 2021: Humana launches new pilot program, Remote work tips for 2021, KFF study on COVID-19 vaccination so far, News about LastPass and alternatives and Microsoft Edge Kids Mode

Best Practices for Writing an Email to Your Insurance Clients

Write emails with confidence! We outline the best (and easy to implement!) practices for insurance agents to use when emailing clients.

Medicareful 2020 Year-in-Review: Here’s What We Accomplished

What is Medicareful? How does it work? If you've been looking for a tool that combines online enrollment, client-facing plan quotes, drug cost estimates, a free CMS-compliant website, and more... don't miss this episode! We review updates to the Medicareful platform over the past year, and what our agents achieved while using it!

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Living with Visual Impairment

Our vision is one of our most important senses, dictating much of how we interact with the world. If you're experiencing visual impairment, there are ways to not let it impact your quality of life as much.

The Benefits of Healthy Proteins

Proteins are an important part of any meal, but too much can be unhealthy for our hearts. Here's why proteins are so healthy for us and sources of lean protein to incorporate in your diet.

The Truth About Expiration Dates

If you find food in the fridge that's past its Best By date, that means throw it out since it's expired, right? Let's look into the truth about Expiration Dates.

The latest from Ritter’s Blog:

Ritter is More Than Medicare & Our New Team Brand Shows Why

When selling Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement policies, it’s important to remember that More than Medicare products are the missing pieces of the puzzle.

Medicare Advantage Trial Rights Explained for Agents

If you have a client who enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan but wants to go (back) to Original Medicare, they may qualify for a Medicare Advantage trial right! This would allow them to update their coverage outside of the Annual Enrollment Period.

Ritter Continues Expansion, Acquires Ohio-Based Quick Insured Brokerage

Ritter has announced its merger with Ohio-based Quick Insured Brokerage (QIB), an independent wholesale brokerage agency.

Subscribe & Follow:

Connect on social:

Facebook

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YouTube

February 19, 2021 | The Friday Five

February 19, 2021

The Friday Five for February 19, 2021:

Humana launches new pilot program
Remote work tips for 2021
KFF study on COVID-19 vaccination so far
News about LastPass and alternatives
Microsoft Edge Kids Mode

Mentioned in this episode:

At This Early Stage of the COVID-19 Vaccine Roll-Out, Most Older Adults Have Not Yet Been Vaccinated As Supply Remains Limited

Humana Launches Humana Care Support Pilot to Help Medicare Advantage Members to Better Manage Their Chronic Conditions

Humana to pilot new tech-enabled chronic care management platform

Microsoft Edge is getting a Kids Mode to add ‘guardrails’ to browsing the web

Remote Work Isn’t Going Anywhere in 2021. These 9 Tips Can Help Make It Better

Six free alternatives to the LastPass password manager

The iPhone is getting 217 new emojis in iOS 14.5

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February 12, 2021 | The Friday Five

The Friday Five for February 12, 2021: Clover Health News, Oscar Health News, Consumer Health Insurance Knowledge, Good Health Pass Collaborative, and Removing that Zoom kitten filter

Does Your Medicare Sales Approach Satisfy Different Budgets?

Your portfolio likely includes different types of insurance for different coverage needs. But what about different financial needs? How do you factor cost into the equation compliantly?

How Client Retention Boosts Your Insurance Sales

Master the art of treating your client as the renewal, not their policy. Learn why building relationships with your current clients is more beneficial (and cost effective!) than courting new ones.

Medicare Advantage Trial Rights Explained for Agents

Learn more about the Medicare Advantage Trial Right Period. If you have a client who enrolled in Medicare Advantage but wants to go back to Original Medicare, they may qualify. Listen to find out more about how it works!

Medicareful 2020 Year-in-Review: Here’s What We Accomplished

What is Medicareful? How does it work? If you've been looking for a tool that combines online enrollment, client-facing plan quotes, drug cost estimates, a free CMS-compliant website, and more... don't miss this episode! We review updates to the Medicareful platform over the past year, and what our agents achieved while using it!

Articles to Share with Your Clients:

5 Ways to Get Dual Citizenship

You're interested in reclaiming your heritage with dual nationality, but how do you go about getting dual citizenship? You have a surprising number of options!

Do Doctors Have to Disclose Conflicts of Interest?

Conflicts of interest can influence a doctor's decision-making and ruin patient trust. Reporting and sharing medical conflicts of interest are essential to protecting against them.

The Benefits of Healthy Proteins

Proteins are an important part of any meal, but too much can be unhealthy for our hearts. Here's why proteins are so healthy for us and sources of lean protein to incorporate in your diet.

The latest from Ritter’s Blog:

Medicare Advantage Trial Rights Explained for Agents

If you have a client who enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan but wants to go (back) to Original Medicare, they may qualify for a Medicare Advantage trial right! This would allow them to update their coverage outside of the Annual Enrollment Period.

Ritter Continues Expansion, Acquires Ohio-Based Quick Insured Brokerage

Ritter has announced its merger with Ohio-based Quick Insured Brokerage (QIB), an independent wholesale brokerage agency.

Ritter and HTA Financial Services Merge Medicare Wholesale Businesses

Ritter Insurance Marketing is excited to announce the merger of HTA Financial Services (HTA) and Ritter’s wholesale Medicare business.

Subscribe & Follow:

Connect on social:

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

February 12, 2021 | The Friday Five

February 12, 2021

The Friday Five for February 12, 2021:

Clover Health News
Oscar Health News
Consumer Health Insurance Knowledge
Good Health Pass Collaborative
Removing that Zoom kitten filter

Mentioned in this episode:

19 Easy Recipes for Valentine’s Day

19 Valentine’s Day Dessert Recipes to WOW Your Honey

36+ Valentine’s Day Dessert Recipes

75 Best Valentine’s Day Desserts That Are Perfect for Two

Chamath Palihapitiya-backed Clover Health gets notice of SEC investigation

Clover Health feels it has software – and now funding – to capture Medicare Advantage market

Clover Health Official Statement – In Response to Short Seller Firm’s Questions

Consumers earn a ‘D’ on health insurance knowledge

Good Health Pass: A New Cross-Sector Initiative to Restore Global Travel and Restart the Global Economy

Oscar Health’s Could Go Public Later in February

There’s a scramble to create digital ‘health passports.’ These companies are teaming up to make sure they all work

Valentine’s Day Dinner Recipes

Zoom – Customizing your profile

Zoom filters gone wrong: Lawyer tells judge: ‘I’m not a cat’ during kitten filter mishap

Zoom – Removing your cat filter

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February 5, 2021 | The Friday Five

The Friday Five for February 5, 2021: Humana announces Chief Health Equity Officer, Elizabeth Warren Joins New Senate Committee, Comparing COVID-19 Vaccines, BBB Says No to Posting COVID-19 Vaccine Card on Social - Here's Why, Using GameStop Stock Profits for Good

How Client Retention Boosts Your Insurance Sales

Master the art of treating your client as the renewal, not their policy. Learn why building relationships with your current clients is more beneficial (and cost effective!) than courting new ones.

How to Be an Adaptable Insurance Agent

Do you go with the flow, or do you like a little more control? Find out why adaptability is a great skill for insurance agents to master.

Medicare Advantage Trial Rights Explained for Agents

Learn more about the Medicare Advantage Trial Right Period. If you have a client who enrolled in Medicare Advantage but wants to go back to Original Medicare, they may qualify. Listen to find out more about how it works!

What to Know About SOAs in Senior Market Sales

Have questions about SOAs? Find the answers to your frequently asked questions in this episode all about Scopes of Appointment. We help you stay compliant, whether it’s inside or outside of AEP!

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Do Doctors Have to Disclose Conflicts of Interest

Conflicts of interest can influence a doctor's decision-making and ruin patient trust. Reporting and sharing medical conflicts of interest are essential to protecting against them.

Internet Safety Tips for Seniors

The internet can be an entertaining and informative place, but there's also a darker side to it. It's easy to fall prey to scams, identity theft, or bad information. Here are a few internet safety tips so you can protect yourself online.

Mood Foods: A Breakfast That Boosts Your Mood

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for a number of reasons, but it's critical to boosting your mood so you can greet the day at your best!

The latest from Ritter’s Blog:

Medicare Advantage Trial Rights Explained for Agents

If you have a client who enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan but wants to go (back) to Original Medicare, they may qualify for a Medicare Advantage trial right! This would allow them to update their coverage outside of the Annual Enrollment Period.

Ritter Continues Expansion, Acquires Ohio-Based Quick Insured Brokerage

Ritter has announced its merger with Ohio-based Quick Insured Brokerage (QIB), an independent wholesale brokerage agency.

Ritter and HTA Financial Services Merge Medicare Wholesale Businesses

Ritter Insurance Marketing is excited to announce the merger of HTA Financial Services (HTA) and Ritter’s wholesale Medicare business.

Subscribe & Follow:

Connect on social:

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

February 5, 2021 | The Friday Five

February 5, 2021

The Friday Five for February 5, 2021:

Humana announces Chief Health Equity Officer
Elizabeth Warren Joins New Senate Committee
Comparing COVID-19 Vaccines
BBB Says No to Posting COVID-19 Vaccine Card on Social - Here's Why
Using GameStop Stock Profits for Good

Mentioned in this episode:

9 best last minute Valentine’s Day gift ideas for everyone in 2021

14 seriously great practical gifts your valentine will love

18 of our favorite Valentine’s Day gifts of all time

A college student made big bucks off GameStop stock. Now he’s donating video games to a children’s hospital

BBB Tip: Don’t share your COVID-19 vaccine card on social media

Chutes & Ladders–Humana names first chief health equity officer; Providence promotes execs in integration strategy

Different COVID-19 Vaccines (CDC)

Four COVID Vaccines Compared

GameStock on Today, Explained

How the COVID-19 Vaccines Compare to Each Other

Plunging GameStop Stock Tests the Will of Investors to Stick With the Ride

Warren to join Finance panel overseeing taxes, health care

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January 29, 2021 | The Friday Five

The Friday Five for January 29, 2021: Ritter Insurance Marketing & Quick Insured Brokerage, Online Medical Accounts & COVID-19 Vaccine Registration, Do’s and Don’ts of the COVID-19 Vaccine, PPP Loan Tax Information for Small Businesses, Blackstone & Allstate Life Insurance

How to Be an Adaptable Insurance Agent

Do you go with the flow, or do you like a little more control? Find out why adaptability is a great skill for insurance agents to master.

The Top 5 Products to Sell During Medicare’s Lock-In Period

Looking for insurance products to sell during the Medicare lock-in period? In this episode, we highlight the top 5 products insurance agents should include in their portfolio all year round!

Articles to Share with Your Clients:

Internet Safety Tips for Seniors

The internet can be an entertaining and informative place, but there's also a darker side to it. It's easy to fall prey to scams, identity theft, or bad information. Here are a few internet safety tips so you can protect yourself online.

Mood Foods: Foods That Boost Your Mood

If you're feeling a bit down, the solution might be in your kitchen! We found some foods that boost your mood when you need a pick-me-up.

When Can I Get a COVID-19 Vaccination?

There are many questions surrounding the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination. When can you get one? Where? Is it safe? We're giving you some answers and resources where you can find additional information!

The latest from Ritter’s Blog:

Best Practices for Writing an Email to Your Insurance Clients

A professional and effective business email takes some thought and care to construct. This is true across all industries — and even for insurance agents writing marketing or follow-up emails to their clients.

How to Be an Adaptable Insurance Agent

In today’s ever-changing world, being adaptable is not only good for business, it’s a necessity. As an insurance agent, you need this skill to keep up with the times and your clients’ unique needs.

How to Take on an Upset Client in the Insurance Industry

At least once in your sales career, you may meet an insurance client who had a negative experience with another agent, plan, or insurance in general. While these bad experiences were out of your control, you have the ability to make their next experience a positive one!