Agent Survival Guide Podcast
The Friday Five
Episodes
Friday May 03, 2024
Friday May 03, 2024
The Friday Five for May 3, 2024:
iPhone Silent Alarm Bug Fix
LinkedIn: Gaming & X Replacement?
FOMC April/May 2024 Meeting
Walmart Health to Shut Down
DOJ to Reschedule Marijuana
Which NYT game is your favorite? Answer our ASG Podcast question of the week here: https://bit.ly/asgquestion
iPhone Alarms Bug:
Apple confirms bug that is keeping some iPhone alarms from sounding: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/04/apple-confirms-bug-that-is-keeping-some-iphone-alarms-from-sounding/
If your iPhone alarm has gone quiet, Apple says it’s working on a fix: https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/30/24145296/apple-iphone-alarm-sounds-broken-ios-bug-fix-coming
Ring the alarm bells, the iPhone alarm isn’t working: https://techcrunch.com/2024/04/30/ring-the-alarm-bells-the-iphone-alarm-isnt-working/
LinkedIn: Gaming & X Replacement?
LinkedIn is the latest company to get in on gaming: https://www.theverge.com/24145605/linkedin-gaming-puzzle-game-nyt-wordle-netflix-games
LinkedIn is the Twitter/X rival no one is talking about: https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/01/linkedin-is-the-twitter-x-rival-no-one-is-talking-about/
LinkedIn launches gaming: 3 logic puzzles aimed at extending time spent on its networking platform: https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/01/linkedin-launches-gaming-three-logic-puzzles-aiming-to-extend-time-spent-on-its-networking-platform/
FOMC April/May 2024 Meeting:
Consumer Price Index - March 2024: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf/
Personal Income and Outlays, March 2024: https://www.bea.gov/news/2024/personal-income-and-outlays-march-2024
Fed announces reduction in balance sheet runoff pace: https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/fed-announces-reduction-balance-sheet-runoff-pace-2024-05-01/
Fed holds interest rates at 23-year high as inflation continues to push back timing of a rate cut: https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/markets-federal-reserve-meeting-05-01-24/index.html
Fed meeting recap: Powell pretty much rules out a hike as the central bank’s next move: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/01/fed-meeting-today-live-updates-on-may-fed-rate-decision.html
Federal Open Market Committee Meeting Schedule: https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomccalendars.htm
The Fed rate decision meeting is today. Here's their rate decision. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/federal-reserve-interest-rate-meeting-may-1-2024/
Walmart Health to Shut Down:
Walmart closing health care clinics, ending virtual services: https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4632752-walmart-closing-health-care-clinics-ending-virtual-services/
Walmart Health Is Closing: https://corporate.walmart.com/news/2024/04/30/walmart-health-is-closing
Walmart shuttering all 51 health centers, citing lack of profitability: https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/walmart-shuttering-all-51-health-centers-virtual-care
Walmart will close all of its health care clinics: https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/30/business/walmart-closes-health-clinics/index.html
DOJ to Reschedule Marijuana:
Biden gives cannabis industry a badly needed win: https://www.axios.com/2024/05/01/biden-marijuana-reclassification-cannabis-industry
Drug Scheduling: https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling
Justice Dept plans to reschedule marijuana as a lower-risk drug: https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/30/economy/dea-marijuana-rescheduling/index.html
Justice Dept. Recommends Easing Restrictions on Marijuana: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/30/us/politics/justice-department-reclassify-marijuana.html
US moves to reclassify marijuana in historic shift: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68932612
US poised to ease restrictions on marijuana in historic shift, but it’ll remain controlled substance: https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-biden-dea-criminal-justice-pot-f833a8dae6ceb31a8658a5d65832a3b8
What rescheduling marijuana would look like: https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4634174-rescheduling-marijuana-look-like/
Resources:
5 Alternative Apps to Replace Google Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240329
2025 Marketplace Final Rule: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240412
Best Free Writing & Grammar Apps: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA58
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
How Agents Can Break into the Medicare World: https://ritterim.com/blog/how-agents-can-break-into-the-medicare-world/
How to Recruit Agents to Your Downline in 2024: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG588
Improve Your Customer Service with the Soft Skill of Negotiation: https://ritterim.com/blog/improve-your-customer-service-with-the-soft-skill-of-negotiation/
Interview: Learn How to Sell ACA Products During the Offseason: https://ritterim.com/blog/interview-learn-how-to-sell-aca-products-during-the-offseason/
Medicaid Unwinding One Year Later: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240426
Medicaid Unwinding SEP Extended Through November 2024: https://ritterim.com/blog/medicaid-unwinding-sep-extended-through-november-2024/
The Best Books for Insurance Agents: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG590
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 (fka) Twitter, 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/
Friday Apr 26, 2024
Friday Apr 26, 2024
The Friday Five for April 26, 2024:
Ritter Roadshows & MTM Summit
Apple Announces Let Loose Event
TikTok Ban Provision Passed
FTC Bans Noncompete Agreements
Medicaid Unwinding One Year Later
Answer this week’s poll: https://bit.ly/asgquestion
Upcoming Ritter Events:
Ritter Roadshows:
Florida (Boca Raton, FL)
Illinois (Schaumberg, IL)
Wisconsin (Wauwatosa, WI)
More Than Medicare (MTM) Summit: https://summits.ritterim.com/
Apple Announces Let Loose Event:
Apple announces May 7th event for new iPads: https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/23/24078670/apple-may-product-event-ipad-date
Apple announces special event for May 7: ‘Let Loose’: https://9to5mac.com/2024/04/23/apple-announces-special-event-for-may-7-let-loose/
Ross Young: New iPad Air won’t feature mini-LED after all, but a new mystery iPad is coming in Q4: https://9to5mac.com/2024/04/24/ross-young-new-ipad-air-wont-feature-mini-led-after-all-but-a-new-mystery-ipad-is-coming-in-q4/
Tim Cook hints at new Apple Pencil 3 coming next month – here’s what the rumors say: https://9to5mac.com/2024/04/23/tim-cook-hints-apple-pencil-3/
TikTok Ban Provision Passed:
Biden signs a bill that could ban TikTok — after the 2024 election: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/congress-biden-bill-ban-tiktok-when-2024-election-rcna148792
President Biden signs law to ban TikTok nationwide unless it is sold: https://www.npr.org/2024/04/24/1246663779/biden-ban-tiktok-us
FTC Bans Noncompete Agreements:
After 26,000 public comments, FTC to vote on rule banning noncompete agreements: https://www.npr.org/2024/04/23/1246430110/noncompete-agreements-ftc-ban-lina-khan
Business groups are fighting to keep your non-competes on the books: https://www.businessinsider.com/ban-noncompete-agreements-approved-ftc-challenges-await-2024-4
Fact Sheet on FTC’s Proposed Final Noncompete Rule: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/04/fact-sheet-ftcs-proposed-final-noncompete-rule
FTC Announces Rule Banning Noncompetes: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/04/ftc-announces-rule-banning-noncompetes
Noncompete Rule: https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/noncompete-rule
Non-Compete Clause Final Rule: https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/noncompete-rule.pdf
U.S. bans noncompete agreements for nearly all jobs: https://www.npr.org/2024/04/23/1246655366/ftc-bans-noncompete-agreements-lina-khan
Medicaid Unwinding One Year Later:
Halfway Through Medicaid Unwinding: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240216
KFF Survey of Medicaid Unwinding: https://www.kff.org/medicaid/poll-finding/kff-survey-of-medicaid-unwinding/
Medicaid Enrollment and Unwinding Tracker: https://www.kff.org/report-section/medicaid-enrollment-and-unwinding-tracker-overview/
Medicaid Unwinding SEP Extended Through November 2024: https://ritterim.com/blog/medicaid-unwinding-sep-extended-through-november-2024/
NAHU Rebrand, Medicaid Unwinding, & the State of the Senior Market 2023: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20230106
Navigating the Latest in Legislative & Regulatory Updates: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240405
Where Medicaid unwinding and disenrollments stand at the one-year mark: https://www.healthinsurance.org/blog/where-medicaid-unwinding-and-disenrollments-stand-at-the-one-year-mark/
Resources:
2025 Marketplace Final Rule: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240412
Agent’s Guide to Traditional Marketing Resources: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG583
Best Free Writing & Grammar Apps: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA58
Drug Shortage Resources & ACA Unauthorized Switching Update: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240419
Health Care Provisions in Biden’s 2025 Budget: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240315
Interview: Developing a Client Retention Mindset: https://ritterim.com/blog/interview-developing-a-client-retention-mindset/
Interview: Learn How to Sell ACA Products During the Offseason: https://ritterim.com/blog/interview-learn-how-to-sell-aca-products-during-the-offseason/
Medicaid Unwinding SEP Extended Through November 2024: https://ritterim.com/blog/medicaid-unwinding-sep-extended-through-november-2024/
Navigating the Latest in Legislative & Regulatory Updates: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240405
The Guide to Making Money Selling Health Insurance: https://ritterim.com/making-money-selling-insurance/
Why Client Retention Should Be Your Top Priority: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG581
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 Twitter, 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/
Friday Apr 19, 2024
Friday Apr 19, 2024
The Friday Five for April 19, 2024:
Instagram-Like TikTok Notes Begins Rollout
Rebel Moon Part 2 & The Tortured Poets Department
CPI Data for March 2024
Drug Shortage Resource for Agents
ACA Unauthorized Plan Switching Update
Vote for your favorite Taylor Swift album in our ASG Podcast Question of the Week Poll!
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Instagram-Like TikTok Notes Begins Rollout:
TikTok Notes is basically Instagram for your TikTok account: https://www.engadget.com/tiktok-notes-is-basically-instagram-for-your-tiktok-account-170151958.html
TikTok Notes is the new competitor to Instagram. What is the app and how does it work? https://www.theguardian.com/media/2024/apr/18/tiktok-notes-instagram-competitor-launch-canada-australia-what-is-it-explainer
TikTok Notes starts rolling out as a new rival to Instagram: https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/17/24133311/tiktok-notes-photos-text-app-instagram
The Tortured Poets Department:
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-tortured-poets-department/1736268193
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/prerelease/5JeTM9iqdtLFfSFedipKdD?si=6ace8084c0f443c3
CPI Data for March 2024
Consumer Price Index - March 2024: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf
Consumer Price Index (CPI) for March 2024 is Projected to Rise 3.4% Yera-Over-Year: https://insight.factset.com/consumer-price-index-cpi-for-march-2024-is-projected-to-rise-3.4-year-over-year
Consumer prices rose 3.5% from a year ago in March, more than expected: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/10/cpi-inflation-march-2024-consumer-prices-rose-3point5percent-from-a-year-ago-in-march.html
Here’s what would happen to the US economy if there are no rate cuts this year: https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/16/economy/what-if-no-rate-cuts-this-year/index.html
Inflation Back in the Picture as Markets Adapt to Delayed Interest Rate Cuts: https://www.usnews.com/news/economy/articles/2024-04-08/inflation-back-in-the-picture-as-markets-adapt-to-delayed-interest-rate-cuts
Stocks end the day higher even as blowout jobs report pushes some Fed officials to consider another rate hike: https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/march-jobs-report-04-05-24/index.html
Stocks wobble after Powell warns that rate cuts will likely come later than expected: https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/16/business/chair-powell-discussion/index.html
The Fed may have pumped so much money into the economy that it's now taking way longer to cut rates: https://www.businessinsider.com/fed-powell-pump-money-us-economy-delayed-cut-interest-rate-2024-4
This Fed meeting is dangerous for markets. Here’s why: https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/20/investing/premarket-stocks-trading/index.html
US economy adds 303K jobs in March, much stronger than expected: https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/us-jobs-report-march-2024
Watch Fed Chair Powell speak live during a policy forum in Washington: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/16/watch-fed-chair-powell-speak-live-during-a-policy-forum-in-washington.html
Drug Shortage Resource for Agents:
ASHP Calls for Policy Solutions as Drug Shortages Reach All-Time High: https://www.ashp.org/about-ashp/ceo-blogs/recent-blogs/ashp-calls-for-policy-solutions-as-drug-shortages-reach-all-time-high
Drug Shortages (FDA): https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/drug-shortages
Drug Shortages List from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP): https://www.ashp.org/drug-shortages/current-shortages/drug-shortages-list
Drug Shortages Statistics: https://www.ashp.org/drug-shortages/shortage-resources/drug-shortages-statistics
Healthy Returns: U.S. drug shortages reach record high, hitting Wegovy, ADHD medications: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/16/healthy-returns-us-drug-shortages-reach-record-high-hitting-wegovy.html
Hundreds of drugs are in short supply around the U.S., pharmacists warn: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/drug-shortages-adderall-adhd-chemo/
ACA Unauthorized Plan Switching Update:
CMS Statement on Agent and Broker Marketplace Activity: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-statement-agent-and-broker-marketplace-activity
Resources:
2025 Marketplace Final Rule: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240412
Agent's Guide to Partner Marketing Resources: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG585
Medicaid Unwinding SEP Extended Through November 2024: https://ritterim.com/blog/medicaid-unwinding-sep-extended-through-november-2024/
Navigating the Latest in Legislative & Regulatory Updates: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240405
QR Code Scanner Apps: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA56
The Guide to Making Money Selling Health Insurance: https://ritterim.com/making-money-selling-insurance/
Useful Apps that Teach You How to Cook: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA57
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 Twitter, 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/
Friday Apr 12, 2024
Friday Apr 12, 2024
The Friday Five for April 12, 2024:
Ritter Insurance Marketing Roadshows
ACA Unauthorized Plan Switching
Spotify AI Playlist
2024 Senior Market Symposium
2025 CMS Marketplace Final Rule
What kind of pet(s) do you have at home? Vote in our Question of the Week Poll!
Ritter Roadshows:
Indiana (Carmel, IN)
Ohio (Columbus, OH)
Michigan (Ypsilanti, MI)
ACA Unauthorized Plan Switching:
2024 Unauthorized Plan Switch (UPS) Update: https://kffhealthnews.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/UPS-Cross-_Year-_Updates-022624-5CR-022224.pdf
ACA Plans Are Being Switched Without Enrollees’ OK: https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/aca-obamacare-plans-switched-without-enrollee-permission-investigation/
Unauthorized ACA plan switches drive call for action against rogue agents: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/04/08/1243328699/health-insurance-obamacare-aca-plan-switch-rogue-agents
Unauthorized sign-ups cast shadow on Obamacare’s record enrollment: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/04/04/unauthorized-sign-ups-cast-shadow-obamacares-record-enrollment/
Spotify AI Playlist:
Spotify adds new ‘AI Playlist’ feature that uses text prompts: https://9to5google.com/2024/04/08/spotify-ai-playlist/
Spotify Premium Users Can Now Turn Any Idea Into a Personalized Playlist With AI Playlist in Beta: https://newsroom.spotify.com/2024-04-07/spotify-premium-users-can-now-turn-any-idea-into-a-personalized-playlist-with-ai-playlist-in-beta/
2024 Senior Market Symposium:
Craig Ritter’s Senior Market Symposium Keynote: https://ritterim.wistia.com/medias/3djxgzf9ex
2025 CMS Marketplace Final Rule:
2025 Marketplace Final Rule Changes Agents Should Know: https://ritterim.com/blog/2025-marketplace-final-rule-changes-agents-should-know/
HHS Finalizes Policies to Make Marketplace Coverage More Accessible and Expand Essential Health Benefits: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hhs-finalizes-policies-make-marketplace-coverage-more-accessible-and-expand-essential-health
HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2025 Final Rule: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/hhs-notice-benefit-and-payment-parameters-2025-final-rule
Resources:
3 Growth Strategies for Your Insurance Sales Territory: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG5875
5 Alternative Apps to Replace Google Podcasts: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240329
Ask the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Navigating the Latest in Legislative & Regulatory Updates: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240405
QR Code Scanner Apps: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA56
The Advisor Approach: Cross-Selling by Fact-Finding: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG587
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 (fka) Twitter, 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/
Friday Apr 05, 2024
Friday Apr 05, 2024
The Friday Five for April 5, 2024*:
Streamlining Enrollment in CHIP & Medicaid
Medicaid Unwinding SEP Extended
Short-Term Medical Insurance Changes
Final CY 2025 Part D Redesign Program
2025 CY MA and Part D Rate Announcement
*Note: This episode was recorded prior to the release of the CY 2025 MA and Part D Final Rule. Stay tuned for more information!
Which social media app would you like to learn more about? Cast your vote!
Have questions about marketing and sales? Ask the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Streamlining Enrollment in CHIP & Medicaid:
Biden-Harris Administration Builds on the Success of the Affordable Care Act by Streamlining Enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP Coverage: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-builds-success-affordable-care-act-streamlining-enrollment-medicaid-and
Medicaid Program; Streamlining the Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program, and Basic Health Program Application, Eligibility Determination, Enrollment, and Renewal Processes: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/02/2024-06566/medicaid-program-streamlining-the-medicaid-childrens-health-insurance-program-and-basic-health
Medicaid Unwinding Extended:
HHS Takes Additional Actions to Help People Stay Covered During Medicaid and CHIP Renewals: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hhs-takes-additional-actions-help-people-stay-covered-during-medicaid-and-chip-renewals
Medicaid Enrollment and Unwinding Tracker: https://www.kff.org/report-section/medicaid-enrollment-and-unwinding-tracker-overview/
Short-Term Medical Insurance Changes:
Biden-Harris Administration Protects Consumers from Low-Quality Coverage by Limiting “Junk” Health Plans: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-protects-consumers-low-quality-coverage-limiting-junk-health-plans
Short-Term, Limited-Duration Insurance and Independent, Noncoordinated Excepted Benefits Coverage: https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-06551.pdf
Short-Term, Limited-Duration Insurance and Independent, Noncoordinated Excepted Benefits Coverage (CMS-9904-F) Fact Sheet: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/short-term-limited-duration-insurance-and-independent-noncoordinated-excepted-benefits-coverage-cms#_ftn1
STLDI Final Rules to Affect Short-Term Medical & Hospital Indemnity Plans: https://ritterim.com/blog/stldi-final-rules-to-affect-short-term-medical-and-hospital-indemnity-plans/
Final CY 2025 Part D Redesign Program:
Final CY 2025 Part D Redesign Program Instructions Fact Sheet: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/final-cy-2025-part-d-redesign-program-instructions-fact-sheet
2025 CY MA and Part D Rate Announcement:
2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2025-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-rate-announcement
CMS Finalizes Payment Updates for 2025 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Programs: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-finalizes-payment-updates-2025-medicare-advantage-and-medicare-part-d-programs
Fact Sheet: 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/fact-sheet-2024-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-rate-announcement
Medicare Moves Toward Election Season Clash With Insurers: https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2024/04/02/medicare-moves-toward-election-season-clash-with-insurers/
Payers say MA rate cut puts affordable care at risk: https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/ai-and-machine-learning/medicare-advantage-rate-cut-remains-feds-keep-pressure
Resources:
5 Alternative Apps to Replace Google Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240329
BOI Reporting for LLCs & ACA Enrollment Updates: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240105
Halfway Through Medicaid Unwinding: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240216
Health Care Provisions in Biden's 2025 Budget: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240315
References:
Federal Register Website: https://www.federalregister.gov/
Medicare Advantage Communication Requirements: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-422/subpart-V
Medicare Marketing Guidelines: https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/managed-care-marketing/medicare-guidelines
Part D Communication Requirements: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-423/subpart-V
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 Twitter, 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/
Friday Mar 29, 2024
Friday Mar 29, 2024
Searching for a Google Podcasts replacement? We’ve got you covered! Sarah and Tina reviewed 5 podcast players (that aren’t Apple or Spotify) to highlight unique features and give our recommendations.
Which of the 5 podcast apps are you most likely to try? VOTE HERE!
Podcast Addict: Android | Web
Overcast: iOS | Web
Podbean: Android | iOS | Web
Pocket Casts: Android | iOS | Web*
*Plus subscription required for web, Apple Watch, and Wear OS apps
YouTube Music: Android | iOS | Web
References:
Google Podcasts Is Going Away. Here’s How to Transfer Your Subscriptions: https://www.wired.com/story/google-podcasts-how-to-transfer-your-subscriptions/
It could’ve been great: An abridged Google Podcasts history: https://9to5google.com/2024/03/25/google-podcasts-history/
Migrate your podcast shows from Google Podcasts (US Only 🇺🇸): https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/thread/249139848/migrate-your-podcast-shows-from-google-podcasts-us-only-%F0%9F%87%BA%F0%9F%87%B8?hl=en
Why I'm happy to see the end of Google Podcasts: https://www.androidpolice.com/happy-end-google-podcasts/
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 Twitter, 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/
Friday Mar 22, 2024
Friday Mar 22, 2024
The Friday Five for March 22, 2024:
#FierceMadness
EWG’s Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen
iPad Update & This Week’s Streaming Pick
FOMC March 2024 Meeting
The DUALS Act of 2024
What would you rather? Read a story, listen to it, or watch the movie? VOTE HERE!
#FierceMadness:
#FierceMadness: Grab a bracket and vote for the most overused buzzword in healthcare! https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/special-reports/fiercemadness-grab-bracket-and-help-us-find-biggest-buzzword-healthcare
Fierce Madness Bracket PDF: https://s3.amazonaws.com/publiceditorial.qtxasset.com/Fierce+Madness+Round+1+Bracket.pdf
Environment Working Group’s Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen:
2024′s ‘Dirty Dozen’: The 12 fruits and vegetables with the most pesticides—and tips for enjoying them safely: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/20/dirty-dozen-2024-12-fruits-and-vegetables-with-the-most-pesticides.html
Blueberries, strawberries again on the ‘Dirty Dozen’ list: https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/19/health/dirty-dozen-produce-pesticides-2024-wellness/index.html
'Dirty Dozen' Guide Shows 95% of These Fruits and Veggies Tested Positive for Pesticides: https://www.commondreams.org/news/ewg-2024-dirty-dozen-pesticides
EWG’s 2024 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™: The Dirty Dozen™ is packed with fungicides that can disrupt human hormones: https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2024/03/ewgs-2024-shoppers-guide-pesticides-producetm-dirty-dozentm
The Clean Fifteen (EWG Official List): https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/clean-fifteen.php
The Dirty Dozen (EWG Official List): https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php
RR – iPad Update & This Week's Streaming Pick
Apple's iPad Pro could come with a matte display: https://mashable.com/article/apple-ipad-pro-matte-display-rumors
Claim of iPad announcement on March 26 ‘not true’ – Gurman: https://9to5mac.com/2024/03/21/ipad-announcement/
Gurman: No iPad Announcement Planned for March 26: https://www.macrumors.com/2024/03/21/gurman-no-ipad-announcement-march-26/
New iPad Air already shipping to US ahead of launch — and there’s a new size this time around: https://www.tomsguide.com/tablets/ipads/new-ipad-air-already-shipping-to-us-ahead-of-launch-and-theres-a-new-size-this-time-around
New iPad Pros and iPad Airs could land on March 26, but one model might be missing: https://www.techradar.com/tablets/ipad/new-ipad-pros-and-ipad-airs-could-land-on-march-26-but-one-model-might-be-missing
The Three-Body Problem: The 'unfilmable' Chinese sci-fi novel set to be Netflix's new hit 3 Body Problem: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240319-3-body-problem-china-censored-sci-fi-netflix-hit
FOMC March 2024 Meeting:
Consumer Price Index (CPI) February 2024: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf
Consumer prices up 3.1 percent from January 2023 to January 2024: https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/consumer-prices-up-3-1-percent-from-january-2023-to-january-2024.htm
Fed Holds Rates Steady and Projects Three Cuts This Year: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/20/business/fed-meeting-interest-rates.html
Federal Open Market Committee 2024 Calendar: https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomccalendars.htm
Fed meeting recap: Everything Powell said during Wednesday’s market-moving news conference: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/20/fed-meeting-today-live-updates-on-march-fed-rate-decision.html
Personal Income and Outlays, January 2024: https://www.bea.gov/news/2024/personal-income-and-outlays-january-2024
The DUALS Act of 2024:
Cassidy, Carper, Cornyn, Warner, Scott, Menendez Comprehensive Legislation Improve Care For Patients Jointly Enrolled In Medicare And Medicaid: https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-carper-cornyn-warner-scott-menendez-comprehensive-legislation-improve-care-for-patients-jointly-enrolled-in-medicare-and-medicaid/
Medicare, Medicaid Plans Could Drastically Change: https://www.newsweek.com/duals-act-new-bill-medicare-medicaid-integration-1879855
The Delivering Unified Access to Lifesaving Services Act of 2024: https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Duals-Legislation-One-Pager-Final.pdf
Vulnerable Americans are stuck in a Medicare-Medicaid maze. Is a fix in sight? https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/03/14/1238386157/vulnerable-americans-are-stuck-in-a-medicare-medicaid-maze-is-a-fix-in-sight
Resources:
Agent’s Guide to Digital Marketing Resources: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG584
Agent’s Guide to Traditional Marketing Resources: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG583
Developing a Retention Mindset ft. Blake Amos (Cigna Healthcare): https://link.chtbl.com/2024BlakeAmos
Health Care Provisions in Biden’s 2025 Budget: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240315
How to Be an Adaptable Insurance Agent: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG582
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 Twitter, 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/
Friday Mar 15, 2024
Friday Mar 15, 2024
The Friday Five for March 15, 2024:
Ritter's Senior Market Symposium
Amazon to Deliver LillyDirect Prescriptions
Microsoft Teams Consolidating App Versions
House Passes Bill that Might Ban TikTok
Health Care Provisions in Biden’s 2025 Budget
Should each Friday Five mention be numbered, or can we go numberless? VOTE HERE!
Have feedback for the Agent Survival Guide Podcast team? 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 Twitter, 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/
Resources:
Developing a Retention Mindset ft. Blake Amos (Cigna Healthcare): https://link.chtbl.com/2024BlakeAmos
Free Webtoon & Comic Book Apps: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA55
Medicare Part D Prescription Payment Plan Updates: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240308
Optimize Client Acquisition by Becoming a Registered Social Security Analyst ft. Tom Drapala: https://link.chtbl.com/2024TomDrapala
Talkspace Plans to Enter Medicare Market: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240301
Ritter's Senior Market Symposium:
Register for Ritter’s Senior Market Symposium: https://www.ritterim.com/symposium
Amazon to Deliver LillyDirect Prescriptions:
Eli Lilly strikes deal with Amazon Pharmacy for home delivery of Zepbound, other drugs: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/eli-lilly-strikes-deal-with-amazon-pharmacy-for-home-delivery-of-zepbound-other-drugs-7cddddcb
Eli Lilly strikes drug dispensing deal with Amazon: https://www.ft.com/content/64730a98-7744-4c16-abd3-b1f1e0aa43c7
Eli Lilly teams with Amazon to offer home delivery of its Zepbound weight-loss drug: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/weight-loss-zepbound-eli-lilly-amazon/
Microsoft Teams Consolidating App Versions:
Microsoft Teams is finally moving to a single app for personal and work: https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/13/24099723/microsoft-teams-unified-app-personal-work-accounts
Microsoft Teams will merge into single app for work and personal: https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-teams-will-merge-into-single-app-for-work-and-personal/
House Passes Bill that Might Ban TikTok:
House passes bill that could lead to US ban of TikTok: https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/tiktok-ban-bill-house-vote-03-13-24/index.html
House Passes Bill to Force TikTok Sale From Chinese Owner or Ban the App: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/13/technology/tiktok-ban-house-vote.html
H.R. 7521 the "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act" Text: https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20240311/HR%207521%20Updated.pdf
The House passed a TikTok ban bill. But is the app really a national security threat? https://www.npr.org/2024/03/14/1238435508/tiktok-ban-bill-congress-china
TikTok ban timeline: Congress' yearslong case against ByteDance: https://www.axios.com/2024/03/12/tiktok-ban-explain-why-china-congress
Health Care Provisions in Biden’s 2025 Budget:
Biden budget focuses on unfinished health care business: https://www.axios.com/2024/03/12/biden-budget-drug-costs-insurance
Breaking down Biden's $7.3T proposed budget for 2025: Here are his top health priorities: https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/breaking-down-bidens-2025-proposed-budget-here-are-his-top-health-priorities
Budget of the U.S. Government Fiscal Year 2025: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/budget_fy2025.pdf
Fact Sheet: The Biden-Harris Administration Urges Congress to Lower Drug Costs for Americans with Commercial Insurance: https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/03/11/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-urges-congress-lower-drug-costs-americans-with-commercial-insurance.html
FACT SHEET: The President’s Budget Protects and Increases Access to Quality, Affordable Healthcare: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/briefing-room/2024/03/11/fact-sheet-the-presidents-budget-protects-and-increases-access-to-quality-affordable-healthcare/
President Biden’s Drug Pricing Policy: State Of The Union Takeaways: https://www.forbes.com/sites/gebai/2024/03/10/president-bidens-drug-pricing-policy-state-of-the-union-says-it-all/?sh=7b0cc7575f7d
Remarks of President Joe Biden — State of the Union Address As Prepared for Delivery: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/03/07/remarks-of-president-joe-biden-state-of-the-union-address-as-prepared-for-delivery-2/
Statement by Secretary Becerra on the President’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget: https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/03/11/statement-by-secretary-becerra-on-the-presidents-fiscal-year-2025-budget.html
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Friday Mar 08, 2024
The Friday Five for March 8, 2024:
Contract Now Feature Changes for New Agents
Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Program Updates
Medicare Advantage Enrollment Trends Study from Chartis
Waze Updates App Features
How to Disable X (fka Twitter) Calling Feature
Ask 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 Twitter, 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/
Info on Ritter’s Tools for Agents:
5 Things About Working with Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20230512
Everything You Get With Your Ritter Registration: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG503
FAQs About Working with Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG492
Meet Your Sales Team: https://ritterim.com/meet-your-sales-team/
Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Program UPDATES:
Biden-Harris Administration Issues Final Guidance to Help People with Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Manage Prescription Drug Costs: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-issues-final-guidance-help-people-medicare-prescription-drug-coverage
Fact Sheet: Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Final Part One Guidance: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/fact-sheet-medicare-prescription-payment-plan-final-part-one-guidance.pdf
KFF Poll on Affordability & ACA: Takeaways for Agents (February 23, 2024 Friday Five episode): https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240223
Timeline: Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Implementation: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/medicare-prescription-payment-plan-timeline.pdf
Medicare Advantage Enrollment Trends Study from Chartis:
Chartis: A look at Medicare Advantage enrollment trends in 2024: https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/chartis-look-medicare-advantage-enrollment-trends-2024
Mounting headwinds in Medicare Advantage market haven’t stopped growth: https://www.chartis.com/insights/mounting-headwinds-medicare-advantage-market-havent-stopped-growth
Waze Updates App Features:
Waze update: 6 new features added to make driving safer, easier: https://mashable.com/article/waze-update-6-new-features
Waze will warn you about speed bumps and sharp curves soon: https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/5/24091139/google-waze-maps-new-alerts-speed-bumps-parking-traffic-circles
How To Disable X (fka Twitter) Calling Feature:
A new call feature on X is on by default, and you should probably turn it off: https://appleinsider.com/inside/iphone/tips/a-new-call-feature-on-x-is-on-by-default-and-you-should-probably-turn-it-off
How to Make Free Video and Audio Calls on X (Twitter): https://tech.co/news/how-to-make-free-video-audio-calls-x-twitter
How to turn off the feature on X that people are freaking out about: https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-turn-off-audio-video-calls-x-twitter-ip-2024-3
Nobody Wants Phone Calls From Twitter. Here's How to Turn Them Off: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/nobody-wants-phone-calls-from-twitter-heres-how-to-turn-them-off/
Twitter Adds Voice And Video Calls: Here's How To Disable It: https://www.slashgear.com/1430439/twitter-how-to-disable-voice-video-calling/
Friday Feb 23, 2024
Friday Feb 23, 2024
The Friday Five for February 23, 2024:
Apple Music Replay Monthly
FDA Approves Severe Frostbite Treatment
New Audio Features from Samsung
Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Program
KFF Poll on Affordability & ACA: Takeaways for Agents
Ask 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 Twitter, 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/
Resources:
4 Perks of Partnering with an FMO: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG575
A Financial Snapshot of Medicare Beneficiaries in 2023: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240209
Halfway Through Medicaid Unwinding: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240216
Learning from Lost Medicare Insurance Sales: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG576
Social Media Marketing Apps: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA52
Apple Music Replay Monthly:
Apple Music introduces a monthly version of Replay: https://techcrunch.com/2024/02/20/apple-music-introduces-a-monthly-version-of-replay/
Apple Music Reply will recap listening habits monthly: https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/20/24078224/apple-music-reply-will-recap-listening-habits-monthly
FDA Approves Severe Frostbite Treatment:
FDA approves first treatment for severe frostbite: https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/14/health/iloprost-frostbite-fda/index.html
FDA Approves Iloprost for Severe Frostbite: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/fda-approves-iloprost-severe-frostbite-2024a10003cn?form=fpf
US FDA approves first treatment for severe frostbite: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-fda-approves-first-treatment-severe-frostbite-2024-02-14/
New Audio Features from Samsung:
Samsung details a host of audio upgrades coming to its phones, tablets, and TVs: https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/20/24078026/samsung-galaxy-buds-auracast-360-audio-auto-switch-support
Samsung is upgrading a bunch of audio capabilities on its phones, tablets and earbuds: https://www.engadget.com/samsung-is-upgrading-a-bunch-of-audio-capabilities-on-its-phones-tablets-and-earbuds-133533584.html
Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Program:
CMS Issues Additional Guidance on Program to Allow People with Medicare to Pay Out-of-Pocket Prescription Drug Costs in Monthly Payments: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-issues-additional-guidance-program-allow-people-medicare-pay-out-pocket-prescription-drug-costs
Draft CY 2025 Part D Redesign Program Instructions Fact Sheet: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/draft-cy-2025-part-d-redesign-program-instructions-fact-sheet
Fact Sheet: Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/medicare-prescription-payment-plan-fact-sheet.pdf
Maximum Monthly Cap on Cost-Sharing Payments Under Prescription Drug Plans: Draft Part One Guidance on Select Topics, Implementation of Section 1860D-2 of the Social Security Act for 2025, and Solicitation of Comments: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/medicare-prescription-payment-plan-part-1-guidance.pdf
Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: Draft Part Two Guidance on Select Topics, Implementation of Section 1860D-2 of the Social Security Act for 2025, and Solicitation of Comments: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/medicare-prescription-payment-plan-draft-part-two-guidance.pdf
Timeline: Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Implementation: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/medicare-prescription-payment-plan-timeline.pdf
KFF Poll on Affordability & ACA: Takeaways for Agents:
Boost Your Commissions with a New HI Sales Strategy ft. Harry Rittner & Damon Logan: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG494
Cross-Selling Cancer, Heart Attack and Stroke, and Critical Illness Insurance: https://ritterim.com/knight-school/expand-dominate/cross-sell/6/
KFF Health Tracking Poll February 2024: Voters on Two Key Health Care Issues: Affordability and ACA: https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/poll-finding/kff-health-tracking-poll-february-2024-voters-on-two-key-health-care-issues-affordability-and-aca/
Questions for our Sales Team? Reach out for answers: https://ritterim.com/meet-your-sales-team/
The Advisor Approach: Cross-Selling by Fact-Finding: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG587
Friday Feb 16, 2024
Friday Feb 16, 2024
The Friday Five for February 16, 2024:
Gmail Spam Protection Rolling Out
Threads Testing New Feature
2025 MA and Part D Advance Notice
Draft of CY 2025 Part D Redesign
Halfway Through Medicaid Unwinding
Ask 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 Twitter, 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/
Resources:
4 Perks of Partnering with an FMO: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG575
A Financial Snapshot of Medicare Beneficiaries in 2023: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240209
Apps to Help You Stay Healthy: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA53
Things to Think About Post-OEP: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG572
What You Need to Know About 1035 Exchanges: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG573
Gmail Spam Protection Rolling Out:
New Mass Gmail Rejections To Start April 2024, Google Says: https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2024/02/14/google-warns-of-mass-gmail-message-blocks-new-email-security-rules/?sh=4c19402532fa
Tired of spam emails? Google has new protections for Gmail users: https://www.techradar.com/computing/tired-of-spam-emails-google-has-new-protections-for-gmail-users
Threads Testing New Feature:
In battle with X, Threads gets trending topics where politics will be allowed: https://techcrunch.com/2024/02/12/in-battle-with-x-threads-gets-trending-topics-where-politics-will-be-allowed/
Threads is testing ‘Today’s topics’ to tell users what’s trending in the US: https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/12/24071014/threads-topics-testing-us-test
CMA 2025 MA and Part D Advance Notice:
2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice Fact Sheet: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2024-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-advance-notice-fact-sheet
2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice Fact Sheet: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2025-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-advance-notice-fact-sheet
CMS Draft of CY 2025 Part D Redesign:
Draft CY 2025 Part D Redesign Program Instructions Fact Sheet: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/draft-cy-2025-part-d-redesign-program-instructions-fact-sheet
Halfway Through Medicaid Unwinding:
Halfway through 'unwinding,' Medicaid enrollment is down about 10M: https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/halfway-through-unwinding-medicaid-enrollment-down-about-10-million
Medicaid Enrollment and Unwinding Tracker: https://www.kff.org/report-section/medicaid-enrollment-and-unwinding-tracker-overview/
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Friday Feb 09, 2024
The Friday Five for February 9, 2024:
Google Bard now Google Gemini
Last-Minute Valentine's Day Gifts
Normalizing Loud Budgeting
Gallup Poll on U.S. Healthcare Costs
A Medicare Beneficiary Financial Snapshot
Ask 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 Twitter, 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/
Resources:
Increase Sales and Productivity with the Busy Medicare Agent's Sales Planner: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG570
Legislation on Social Media for Kids: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240202
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Do's and Don'ts: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG574
Social Media Marketing Apps: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA52
Stay Organized with the Busy ACA Agent's Sales Calendar: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG571
What You Need to Know About 1035 Exchanges: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG573
Google Bard now Google Gemini:
Google Assistant Just Got Supercharged With AI. It Might Be the Biggest Update in Google's History. https://gizmodo.com/google-bard-now-gemini-in-assistant-new-subscription-1851237014
Google rebrands Bard AI to Gemini and launches a new app and subscription: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/08/google-gemini-ai-launches-in-new-app-subscription.html
Google rebrands Bard chatbot as Gemini, rolls out paid subscription: https://www.reuters.com/technology/google-rebrands-bard-chatbot-gemini-rolls-out-paid-subscription-2024-02-08/
Last-Minute Valentine's Day Gifts:
28 Best Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts That’ll Ship In Time: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2024/02/07/last-minute-valentines-day-gifts/?sh=53b150b5b570
33 Valentine's Day Gifts They'll Think Cost You A Fortune But Are Under $50: https://www.buzzfeed.com/jordanagrigs/valentines-day-gifts-seem-expensive-under-50-an
40 Best Valentine's Day Gifts to Make Them Feel All the Love: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/valentines-day-ideas/g46613524/valentines-day-gifts/
64 Of The Best Valentine’s Day Gifts For Him That Are Sure To Impress: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2024/02/05/best-valentines-day-gifts-for-him/?sh=76a668a12b83
The Verge’s 2024 Valentine’s Day gift guide: https://www.theverge.com/24048257/valentines-day-2024-gift-ideas-boyfriend-girlfriend-couples-husband-wife-partner
Normalizing Loud Budgeting:
Financial experts love TikTok's “loud budgeting” trend — here’s why: https://www.today.com/life/loud-budgeting-tiktok-financial-trend-rcna136988
‘Loud budgeting’ is having a moment — here’s how to take advantage of it: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/07/loud-budgeting-is-having-a-moment-heres-how-to-take-advantage.html
Loud budgeting is in, quiet luxury is out. Meet the TikToker who started the financial trend: https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/05/economy/loud-budgeting-financial-trend-tiktok/index.html
Gallup Poll on U.S. Healthcare Costs:
Few Americans Know How Much Their Healthcare Costs: https://news.gallup.com/poll/609434/few-americans-know-healthcare-costs.aspx
Few Americans say they know how much health care will cost: Gallup: https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4439775-few-americans-know-how-much-health-care-costs-gallup/
A Medicare Beneficiary Financial Snapshot:
10 Reasons Why Medicare Advantage Enrollment is Growing and Why It Matters: https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/10-reasons-why-medicare-advantage-enrollment-is-growing-and-why-it-matters/
Income and Assets of Medicare Beneficiaries in 2023: https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/income-and-assets-of-medicare-beneficiaries-in-2023/
Friday Feb 02, 2024
Friday Feb 02, 2024
The Friday Five for February 2, 2024:
FOMC January 2024 Meeting
Cigna Sells Medicare Business to HCSC
Bipartisan Tax Package
Instagram Threads
Legislation on Social Media for Kids
Find your Ritter Sales Specialist: https://ritterim.com/meet-your-sales-team/
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 Twitter, 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/
Resources:
ACA 2024 Open Enrollment Final Numbers: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240126
Increase Sales and Productivity with the Busy Medicare Agent’s Sales Planner: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG570
Social Media Marketing Apps: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA52
Stay Organized with the Busy ACA Agent's Sales Calendar: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG571
Things to Think About Post-OEP: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG572
FOMC January 2024 Meeting:
A Comparison of PCE and CPI: https://www.bls.gov/osmr/research-papers/2017/st170010.htm
Consumer Price Index (CPI) December 2023: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf
Fed Keeps Rates Steady: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/01/31/business/fed-meeting-interest-rates
Fed meeting: Stocks slump as Powell says March rate cut unlikely: https://www.marketwatch.com/livecoverage/fed-meeting-s-p-500-futures-slip-as-investors-juggle-megacap-earnings-fomc-decision
Federal Open Market Committee Meeting Schedule 2024: https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomccalendars.htm
Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady as consumer confidence improves and inflation slows: https://www.nbcnews.com/business/economy/federal-reserve-interest-rate-decision-january-2024-increase-decrease-rcna136429
Personal Consumption Expenditures (CPE) December 2023: https://www.bea.gov/news/2024/personal-income-and-outlays-december-2023
Cigna Sells Medicare Business to HCSC:
Cigna inks deal to sell Medicare business to HCSC for $3.7B: https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/cigna-inks-deal-sell-medicare-business-hcsc-37b-deal
Cigna to sell Medicare business to HCSC for $3.3B: https://www.modernhealthcare.com/mergers-acquisitions/cigna-health-care-service-corporation-medicare-advantage-deal
The Cigna Group to Sell Medicare Businesses and CareAllies to Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC): https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-cigna-group-to-sell-medicare-businesses-and-careallies-to-health-care-service-corporation-hcsc-302049322.html
Bipartisan Tax Package:
H.R.7024 - Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/7024
House passes bill to enhance child tax credit, revive key tax breaks for businesses: https://apnews.com/article/child-tax-credit-house-republicans-speaker-johnson-4da25a4188ad27693e9d8755e7481b76
House passes bipartisan tax bill to expand child tax credit: https://www.npr.org/2024/01/31/1228209266/house-passes-child-tax-credit-expansion
Instagram Threads:
Instagram Threads triples downloads in December, reaching the top 10; X falls to No. 36: https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/30/instagram-threads-triples-downloads-in-december-reaching-the-top-10-x-falls-to-no-36/
Meta's Threads climbs the ranks of world's most downloaded apps again: https://www.zdnet.com/article/metas-threads-climbs-the-ranks-of-worlds-most-downloaded-apps-again/
Sarah on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel
Threads App Downloads Spike as Interest in Musk's X Wanes: https://www.pcmag.com/news/threads-app-downloads-spike-as-interest-in-musks-x-wanes
Legislation on Social Media for Kids:
200 groups push Senate to vote on Kids Online Safety Act in 2024: https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/kosa-kids-online-safety-act-speech-censor-rcna128249
Bill to ban minors from social media and terminate youths' accounts passes Florida House: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/01/25/florida-social-media-ban-bill/72351219007/
Bipartisan Bill Aims to Protect Children Online: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/31/technology/congress-social-media-safety.html
CS/HB 1: Social Media Use for Minors: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/1
Florida House of Representatives approves bill to ban social media for kids under 16: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Family/florida-house-representatives-approves-bill-ban-social-media/story?id=106672586
Florida Senate HB-1 Bill Text: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/1/BillText/e1/PDF
Kids Online Safety Act (S.1409): https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1409/text
Introducing Stricter Message Settings for Teens on Instagram and Facebook: https://about.fb.com/news/2024/01/introducing-stricter-message-settings-for-teens-on-instagram-and-facebook/
Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg issues dramatic apology at Senate hearing on child safety: https://www.ft.com/content/87840b12-08b5-4b90-9afc-bc8fba730ff9
Meta, TikTok, and other tech companies go to Congress: all the news: https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/31/24056136/congress-child-safety-hearing-kosa-meta-x-discord-snap-tiktok
Ohio, more states push for social media laws to limit kids’ access: Where they stand: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/01/12/social-media-laws-parental-consent-teens-kids-netchoice-lawsuits/72182348007/
Friday Jan 26, 2024
Friday Jan 26, 2024
The Friday Five for January 26, 2024:
Apple iOS 17.3 Features
Another Rabbit R1 Update
Google Podcasts Being Discontinued
2023 Tax Brackets & Refunds
ACA 2024 Open Enrollment Final Numbers
Ask 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 Twitter, 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/
Resources:
9 Essential Tools for Beginner Insurance Agents: https://www.ritterim.com/blog/9-essential-tools-for-beginner-insurance-agents/
KFF Study on Medicare Part D Benefit Awareness: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240119
How to Successfully Set SMART Goals: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG565
How to Take on an Upset Client in the Insurance Industry: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG567
Increase Sales and Productivity with the Busy Medicare Agent’s Sales Planner: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG570
Stay Organized with the Busy ACA Agent's Sales Calendar: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG571
Using a SWOT Analysis to Review Your Insurance Business: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG559
References:
2023-2024 Tax Brackets and Federal Income Tax Rates: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/taxes/federal-income-tax-brackets
2024 tax refunds could be larger than last year due to new IRS brackets. Here's what to expect: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tax-refund-2024-what-to-expect-when-will-i-get/
Google announces April 2024 shutdown date for Google Podcasts: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/12/google-podcasts-dies-april-2024-youtube-music-migration-tool-goes-live/
Google Podcasts is going away after March — but there are alternatives: https://www.theverge.com/23891397/google-podcasts-youtube-spotify-alternatives-pocket-casts
iOS 17.3—Update Now Warning Issued To All iPhone Users: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kateoflahertyuk/2024/01/24/ios-173-update-now-warning-issued-to-all-iphone-users/?sh=50454e6a683d
iOS 17.3 Features: What's New in iOS 17.3: https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-17-3-features/
IRS provides tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2023: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-provides-tax-inflation-adjustments-for-tax-year-2023
Historic 21.3 Million People Choose ACA Marketplace Coverage: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/historic-213-million-people-choose-aca-marketplace-coverage
How to Transfer Your Google Podcasts to YouTube Music and Other Platforms: https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-transfer-podcast-subscriptions/
Marketplace 2024 Open Enrollment Period Report: Final National Snapshot: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/marketplace-2024-open-enrollment-period-report-final-national-snapshot
Migrate your podcast shows from Google Podcasts: https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/thread/249139848/migrate-your-podcast-shows-from-google-podcasts-us-only-%F0%9F%87%BA%F0%9F%87%B8?hl=en
Proposed child tax credit changes might create confusion on 2023 returns: https://www.freep.com/story/money/personal-finance/susan-tompor/2024/01/24/child-tax-credit-2023-bill-2024-increase/72315968007/
The Rabbit R1 will receive live info from Perplexity’s AI ‘answer engine’: https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/18/24043490/rabbit-r1-ai-perplexity-pro-live-search-info-answers
Friday Jan 19, 2024
Friday Jan 19, 2024
The Friday Five for January 19, 2024:
Apple Stolen Device Protection
Agents as Early Adopters
Rabbit R1 Update
Notion Calendar App
KFF Study on Medicare Part D Benefit Awareness
Ask the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Fill out the form: https://bit.ly/askasg 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 Twitter, 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/
Resources:
Get Focused with These Apps! https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA20
Goals That Matter MOST & CES 2024: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGF20240112
How to Successfully Set SMART Goals: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG565
Project Management Apps: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA27
Stop Doom Scrolling with These Micro-Learning Apps: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA51
The Complete Guide to Client Loyalty and Retention: https://www.ritterim.com/client-retention-guide/
To-Do or Not To-Do Lists? Personal Planner Apps: https://link.chtbl.com/ASGA004
Using a SWOT Analysis to Review Your Insurance Business: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG559
References:
10 Reasons to Be an Early Adopter: https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2024/01/16/be-an-early-adopter/
Apple Releasing iOS 17.3 Next Week With These New Features: https://www.macrumors.com/2024/01/17/apple-releasing-ios-17-3-next-week/
Apple to release iOS 17.3 next week, bringing Stolen Device Protection, collaborative playlists: https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/17/apple-to-release-ios-17-3-next-week/
FAQs about the Inflation Reduction Act’s Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program: https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/faqs-about-the-inflation-reduction-acts-medicare-drug-price-negotiation-program/
How to Cut Down Your Screen Time but Still Get Stuff Done: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/17/technology/personaltech/screen-time-phone.html
How to turn on iPhone Stolen Device Protection; and should you? https://9to5mac.com/2023/12/23/turn-on-iphone-stolen-device-protection/
KFF Health Tracking Poll: Health Care Issues Emerge as Important Topics on 2024 Campaign Trail, Plus Concerns Loom Large Around Medicaid Unwinding: https://www.kff.org/health-reform/poll-finding/kff-health-tracking-poll-november-2023/
Notion launches a stand-alone calendar app: https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/17/notion-launches-a-calendar-app/
Notion turns its Cron acquisition into an integrated calendar app: https://www.engadget.com/notion-turns-its-cron-acquisition-into-an-integrated-calendar-app-215644220.html
Notion unveils a calendar app you’ll actually want to use: https://www.fastcompany.com/91010971/notion-unveils-a-calendar-app-youll-actually-want-to-use
Rabbit, Ballie, and the other gadgets of CES 2024: https://pod.link/vergecast/episode/2de8d23da3b7f8af465d13f9f5123f12
The Rabbit R1: all the latest news about this hare-raising AI gadget: https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/18/24042688/rabbit-r1-ai-gadget-handheld-news-updates-storystream
The New Help for Medicare Beneficiaries with High Drug Costs That Few Seem to Know About: https://www.kff.org/policy-watch/the-new-help-for-medicare-beneficiaries-with-high-drug-costs-that-few-seem-to-know-about/