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

Jump in the time machine with us as we travel back circa 2005 for the first Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, the debut of Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, two new Med Supp plans, and more!
 
Read the text version
 
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
4 Ways PlanEnroll Will Make This Your Best AEP Yet
4 Reasons Why Ritter Insurance Marketing Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency
5 Medicare Myths Your Clients May Believe
10 Tips to Submitting an Error-Free Medicare Enrollment Application
2026 Medicare Part D Bid Info Likely Means Higher Premiums & Plan Disruption — Here's Why
A Review of Integrity's Top Medicare Quoting Tools
How Insurance Agents Can Use AI Tools
How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly
IntegrityCONNECT & PlanEnroll FAQs
Register with RitterIM.com
Risk Adjustment & Finding Value Beyond Coding Changes ft. Dr. Shannon Decker
The Future of Medicare Part D: The Push Toward MAPD
The Ultimate Agent Resource List Pt. 3: Staying Organized
 
References:
“2005 CMS Statistics.” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/research-statistics-data-and-systems/statistics-trends-and-reports/medicaremedicaidstatsupp/downloads/2005_cms_statisticspdf. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
“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.
McManus, Melanie Radzicki. “A Short History of How Netflix Won World Domination in Streaming.” Entertainment.Howstuffworks.Com, HowStuffWorks, 21 Dec. 2018, entertainment.howstuffworks.com/short-history-netflix-world-domination-streaming.htm.
“Beneficiaries with Special Needs Can Get Help from Medicare Managed Care Plans.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/beneficiaries-special-needs-can-get-help-medicare-managed-care-plans. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Laschober, Mary. “Estimating Medicare Advantage Lock-In Provisions Impact on Vulnerable Medicare Beneficiaries.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/files/document/05springpg63pdf.
“IPod Shuffle (1st Generation).” Apple.Fandom.Com, Apple Wiki, apple.fandom.com/wiki/IPod_shuffle_(1st_generation). Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
“K & L Out-of-Pocket Limits Announcements.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/medigap/k-l-out-of-pocket-limits-announcements. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
“Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Programs to Remain Stable as CMS Implements Improvements to the Programs in 2025.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 27 Sept. 2024, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/medicare-advantage-and-medicare-prescription-drug-programs-remain-stable-cms-implements-improvements.
Freed, Meredith, et al.  “Medicare Advantage 2025 Spotlight: A First Look at Plan Offerings.” KFF.Org, KFF, 9 Aug. 2025, www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-2025-spotlight-a-first-look-at-plan-offerings/.
Freed, Meredith, Jeannie Fugleston Biniek, et al. “Medicare Advantage 2025 Spotlight: A First Look at Plan Premiums and Benefits.” KFF.Org, KFF, 9 Aug. 2025, www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-2025-spotlight-a-first-look-at-plan-premiums-and-benefits/.
“Medicare Part B Immunosuppressive Drug Benefit.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/partbid-provider. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
“Medicare Demonstration to Transition Enrollment of Low Income Subsidy Beneficiaries .” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 8 June 2006, www.cms.gov/Medicare/Prescription-Drug-Coverage/PrescriptionDrugCovContra/Downloads/MemoLTCContracting_060806.pdf.
“Medicare Part B Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount.” Federalregister.Gov, Federal Register, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2006/10/27/E6-17690/medicare-part-b-income-related-monthly-adjustment-amount. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Cubanski, Juliette, and Anthony Damico. “Medicare Part D in 2025: A First Look at Prescription Drug Plan Availability, Premiums, and Cost Sharing.” KFF.Org, KFF, 9 Aug. 2025, www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-part-d-in-2025-a-first-look-at-prescription-drug-plan-availability-premiums-and-cost-sharing/.
“Medicare Program Description and Legislative History.” Ssa.Gov, Social Security Administration, www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/statcomps/supplement/2006/medicare.html. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
“Medicare Program; Establishment of the Medicare Advantage Program.” Federalregister.Gov, Federal Register, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2005/01/28/05-1322/medicare-program-establishment-of-the-medicare-advantage-program. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
“Part D / Prescription Drug Benefits.” Medicareadvocacy.Org, Center for Medicare Advocacy, 30 May 2025, medicareadvocacy.org/medicare-info/medicare-part-d/.
“Pop Culture in Review for the Year 2005.” Mrpopculture.Com, Mr. Pop Culture , 29 Nov. 2023, mrpopculture.com/pop-culture-in-review-for-the-year-2005/.
"The Medicare Advantage program: Availability, benefits, and special needs plans - Chapter 9." Medpac.Gov, Medpac.gov, www.medpac.gov/wp-content/uploads/import_data/scrape_files/docs/default-source/reports/Jun06_Ch09.pdf. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Gold, Marsha. “The Landscape of Private Firms Offering Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage in 2006.” Modern.Kff.Org, The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, www.kff.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/7474.pdf. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
“The next Generation of Medicare Beneficiaries - Chapter 2.” Medpac.Gov, Medpac.gov, www.medpac.gov/wp-content/uploads/import_data/scrape_files/docs/default-source/reports/chapter-2-the-next-generation-of-medicare-beneficiaries-june-2015-report-.pdf. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Crowder, Courtney. “Throwback: Pop Culture Trends of 2005.” Usatoday.Com, USA Today, 30 July 2015, www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/2015/07/30/pop-culture-trends/30739417/.
“Update to Medicare Deductible, Coinsurance and Premium Rates for 2006.” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Transmittals/downloads/R31GI.pdf. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
“Variation and Trends in Medigap Premiums.” Aspe.Hhs.Gov, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_legacy_files/43721/index.pdf. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Hosch, William L. “YouTube.” Britannica.Com, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 19 Oct. 2025, www.britannica.com/topic/YouTube.
 
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/
 
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Want to improve your selling skills? Learn how to make a better insurance sales pitch! We outline four game-changing sales presentation tips for insurance agents.
 
Read the text version
 
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
10 Tips to Submitting an Error-Free Medicare Enrollment Application
16 Ways to Generate Medicare Leads (That You Probably Haven’t Tried Yet!)
Friday Five Archive – Agent Survival Guide Podcast
How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly
How to Stay Compliant During All Medicare Sales
What Agents Forget to Do When Preparing for Appointments
Ritter Insurance Marketing Blog
 
References:
Stemler, Sam. “9 Things Customers Want in 2025, According to Research.” Webascender.Com, Web Ascender, 10 Dec. 2024, www.webascender.com/blog/9-things-customers-want-in-2025-according-to-research-2/.
Goman, Carol Kinsey. “10 Powerful Body Language Tips.” Amanet.Org, American Management Association, www.amanet.org/articles/10-powerful-body-language-tips/. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
“Active Listening Techniques: Best Practices for Leaders.” Ccl.Org, Center for Creative Leadership, 14 Oct. 2025, www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/coaching-others-use-active-listening-skills/.
Tanner, Jeff, and Mary Anne Raymond. “Chapter 3 Consumer Behavior: How People Make Buying Decisions.” Https://2012books.Lardbucket.Org/Books/Marketing-Principles-v1.0/S06-Consumer-Behavior-How-People-m.Html, Flatworld.
Bronten, George. “How to Sabotage Your Sales with Bad Assumptions.” Membrain.Com, Membrain, www.membrain.com/blog/how-to-sabotage-your-sales-with-bad-assumptions. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
“Why Your Pace of Speech Matters in Public Speaking.” Teleprompter.Com, Teleprompter, www.teleprompter.com/blog/why-your-pace-of-speech-matters. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
 
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/
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Feeling frustrated this enrollment season? This episode is for you! We’ve got some ideas to help you take a break, take care, and make it through AEP and OEP.
 
Get Connected:
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Turn Self-Care Into a Game with the Finch App:
“Finch: Self-Care Pet - Apps on Google Play.” Google, www.play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.finch.finch. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
“Finch: Self-Care Pet App.” App Store, 7 Dec. 2024, www.apps.apple.com/us/app/finch-self-care-pet/id1528595748.
“Your New Self-Care Best Friend.” Finch, www.finchcare.com/. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.  
 
‘Tis the Season for Holiday Flavors at Dunkin’ & Starbucks:
“Celebrate the season: Starbucks Holiday Menu Returns Nov. 6 with Festive Drinks, Cups and Treats.” About Starbucks, www.about.starbucks.com/stories/2025/celebrate-the-season-starbucks-holiday-menu-returns-nov-6-with-festive-drinks-cups-and-treats/. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
“Dunkin’® Unwraps the Holidays with New Cookie Butter Cloud Latte, Berry Sangria Refresher and Bacon Jam Creations.” Dunkin’, 5 Nov. 2025, www.news.dunkindonuts.com/news/holiday-menu-2025.
“Dutch Bros® Cranks up the Cheer with 2025 Holiday Menu.” Dutch Bros® Cranks Up the Cheer with 2025 Holiday Menu | Dutch Bros, www.dutchbros.com/news-events/holiday-2025-drink-menu/. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
“Starbucks Holiday Menu Returns Nov. 6.” About Starbucks, www.about.starbucks.com/stories/2025/starbucks-holiday-menu-returns-nov-6/. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
“Starbucks Unveils Joyful Holiday Beverages: Starbucks Stories Asia.” About Starbucks, www.stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2025/starbucks-unveils-joyful-holiday-beverages/. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
 
Dictation Goes Modern with Sandbar’s Stream Ring:
Evans, Courtney. “Ex-Meta Founders Launch Smart Ring for Music & Notes.” CEO Today, 5 Nov. 2025, www.ceotodaymagazine.com/2025/11/ex-meta-smart-ring-music-voice-notes/.
Werth, Timothy Beck. “Former Meta Employees Launch Sandbar, a New Smart Ring Brand.” Mashable, Mashable, 5 Nov. 2025, www.mashable.com/article/meta-employees-launch-smart-ring-sandbar.
Mehta, Ivan. “Former Meta Employees Launch Stream, a Smart Ring That Takes Voice Notes and Controls Music.” TechCrunch, 5 Nov. 2025, www.techcrunch.com/2025/11/05/former-meta-employees-launch-stream-a-smart-ring-that-takes-voice-notes-and-controls-music/.
“Stream Ring: A Voice-First Ring for Capturing Thoughts and Building Ideas.” Sandbar, www.sandbar.com/. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Chokkattu, Julian. “Whisper into This AI-Powered Smart Ring to Organize Your Thoughts.” Wired, Conde Nast, 5 Nov. 2025, www.wired.com/story/sandbar-stream-smart-ring/.
 
Google Maps Adds Landmarks & More AI Capabilities:
Mehta, Ivan. “Google Maps Bakes in Gemini to Improve Navigation and Hands-Free Use.” TechCrunch, 5 Nov. 2025, www.techcrunch.com/2025/11/05/google-maps-bakes-in-gemini-to-improve-navigation-and-hands-free-use/.
Moore, Amanda Leicht. “Google Maps Navigation Gets a Powerful Boost with Gemini.” Google, Google, 5 Nov. 2025, www.blog.google/products/maps/gemini-navigation-features-landmark-lens/.
“Google Maps Is Getting More Hands-Free for When You’re Driving.” CNET, www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/google-maps-is-getting-more-hands-free-for-when-youre-driving/. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
 
Field Notes on the Longest Government Shutdown Ever:
Solendar, Andrew, and Kate Santaliz. “A Group of House Democrats and Republicans Is Floating a Plan to End the Shutdown.” AXIOS, www.axios.com/2025/11/03/shutdown-aca-tax-credits-democrats-republicans. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
“Bacon, Suozzi, Hurd, Gottheimer Release Bipartisan Principles to Temporarily Extend and Reform Affordable Care Act Enhanced Premium Tax Credits.” U.S. Congressman Don Bacon, 3 Nov. 2025, www.bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2805.
Gringlas, Sam. “How an Enduring Debate over Healthcare Sparked a Now Record-Long Shutdown.” NPR, 5 Nov. 2025, www.npr.org/2025/11/05/nx-s1-5596472/government-shutdown-record-health-care-subsidies.
Beavins, Emma, et al. “How the Shutdown Impacts Healthcare: Legislators Float Bipartisan Plan to Extend, Reform Aca Tax Credits.” Fierce Healthcare, www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/shutdown-tracker-cms-issues-billing-guidance-hhs-furloughs-32000-employees. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
 
Recently Published Episodes:
5 Real-Life Medicare Sales Scenarios & How to Handle Them
Content Library: Cooking for Beginners ft. Jeff Snyder
How Insurance Agents Can Use AI Tools
How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly
Stress Relief Tips to Get You Through AEP
 
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/
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
 
Episode Transcript:
Welcome to the Agent Survival Guide Podcast Friday Five, which is either our weekly recap of what happened this week that agents should know about. Or in the case of this week, 5 items focusing on a particular theme.
I’m your host, Sarah Rueppel, and this week, we are talking about dealing with burnout, getting off the struggle bus, or to put it more eloquently, 5 ways to survive AEP 2026 even when everything feels like a dumpster on fire floating down the river with a smile on our face to mask the reality.
It’s been a rough enrollment season so far with all the changes and disruption going on. I know that it can feel like a lot, I certainly don’t want to sugarcoat that. What I do want to do, is talk about some solutions to help you take a break from the burnout, refresh, and make sure you’re taking care of yourself amidst all the commotion.
So let’s start with that last one, making sure you take care of yourself, and in true ASG Podcast fashion, we’re going to turn to an app, because we love technology. But we also love gamifying tasks because it adds a layer of fun and rewards you for doing things that you know you should be doing anyway, but sometimes we don’t do them because we’re too busy.
That’s where the Finch Self-Care Pet app can help.
The app is designed to gamify self-care and getting stuff done, across a range of categories, like self-kindness, calm, gratitude, productivity, and more.
Every user gets a little animal called a birb to take care of. It looks like a little bird. As you cross things off your to-do lists and keep checking back in, your birb grows and learns. It hatches micropets of its own. And you earn in-game currency called rainbow stones to purchase clothing for your birb, furniture for your birb’s room, and tickets to travel to new locations.
You decide what you want to achieve in a day, and you can place items in categories, or keep them uncategorized. As more time goes on, you’ll be able to gain insight from your habits, identifying which ones you’re really good at accomplishing, and which others need more work, and might need to be prioritized a little bit more.
And one thing in particular I love, is that you can add friends on the app.
Almost immediately after downloading Finch and trying it out, I thought it could be a great way to help my daughter establish daily routines and reward her for completing tasks.
We’ve been using it together for almost a month, and so far, we still both really like it. She has other friends from school that use it, and I’ve mentioned it to the team here, with some coworkers also downloading it and giving it a try.
We’ll be linking to the learn more about Finch page in the episode notes, so if you’re looking for a way to accomplish your to-dos while also taking care of yourself, or you’re trying to teach your child how to do that, I can’t recommend this app enough. 
Number Four.
I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t be able to function without caffeine, and sometimes, stopping for a treat from either Starbucks or Dunkin’ is necessary.
Or maybe you just need to switch up your order with a new seasonal, limited-edition flavor. You are in luck because pumpkin spice has officially taken a backseat to peppermint mocha and its holiday friends!
Wednesday marked the beginning of the holiday menu’s return to Dunkin, and Starbucks hauled out the holly yesterday.
While I definitely identify as a Starbucks fan, I have to say that the Dunkin’ holiday cups feature super cute graphics that are very much channeling schoolhouse rock.
Peppermint Mocha everything and the Toasted White Chocolate Signature Latte are back for the season. New offerings include the Berry Sangria refresher the Cookie Butter Cloud Latte.
Dunkin Refreshers can be mixed with either green tea, black tea, lemonade, or sparkling water, the latter of which is always my go-to. And then the Cookie Butter Cloud Latte pairs the creamy sweetness of a latte topped with Cookie Butter cold foam and cookie crumbles. I think I’d enjoy the cold foam and crumbles on a cold brew or iced coffee, but if made according to the menu, I think it’ll be too sweet for me.
Over at Starbucks, Peppermint Mocha returns along with Toffee Nut Crunch and Gingerbread Latte. I’m a huge fan of the Gingerbread flavored ground coffee, so I’m very excited for all things Gingerbread.
New this year is the hazelnut praline mille-feuille oatmilk latte, and I’m going to be honest, I’m glad I order on the app most of the time, because I wouldn’t want to have to say the name of that drink out loud in line. It sounds so precocious.
Also, I’m more of a cold brew fan, so if that’s you as well, there are a few seasonal cold foams joining the menu. Gingerbread Cream, Peppermint Chocolate, Sugar Cookie Cream, and Caramel Brûlée Cream.
And if you’re lucky enough to have a Dutch Bros near you, they’ve had their holiday menu up and running since November 1st. Returning there, the candy cane mocha, which is their version of a peppermint mocha topped with crushed candy canes. They brought back the Hazelnut Truffle Mocha. And new this year, the Holiday Cookie Freeze which blends vanilla, sweet cream, and sprinkles, and then the mistletoe rebel which is the Dutch Bros energy drink blend mixed with raspberry and pomegranate.
Fun fact before we move on to our next topic, this week, we polled our marketing team on the official start date of the Holiday season. November first was the clear front-runner, which might be a hot take to some, or just an indicator that we have a lot of holiday spirit here at Ritter.
Number Three.
Sometimes, what your brain needs is a good old-fashioned distraction. For me, this usually means scrolling through the news, which led me to a very cool AI device that I will likely be adding to my Christmas wishlist - the Stream Ring from Sandbar.
The ring houses a small microphone for users to speak into throughout the day, essentially creating your own voice log. It also features a button that the company calls a mouse for voice, holding it to speak, and then tapping it to pause, return to music playback, and even control volume.
What you dictate into the ring is sent to the Stream app and converted into text, so you can capture thoughts on the fly, and then go back to read them on the Stream app.
I’ve always liked the idea of dictating notes, but not the idea of going back and listening to them or transcribing them. This combination of wearable and app takes a lot of friction out of that process, making a compelling and useful new tool.
The price point is set at two hundred forty-nine dollars for the silver ring and two hundred ninety-nine dollars for the gold version.
The Stream app has a free tier with unlimited notes but limited chats, The Pro version allows for unlimited interactions and early features for ten dollars a month. Each ring gets a three-month free subscription to the pro version to try it out.
Might seem like a super simple AI wearable, but I think this practical approach might see success where other AI wearables have failed. It would be nice if health monitoring benefits were included, but you have to start somewhere. I’m very curious to see how this wearable performs when it does become available, I’m not sure I’d jump on the preorder, but I’m also not sure that I won’t. Stay tuned.
Moving on to Number Two.
If you are a Google Maps user, good news! There are a few updates coming to the app, one that actually took me back to a fun exercise from the Technical Writing class I took in college.
Gemini AI has been more deeply integrated into the app, so navigation can now be truly hands-free. Users can ask questions and add conversational follow-up questions and get answers, all without touching your device.
You’ll also be able to report issues like roadwork or an accident by voice, rather than tapping a display screen. That’s super helpful, and the more people that are able to report those disruptions, the better the experience for all commuters.
Users will also be notified about upcoming issues even if you’re not actively navigating. This is a feature that Waze recently implemented, glad to see it coming to Google Maps as well. I enjoy having the map up on my screen, but if I’m listening to something, I don’t want turn-by-turn instructions interrupting my drive unless there’s something to be concerned about.
Google Maps has also added Lens capability to identify nearby landmarks and answer questions about them.
Landmarks will also now play a role in the directions you’ll hear while driving.
So back in my Technical Writing class, one of our in-class exercises was to write down directions on how to get to a destination. It was an exercise designed to highlight the proper order of directions, while also adding specific information, rather than obtuse observations.
So, instead of telling someone to turn left at the tree that looks like a dinosaur, you’d tell them they’ll see Riley’s Restaurant, and make a right just after the restaurant.
Google Maps will now do the same thing, you’ll see landmarks highlighted on your map and hear the voice direction telling you to turn right after Riley’s Restaurant. So, it follows the same pattern of order, but gives users both a visual and voice instruction.
This is something I find super-helpful when I’m navigating a new area, because as much as I appreciate a countdown in the number of feet before a turn, 300 feet feels different depending on the speed you’re traveling at.
And now, coming in at Number One this week:
Make sure you’re following along with our show to stay as updated as possible on what’s going on in the industry. We’re usually tracking quite a few different stories, one of the biggest right now, the current thirty-eight day government shutdown, which is now the longest shutdown in the history of the United States.
We are monitoring this so closely, not because we love the politics around any of this, actively do not love that, but there are issues that affect agents and your clients.
Democrats have so far held their ground on reopening the government, calling for an extension to be made on the enhanced premium tax credits set to expire at the end of 2025.
Some republicans are voicing concerns from their own constituents on the subject of subsidies. And then there are things like SNAP benefits and other government resources that are affected by the shutdown because of furloughs and a lack of funding.
What I choose to focus on here, is that there are people on both sides of Congress who really are trying to have conversations and find ways to compromise, even if it seems like no one wants to report on that.
Earlier this week, FierceHealthcare and Axios both reported on a bipartisan proposal that seeks a two-year extension as well as other considerations. I won’t call out the exact details of that proposal here, because they’ll likely change between now and any sort of implementation.
But I do want to quote the statement put out by the representatives who put together that proposal, quote, “Congress is gridlocked, and too many Americans have lost faith that we can work together. But here’s the truth: Democrats and Republicans can sit down, listen to one another and find common ground, especially when it comes to lowering healthcare costs. We may not agree on every ideal outcome, but we’ve identified a fair, reasonable path forward on the future of the Affordable Care Act’s Enhanced Premium Tax Credits. Compromise isn’t rocket science and it shouldn’t be treated like a weakness,” end quote.
And I’m going to read that one more time because of how much I like it, quote, “compromise isn’t rocket science and it shouldn’t be treated like a weakness,” end quote.
The statement and proposal came from Don Bacon, Tom Suozzi, Jeff Hurd, and Josh Gottheimer, and I don’t think I’m alone when I say that I hope other members of Congress are listening and willing to start those conversations.
We’ll continue to track this story and report back with developments.
Again, make sure you’re following along with us for help staying upbeat and motivated during this time, help taking a break and stepping back from things for a minute to take care of yourself, and of course, important industry updates, like whether or not the subsidies will be extended for coverage year 2026.
That being said, I hope you have a great weekend, stay healthy and stay safe out there, and don’t forget to take some time for yourself this weekend. You deserve it! We’ll see you next week.

CMS plans to simplify prior authorization for Medicare beneficiaries beginning in 2026. Listen to learn more about changes coming to Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare!
 
Read the text version
 
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
4 Reasons Why Ritter Insurance Marketing Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency
5 Medicare Myths Your Clients May Believe
16 Ways to Generate Medicare Leads (That You Probably Haven’t Tried Yet!)
Content Library: Mastering Medicare Insurance Coverage ft. Jeff Snyder
How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly
 
References:
“HHS Secretary Kennedy, CMS Administrator Oz Secure Industry Pledge to Fix Broken Prior Authorization System.” HHS.Gov, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 23 June 2025, www.hhs.gov/press-room/kennedy-oz-cms-secure-healthcare-industry-pledge-to-fix-prior-authorization-system.html. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
“Health Plans Are Making Voluntary Commitments to Support Patients And Providers” AHIP.Org, www.ahip.org/health-plans-are-making-voluntary-commitments-to-support-patients-and-providers. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
“Health Plans Take Action to Simplify Prior Authorization - AHIP.” AHIP.Org, www.ahip.org/news/press-releases/health-plans-take-action-to-simplify-prior-authorization. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
Ochieng, Nancy, et al. “Medicare Advantage in 2025: Premiums, out-of-Pocket Limits, Supplemental Benefits, and Prior Authorization.” KFF, 9 Aug. 2025, www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-premiums-out-of-pocket-limits-supplemental-benefits-and-prior-authorization/. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
“Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model.” FederalRegister.Org, www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2025-12195/medicare-program-implementation-of-prior-authorization-for-select-services-for-the-wasteful-and. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
“Prior Authorization and Pre-Claim Review Initiatives.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/data-research/monitoring-programs/medicare-fee-service-compliance-programs/prior-authorization-and-pre-claim-review-initiatives. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
LeValley, Donna. “Prior Authorization Coming to Traditional Medicare Starting in 2026.” Kiplinger.Com, Kiplinger, 7 July 2025, www.kiplinger.com/retirement/medicare/prior-authorization-coming-to-traditional-medicare. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
 
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/
 
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Every Medicare client has their own unique situation and needs. Learn how to best assist them with 5 more insurance sales scenarios!
 
Read the text version
 
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
3 Essential Steps New Insurance Agents Need to Take
4 Ancillary Cross-Sales to Show Clients You Care
4 Out-Of-the-Box Long-Term Care Insurance Solutions
5 Must-Haves for Every Agent This AEP
5 Real-Life Medicare Sales Scenarios & How to Handle Them
Agent Survival Guide Podcast
Do’s and Don’ts of Medicare Compliance
How to Prepare for AEP like a Pro
How VA Benefits Work with Medicare
Life Insurance for Each of Life’s Stages
Meet Your Ritter Sales Team
Rules for Hosting a Compliant Medicare Educational Event
Rules for Hosting a Compliant Medicare Sales Event
Surviving AEP Resources
The Survivor’s AEP Checklist
The Complete Guide on How to Sell Final Expense Insurance FREE eBook DOWNLOAD
Your Clients May Not Be Automatically Enrolled in Medicare
 
References:
“Agent of Record.” Insuranceopedia, 14 Jan. 2025, https://www.insuranceopedia.com/definition/674/agent-of-record. 
“Avoid Late Enrollment Penalties.” Medicare, https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs/avoid-penalties. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
“Cobra and Medicare Coordination.” Medicare Interactive, 31 Mar. 2025, https://www.medicareinteractive.org/understanding-medicare/coordinating-medicare-with-other-insurance/cobra-and-medicare/cobra-and-medicare-coordination.
“How Medicare Works with Other Insurance.” Medicare, https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/coordination. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
“Job-Based Insurance When You Are Disabled.” Medicare Interactive, 23 Mar. 2025, https://www.medicareinteractive.org/understanding-medicare/coordinating-medicare-with-other-insurance/job-based-insurance-and-medicare/job-based-insurance-when-you-are-disabled.
“Medicare Information.” SSA, https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/medicare.htm. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
“Tricare for Life (Tfl) Basics.” Medicare Interactive, 23 Mar. 2025, https://www.medicareinteractive.org/understanding-medicare/coordinating-medicare-with-other-insurance/military-retiree-insurance-and-medicare/tricare-for-life-tfl-basics.
 
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/
 
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

One of the best ways to prepare for the insurance field is with real life scenarios. In this episode we dive into 5 scenarios and how to best assist your clients.
 
Read the text version
 
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
4 Tips for Making a Better Insurance Sales Pitch
10 Tips to Submitting an Error-Free Medicare Enrollment Application
Contact Ritter Insurance Marketing
eBook: A Comprehensive Guide to Medicare Supplement Underwriting
How to Save Your Clients Money on Prescription Drugs
How SPAPs and Their SEPs Can Bring You New Business
Reach Out to Ritter's Sales Team
Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing
The Beginner’s Guide to D-SNPs
Stay Busy Outside of AEP With Special Enrollment Periods 
References:
“Extra Help Basics.” Medicare Interactive, 1 May 2025, https://www.medicareinteractive.org/understanding-medicare/cost-saving-programs/the-extra-help-low-income-subsidy-lis-program/extra-help-basics.
“Get Ready to Buy.” Medicare, https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap/ready-to-buy. Accessed 25 Sept. 2025.
“Glossary Archive.” Medicare Interactive, https://www.medicareinteractive.org/glossary. Accessed 25 Sept. 2025.
“I Am Turning 65 in a Few Months and Want to Go on Medicare. Will I Be Automatically Enrolled in Parts A and B or Do I Need to Sign Up?” KFF, 18 Sept. 2025, https://www.kff.org/faqs/medicare-open-enrollment-faqs/enrollment-information-for-people-new-to-medicare/i-am-turning-65-in-a-few-months-and-want-to-go-on-medicare-will-i-be-automatically-enrolled-in-parts-a-and-b-or-do-i-need-to-sign-up/.
 
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/
 
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Things can get hectic during AEP. From sales appointments, applications, and following up with clients, it’s easy to brush aside rest and self-care, so consider this episode as a reminder!
 
Read the text version
 
Save Time, Sell More - IntegrityCONNECT
 
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
A Review of Integrity’s Top Medicare Quoting Tools
Agent Survival Kits
Do’s and Don’ts of Medicare Compliance
How Ask Integrity Can Streamline Your Medicare Sales Appointments
IntegrityCONNECT - Login
PlanEnroll – Take Your Business to the Next Level
Ritter’s Round Table
Your Guide to Forming an Insurance Agent Network
 
Fun Local Resources near Harrisburg PA:
Lancatster Cat Cafe
Meditation to Calm the Mind (Free)
Round-A-Bout-Bagels Carlisle Cat Cafe
Volunteer with The Harrisburg Humane Society (Free)
Wildwood Park (Free) – Harrisburg PA
Yoga at Harrisburg YMCA
 
References:
“3 Tips to Manage Stress.” Www.Heart.Org, American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/3-tips-to-manage-stress. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
“Your Frontline Source for Tech News.” Techreport, 6 Oct. 2025, https://techreport.com/.
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Stress Relievers: Tips to Tame Stress.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 3 Aug. 2023, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relievers/art-20047257.
Matijczak, Angela, et al. “The Influence of Interactions With Pet Dogs on Psychological Distress.” American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2023-97081-001.html. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
 
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/
 
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Have you heard? The definition of Short-Term Limited Duration Insurance has changed. We unpack what it means for insurance agents!
 
Read the text version
 
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 
💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
CMS & HHS Expand ACA Catastrophic Coverage Enrollment
ICHRA vs. QSEHRA vs. Group Health Plans: Sales Opportunities for Insurance Agents
Judge Vacates HHS MA Commissions Lawsuit
Ritter Insurance Marketing Carrier Partners
The Fight for ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits
 
References:
“Public Health Service Act.” Govinfo.Gov, govinfo.gov, www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-8773/pdf/COMPS-8773.pdf. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
“Short-Term Health Insurance Availability and Limits by State.” Healthinsurance.Org, healthinsurance.org, 15 Aug. 2025, www.healthinsurance.org/short-term-health-insurance/.
“Short-Term Health Insurance: How It Works and Who It’s For.” Healthinsurance.Org, healthinsurance.org, 30 Sept. 2025, www.healthinsurance.org/short-term-health-insurance/.
“Short-Term, Limited-Duration Insurance and Independent, Noncoordinated Excepted Benefits Coverage.” Federalregister.Gov, Federal Register, 3 Apr. 2024, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/03/2024-06551/short-term-limited-duration-insurance-and-independent-noncoordinated-excepted-benefits-coverage.
“Statement of U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury Regarding Short-Term, Limited Duration Insurance.” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7 Aug. 2025, www.cms.gov/files/document/statement-regarding-short-term-limited-duration-insurance.pdf.
“What Is Individual Health Insurance?” Healthinsurance.Org, healthinsurance.org, 14 Feb. 2025, www.healthinsurance.org/glossary/individual-health-insurance/.
 
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/
 
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

No tricks, just a treat of an episode that miiiight leave you sleeping with the lights on tonight. Our staff volunteered to tell some spooky stories that line up with locations featured in our Content Library Top Spooky Spots series. We hope you enjoy it!
 
Content Library: The Top Spooky Spots for Halloween
 
Previous Content Library Interviews:
Content Library: Cooking for Beginners ft. Jeff Snyder
Content Library: Mastering Medicare Insurance Coverage ft. Jeff Snyder
Introducing a Content Marketing Solution for Insurance Agents
 
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/
 
Get Connected:
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

In this episode we review key CMS regulations agents must follow to stay compliant during Medicare sales. Bonus? These steps also help educate and inform your clients!
 
Read the text version
 
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
Fact vs. Fiction: Examining the Medicare Part B Premium Giveback
Formularies & Covered Drugs – Knight School Training
How to Check Medicare Extra Help Eligibility for Your Client
How to Help Clients Avoid Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties
How to Help Your Clients Get the Most Out of Their Medicare Advantage Plans
Insurance Agents as TPMOs: What CMS Compliance Regulations Mean for You
Medicare Grievances & How Insurance Agents Can (Try To) Prevent Them
MA & PDP Compliant Sales Checklist PDF Download
SNPs: The Secret to Surviving Lock-in
The 2026 Medicare Part D Redesign Updates Agents Should Know
The Beginner’s Guide to C-SNPs
The Beginner’s Guide to D-SNPs
The Difference Between Medicare & Medicaid: What That Means for Insurance Agents
What Agents Can’t Say During Medicare Sales Appointments
What to Know About SOAs in Medicare Health and Prescription Drug Plan Sales
 
References:
“Agent and Broker Training & Testing Guidelines.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services,
https://www.cms.gov/files/document/cy2025-agent-broker-training-testing-guidelines.pdf. Accessed 14 Oct 2025.
“Agent and Broker Training & Testing Guidelines.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/files/document/cy2026agentbrokertrainingtestingguidelinespdf.pdf. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
“Costs.” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
“Contract Year 2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule (CMS-4205-F).” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/contract-year-2025-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-final-rule-cms-4205-f. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
“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-F).” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-medicare-advantage-program-medicare-prescription-final. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
“Emergency Department Services.” Medicare.Gov, Medicare, www.medicare.gov/coverage/emergency-department-services. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
“Medicare Communications and Marketing Guidelines (MCMG) Date: 02/09/2022.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/files/document/medicare-communications-marketing-guidelines-2-9-2022.pdf. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
Seladi-Schulman, Jill. “Medicare IRMAA: What Is It and When Does It Apply?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 22 Apr. 2025, www.healthline.com/health/medicare/what-is-irmaa.
“Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2025 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program; and Medicare Overpayments.” Federalregister.Gov, Federal Register, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/07/31/2024-14828/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-cy-2025-payment-policies-under-the-physician-fee-schedule-and-other. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
“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/documents/2025/04/15/2025-06008/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-to-the-medicare. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
“Out-of-Pocket Maximum/Limit.” HealthCare.Gov, www.healthcare.gov/glossary/out-of-pocket-maximum-limit/. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
 
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/
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

This just in! Social Security announced the Cost of Living Adjustment for 2026. Listen on the ASG podcast for the official numbers and how the COLA increase impacts your clients.
 
Read the text version
 
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
5 Medicare Myths Your Clients May Believe
2026 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Premiums
Ask Integrity Plan Insights
 
References:
“Consumer Price Index - September 2025.” Bls.Gov, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 24 Oct. 2025, www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.toc.htm.
“Create Your Personal My Social Security Account Today.” SSA, Social Security Administration, www.ssa.gov/myaccount/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
Bogle, Darlynda. “How the Hold Harmless Provision Protects Your Benefits.” Blog.SSA.Gov, Social Security Administration, 18 Apr. 2025, blog.ssa.gov/how-the-hold-harmless-provision-protects-your-benefits/.
“Social Security Announces 2.8 Percent Benefit Increase for 2026 .” SSA.Gov, Social Security Administration, 24 Oct. 2025, blog.ssa.gov/social-security-announces-benefit-increase-for-2026/.
“Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment.” SSA.Gov, Social Security Administration, 24 Oct. 2025, www.ssa.gov/cola/.
 
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/
 
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

You’ve worked hard all year to prepare for AEP, but you’re not at the finish line yet! Listen to this installment of the Agent Survival Guide Podcast for tips on how to maximize your success this AEP.
 
Read the text version
 
Meet your personal AI assistant: Ask Integrity
 
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
4 Ways PlanEnroll Will Make This Your Best AEP Yet
Announcing the Launch of IntegrityCONNECT
Ask Integrity
Content Library: Mastering Medicare Coverage ft. Jeff Snyder
How Insurance Agents Can Use AI Tools
How to Better Market Yourself
How to Prepare for AEP Like a Pro
Secure a Bigger, Better Business with Ancillary Products
The Insurance Agent’s Guide to Establishing Successful Affinity Partnerships FREE eBook
The Survivor’s AEP Checklist
What Agents Forget to Do When Preparing for Appointments
 
References:
“Medicare + Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (MFWA) Online Course.” AHIP Medicare Training, https://www.ahipmedicaretraining.com/page/login. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
“Medicare Open Enrollment.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/priorities/key-initiatives/medicare-open-enrollment-partner-resources. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.
 
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/
 
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

As select Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans go non-commissionable, we’ve been hearing whispers about consulting fees. Rather than stay silent, we’ve got some words of caution and solutions for agents to consider.
 
Read the text version
 
Contact Us!
Email ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or reach out to Ritter’s Sales Team near you! 
 
Resources:
7 Actions You Can Take If Your Medicare Plans Go Non-Commissionable
8 Reasons Why Insurance Agents Should Sell ACA Plans
ACA 101: Selling Under-65 Health Insurance
A Quick Guide to Cross-Selling Ancillary Insurance with Medicare Products
Final Expense Insurance: How Much Can Clients Expect It to Cover?
Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing
Selling Hospital Indemnity with Medicare Advantage: Is It Worth It?
 
References:
Are Brokers Still in the Crosshairs? Policy and Market Updates for 2026
Medicare Advantage Program Regulations
Medicare Part D Communication Requirements
AEP Media Toolkit from NABIP
 
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/
 
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

The Friday Five for October 24, 2025:
Field Notes & Countdown to OEP
OpenAI Announces ChatGPT Atlas
Apple Beta Updates for Liquid Glass
ACA Premiums & Tax Credits Status Check
Ask Integrity Plan Insights
 
Get Connected:
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
OpenAI Announces ChatGPT Atlas:
Rogers, Reece. “OpenAI’s Atlas Browser Takes Direct Aim at Google Chrome.” Wired.Com, Wired, 21 Oct. 2025, www.wired.com/story/openai-atlas-browser-chrome-agents-web-browsing/.
Babu, Juby, and Krystal Hu. “OpenAI Launches AI Browser Atlas in Latest Challenge to Google.” Reuters.Com, Reuters, www.reuters.com/technology/openai-unveils-ai-browser-atlas-2025-10-21/. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
O’Brien, Matt, and Michael Liedtke. “OpenAI Launches Atlas Browser to Compete with Google Chrome.” Apnews.Com, AP News, 21 Oct. 2025, apnews.com/article/openai-atlas-web-browser-chatgpt-google-ai-f59edaa239aebe26fc5a4a27291d717a.
Capoot, Ashley. “OpenAI Unveils CHATGPT Atlas Browser, Sending Alphabet Shares Lower.” CNBC.Com, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025, www.cnbc.com/2025/10/21/openai-browser-alphabet-stock.html.
Fried, Ina. “What to Know about Atlas, OpenAI’s New Web Browser.” Axios.Com, Axios, www.axios.com/2025/10/21/openai-atlas-what-to-know. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
 
Apple Beta Updates for Liquid Glass:
Clover, Juli. “iOS 26.1 Beta 4 Lets Users Control Liquid Glass Transparency with New Toggle.” Macrumors.Com, MacRumors, 20 Oct. 2025, www.macrumors.com/2025/10/20/ios-26-1-liquid-glass-toggle/.
Peters, Jay. “Apple Adds a New Toggle to Make Liquid Glass Less Glassy.” Theverge.Com, The Verge, 20 Oct. 2025, www.theverge.com/news/802963/apple-liquid-glass-ios-26-1-beta-tint-option.
Cunningham, Andrew. “Upcoming iOS and macOS 26.1 Update Will Let You Fog up Your Liquid Glass.” Arstechnica.Com, Ars Technica, 21 Oct. 2025, arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/10/new-ios-and-macos-betas-add-tinted-toggle-to-tone-down-liquid-glass/.
 
ACA Premiums & Tax Credits Status Check:
Ortaliza, Jared, Matt McGough, Kaitlyn Vu, Imani Telesford, Shameek Rakshit, Emma Wager Twitter, et al. “How Much and Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Going up in 2026.” Healthsystemtracker.Org, KFF, 6 Aug. 2025, www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/how-much-and-why-aca-marketplace-premiums-are-going-up-in-2026/.
“How Much More Would People Pay in Premiums If the ACA’s Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expire?” KFF.Org, KFF, 17 Oct. 2025, www.kff.org/interactive/how-much-more-would-people-pay-in-premiums-if-the-acas-enhanced-subsidies-expired/.
“Is It Too Late for ACA Insurers to Change Their Premiums?” KFF.Org, KFF, 8 Oct. 2025, www.kff.org/quick-take/is-it-too-late-for-aca-insurers-to-change-their-premiums/.
 
Ask Integrity Plan Insights:
Get Started with IntegrityCONNECT
Integrity Transformational AI-Powered Plan Insights
Learn more about Ask Integrity
 
Resources:
How an ICHRA Partnership Can Support ACA Sales
How Insurance Agents Can Use AI Tools
How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly
Optimize Your Online Presence ft. Aaron Kassover
The Medicare Telehealth 2025 Changes Insurance Agents Need to Know
 
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/
 
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Jeff Snyder joins Sarah to chat about Ritter Insurance Marketing’s Content Library for insurance agents. Find out how to use non-insurance related content in your marketing efforts.
 
📚Browse Ritter Insurance Marketing’s Content Library for Insurance Agents
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing
 
Resources:
5 Insurance Marketing Tips to Help Agents Stand Out in a Crowd
5 Types of Content to Share on Social Media
Content Library: Master Medicare Insurance Coverage
Field Notes on Partner Marketing Resources
Field Notes on Digital Marketing Resources
Field Notes on Traditional Marketing Resources
Introducing a Content Marketing Solution for Insurance Agents
Reach out to Ritter’s Compliance 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 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/
 
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.