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

The Beginner's Guide to C-SNPs

Many who qualify for Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) find that this type of plan suits their specifics needs with tailormade benefits and networks. This episode of the Agent Survival Guide is your crash course in C-SNPs. 
 
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Resources:
The Beginner’s Guide to C-SNPs
The Guide to Prospecting and Selling C-SNPs
 
References:
“Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-Snps).” CMS.Gov, www.cms.gov/medicare/enrollment-renewal/special-needs-plans/chronic-conditions. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
“Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans: 2024 Market Landscape and Future Considerations.” Milliman, 15 Mar. 2024, www.milliman.com/en/insight/chronic-condition-special-needs-plans-2024-market-landscape.
“National Diabetes Statistics Report.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/diabetes/php/data-research/index.html. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
“Special Needs Plans (SNP).” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/health-plans/your-health-plan-options/SNP. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
“Statistics about Diabetes.” Diabetes in America: Prevalence, Statistics, and Economic Impact, diabetes.org/about-diabetes/statistics/about-diabetes. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
 
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Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

6 Proven Ways to Grow Annuity Sales

Strengthen your annuity sales strategy with these best practices. Hear takeaways for agents of all experience levels, plus how to download our fact-finder that can help you ask better questions.
 
Read the text version
 
Download the Fact-Finder PDF
 
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💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
Cross-Selling Ancillary Insurance with Medicare Products eBook
Fixed vs. Indexed vs. Fixed Indexed Annuities: What's the Difference?
Insurance Agents Can Generate More Leads with a Referral Marketing Strategy
Life and Annuity Resource Center (LARC)
Social Media Marketing for Insurance Agents eBook
What Are Annuities?
 
References:
Gibson, Trey. "55 Open-Ended Sales Questions to Close More Deals in 2026." Spotio.com, Spotio, https://spotio.com/blog/open-ended-sales-questions/, Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
"Do Insurance Brokers Have a Fiduciary Duty?" Mployer.com, Mployer, https://mployeradvisor.com/blog/do-insurance-brokers-have-a-fiduciary-duty, Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
Kenton, Will. “Risk Assessment: Definition, Techniques, and Analysis Types Explained.” Investopedia.Com, Investopedia, 23 Nov. 2025, www.investopedia.com/terms/r/risk-assessment.asp.
Sheikh, Mahnoor. "Social media demographics to inform your 2026 strategy." sproutsocial.com, Sprout Social, 18 Feb. 2026, https://sproutsocial.com/insights/new-social-media-demographics/.
"Trends in Health Insurance Retention: Exploring Recent Data and Trends." insureuniversity.com, Insure University, https://www.insureuniversity.com/key-insights-from-latest-data-and-emerging-trends-health-insurance-retention/, Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
 
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Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Facebook Basics for Insurance Agents

Does Facebook fit into your social media strategy? In this episode, we highlight best practices for insurance agents developing their online presence.
 
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💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
Advertising Medicare Through Facebook
Agent Survival Guide Podcast Facebook Business Page
Instagram Basics for Insurance Agents
LinkedIn Basics for Insurance Agents
Social Media Marketing for Insurance Agents
 
References:
"Social Media Fact Sheet." pewresearchcenter.org, Pew Research Center, 20 Nov. 2025, https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/social-media/.
"Top Websites Ranking - Most Visited Websites in March 2026." similarweb.com, Similar Web, 1 Apr. 2026, https://www.similarweb.com/top-websites/.
"Most Visited Websites in the World." SEMrush.com, SEMrush, https://www.semrush.com/trending-websites/global/all, Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
 
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Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

LinkedIn Basics for Insurance Agents

Find out why LinkedIn is a must-have for insurance agents! Learn more about networking on this platform, enhance your online presence, and hear tips and strategies for agents of all experience levels.
 
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🤝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:
Social Media Marketing for Insurance Agents
 
References:
“About Linkedin.” LinkedIn.com, LinkedIn, about.linkedin.com/. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
“Americans’ Social Media Use 2025.” Pewresearch.org, Pew Research Center, 20 Nov. 2025, https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2025/11/20/americans-social-media-use-2025/.
“Social Media Fact Sheet.” Pewresearch.org, Pew Research Center, 20 Nov. 2025, www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/social-media/.
 
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Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

CMS Update on BALANCE Model & Medicare GLP-1 Bridge

The Friday Five for May 1, 2026:
[00:44] Staying Caffeinated on the Road
[03:26] Healthcare or Health Care? AP Stylebook Makes it Official
[05:24] Spotify Spins Fitness into the Mix
[08:41] Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026
[12:16] CMS Update on BALANCE Model & Medicare GLP-1 Bridge
 
Events & Webinars for Insurance Agents
 
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Staying Caffeinated on the Road:
"Dunkin' Summer Menu." dunkindonuts.com, Dunkin Donuts, "https://www.dunkindonuts.com/en/summer-menu, Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
"Starbucks previews 2026 summer menu with tropical flavors and horchata-inspired drinks." about.starbucks.com, Starbucks, 13 Apr. 2026, https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2026/starbucks-previews-2026-summer-menu-with-tropical-flavors-and-horchata-inspired-drinks/.
 
Healthcare or Health Care? AP Stylebook Makes it Official:
Berendzen, Gerri. “AP announces stylebook changes; “healthcare” tops list.” Aceseditors.org, aces, 24 Apr. 2026, https://aceseditors.org/news/2026/ap-announces-stylebook-changes-healthcare-tops-list.
“The Associated Press Stylebook (@apstylebook) on Threads.” Threads, AP Stylebook, 25 Apr. 2026, www.threads.com/@apstylebook/post/DXhRkwYieVa?xmt=AQF09zuIUacVV6Ii9z7wDtZ9Or6W-RpmyLnA0twzfMsOKA.
 
Spotify Spins Fitness into the Mix:
“Introducing Fitness with Spotify: A New Way to Bring Movement Into Your Daily Routine.” Newsroom.spotify.com, Spotify, 27 Apr. 2026, https://newsroom.spotify.com/2026-04-27/spotify-fitness-workouts-peloton/.
O’Brien, Terrance. “Spotify is partnering with Peloton for guided workouts.” Theverge.com, The Verge, 27, Apr. 2026, https://www.theverge.com/tech/918861/spotify-peloton-guided-workouts.
Perez, Sarah. “Spotify’s next frontier: Fitness content.” Techcrunch.com, Tech Crunch, 27 Apr. 2026. https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/27/spotifys-next-frontier-fitness-content/.
 
Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026:
"Dr. Miller-Meeks, Congressional Doctors Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Restore Accountability in Medicare Advantage." millermeeks.house.gov, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, 22 Apr. 2026, https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-miller-meeks-congressional-doctors-introduce-bipartisan-bill-restore.
Gleeson, Cailey. "Lawmakers introduce bipartisan legislation to improve access, quality of care in Medicare Advantage plans." fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare 24 Apr. 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/lawmakers-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-improve-access-quality-care-medicare.
Blake, Suzanne. "Medicare Advantage Could Change for Millions Under New Bill." newsweek.com, Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2026, https://www.newsweek.com/medicare-advantage-could-change-new-bill-11883576.
“Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026.” Millermeeks.House.Gov, U.S. House of Representatives, 15 Jan. 2026, millermeeks.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/millermeeks.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/h.r-8375.pdf.
 
CMS Update on BALANCE Model & Medicare GLP-1 Bridge:
"BALANCE (Better Approaches to Lifestyle and Nutrition for Comprehensive hEalth) Model." cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/balance, Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
Minemyer, Paige. “CMS delays Part D GLP-1 model amid skepticism from insurers.” Fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 22 Apr. 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/cms-delays-part-d-glp-1-model-amid-skepticism-insurersd.
Cubanski, Juliette. "CMS Extends Medicare’s Short-Term Bridge Program for GLP-1 Obesity Drug Coverage." kff.org, KFF, 23 Apr. 2026. https://www.kff.org/quick-take/cms-extends-medicares-short-term-bridge-program-for-glp-1-obesity-drug-coverage/.
"Medicare GLP-1 Bridge." cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/prescription-drug-coverage/medicare-glp-1-bridge, Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
"Status Update on the BRIDGE Demo and BALANCE Model in Part D for CY2027." sponsors.aha.org, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://sponsors.aha.org/rs/710-ZLL-651/images/20260422_Status_Update_on_the_BRIDGE_Demo_and_BALANCE_Model_in_Part_D_for_CY2027_G.pdf, Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.  
 
Resources:
Big Moves in Healthcare & Tech: What Insurance Agents Should Watch
How the BALANCE Model Will Help Medicare Part D & Medicaid Enrollees Access GLP-1s
Ready-Made Marketing for Insurance Agents: Inside the Content Library
CMS 2026 Prior Authorization Proposed Rule
5 Things About the CMS 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule
 
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Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

FMO vs. IMO vs. NMO vs. MGA vs. GA: What’s the Difference?

From FMO to IMO and MGA to GA, we’re unpacking what these acronyms mean and how insurance hierarchies work. Learn more about these organizations and where your insurance business falls on the spectrum!
 
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💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
3 Advantages of Being an Independent Insurance Agent
4 Reasons Why Ritter Insurance Marketing Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency
Best Practices for Training Downline Agents
How Insurance FMOs Work
Learn More About Integrity Tools
What Are Insurance Hierarchies & How Do They Work?
 
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Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Affinity Partnerships for Insurance Agents

Broaden your reach by combining forces with a like-minded affinity partner! If you're looking to grow your insurance business, affinity marketing is a great strategy that won't break the bank. 
 
Read the text version
 
Download The Insurance Agent’s Guide to Establishing Successful Affinity Partnership
 
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💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
How Insurance Agents Can Stay Compliant Without Slowing Down Sales
How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly
Optimize Your Online Presence ft. Aaron Kassover
Your Guide to Forming an Insurance Agent Network
 
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Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Big Moves in Healthcare & Tech: What Insurance Agents Should Watch

The Friday Five for April 24, 2026:
[00:25] Hits & Headlines
[01:41] New Podcast From KFF
[03:33] Tech Takeaways
[05:42] Amazon to Discontinue Older Kindles
[08:47] Amazon One Medical GLP-1 Management Program
 
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💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Hits & Headlines:
Brenninger, Kevin. "Kevin Warsh hearing takeaways: Trump Fed chair nominee defends finances, says president never demanded rate cuts." CNBC.com, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/21/kevin-warsh-fed-confirmation-hearing-trump-live-updates.html.  
"Meet Lucie. A New Way to Shop for Healthcare." ir.hioscar.com, Oscar Health, 20 Apr. 2026, https://ir.hioscar.com/news-events-presentations/news-press-releases/news-details/2026/Meet-Lucie--A-New-Way-to-Shop-for-Healthcare-/default.aspx.
Minemyer, Paige. "Oz previews new plan to push states toward revalidating Medicaid providers." fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 21 Apr. 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/oz-previews-plan-push-states-revalidate-medicaid-providers.
Chu, Amanda. "Oz unveils nationwide plan to tackle Medicaid fraud at POLITICO Summit" politico.com, Politico, 21 Apr. 2026, https://www.politico.com/news/2026/04/21/oz-medicaid-fraud-plan-politico-summit-00883279.
"Secretary Kennedy Appoints Casey B. Mulligan as HHS Chief Economist and Regulatory Officer." hhs.gov, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 17 Apr. 2026, https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-appoints-casey-b-mulligan-phd-as-chief-economist-and-chief-regulatory-officer.html.
Huang, Pien. "Trump nominates former Coast Guard doctor as CDC chief." npr.org, National Public Radio, 17 Apr. 2026, https://www.npr.org/2026/04/16/nx-s1-5787959/erica-schwartz-cdc-leadership-nomination.
 
New Podcast From KFF:
KFF’s The Business of Health with Chip Kahn
Why KFF is Launching a Podcast on the Business of Health
 
Tech Takeaways:
Sarnoff, Leah. "Apple CEO Tim Cook is stepping down, John Ternus set to replace him." abcnews.com, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026, https://abcnews.com/US/apple-ceo-tim-cook-stepping-john-ternus-set/story?id=132217743.
Esposito, Filipe. "iPhone 18 Pro exclusive color reveals: Dark Cherry is the new Cosmic Orange." macworld.com, Macworld, 20 Apr. 2026, https://www.macworld.com/article/3116701/iphone-18-pro-colors-revealed-exclusive-look-at-apples-2026-models.html.
"Microsoft 365 Roadmap." Microsoft.com, Microsoft, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?id=560321#Roadmap, Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
"Microsoft Teams is trying to fix accidental hand-raising." theverge.com, The Verge, 21 Apr. 2026, https://www.theverge.com/tech/915586/microsoft-teams-accidental-hand-raising-fix.
Roy, Dwaipayan. "Microsoft Teams will soon stop you from accidentally raising hand." newsbytesapp.com, NewsBytes, 21 Apr. 2026, https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/microsoft-teams-to-get-a-redesign-this-june/story.
"Tim Cook to become Apple Executive Chairman. John Ternus to become Apple CEO." apple.com, Apple, 20 Apr. 2026, https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/04/tim-cook-to-become-apple-executive-chairman-john-ternus-to-become-apple-ceo/.
 
Amazon to Discontinue Older Kindles:
Amazon Kindle Store
Newman, Justyn. "Amazon’s May 20 Kindle Cutoff: Which Models are Affected and How to Keep Reading Anyway." pcmag.com, PC Mag, 21 Apr. 2026, https://www.pcmag.com/news/amazon-may-20-kindle-cutoff-which-models-impacted-how-to-keep-reading.
Tyko, Kelly. "Amazon launches GLP-1 program as gaps in care emerge." axios.com, Axios, 21, Apr. 2026, https://www.axios.com/2026/04/21/amazon-pharmacy-one-medical-glp1-program.
Ashworth, Boone. "Amazon Pulls Support for Perfectly Fine Older Kindles." wired.com, Wired, 9 Apr. 2026, https://www.wired.com/story/amazon-pulls-support-for-perfectly-fine-older-kindles/.
McMahon, Liv. "Amazon to end support for older Kindles, prompting user outcry." bbc.com, BBC, 9 Apr. 2026, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c98k91yy4z4o.
Mangino, Samantha. "Don't panic: Amazon is discontinuing support on these 13 Kindle devices, but they're not totally obsolete." mashable.com, Mashable, 8 Apr. 2026, https://mashable.com/article/amazon-discontinuing-kindle-1st-gen-support.
Adorno, Jose. "Old And Unsupported Kindles Might Become The Best Tech Deal Of 2026." 15 Apr. 2026, https://www.bgr.com/2148274/why-old-kindle-deal/.
 
Amazon One Medical GLP-1 Management Program:
Amazon One Medical GLP-1 Management Program
Gomez, Brandon. "Amazon launches GLP-1 weight loss program, promising ‘fast, convenient’ access." cnbc.com, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/21/amazon-glp-1-weight-loss-program.html. 
Patel, Hemalee. "Amazon One Medical introduces weight management program with upfront GLP-1 medication costs." aboutamazon.com, Amazon News, https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/retail/amazon-glp1-management-program.
 
Resources:
5 Things About the CMS 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule
CMS 2026 Prior Authorization Proposed Rule
How Insurance Agents Can Avoid Isolation & Build Stronger Connections ft. Dawn Myers
Making Cross‑Selling Less Awkward for Insurance Agents ft. Demetri Simos and Dawn Myers
Ready-Made Marketing for Insurance Agents: Inside the Content Library
 
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Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Q2 Medicare Sales Planner

It’s time to sync up your calendar! What should insurance agents selling Medicare focus on during the 2nd quarter? Listen to this episode for our suggestions and info on how to get your own Medicare Sales Planner.
 
Read the text version
 
Download your copy of the Medicare Sales Planner!
 
Get Connected:
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💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
AHIP Test Tips and Tricks for Medicare Certification
Carrier Pages
Certification Info
Community-Based Marketing for Insurance Agents
Dental, Vision, and Hearing Insurance Sales: How, Who, and Why
FAQs About NABIP Medicare Certification
The Advisor Approach: Cross-Selling by Fact-Finding
What Is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It?
 
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Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Q2 ACA Sales Calendar

Streamline your second quarter tasks with a little help from your friends at Ritter Insurance Marketing and the Agent Survival Guide Podcast. Listen for the details and don’t forget to download the full calendar!
 
Read the text version
Download your copy of the Busy ACA Agent’s Sales Calendar!
 
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💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
Should Medicare & ACA Clients Use Drug Discount Programs?
The Best Appointment Schedulers for Insurance Agents
The Complete Guide to Selling Affordable Care Act Insurance Plans
The State of the ACA Market in 2026
Why Marketplace Agents Should Connect With Young Adults Turning 26
 
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Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Ready-Made Marketing for Insurance Agents: Inside the Content Library

Did you know that Ritter offers turnkey content marketing materials for agents? Learn more about the Content Library: a free resource featuring compliant content created specifically for insurance agents to start, scale, and sustain digital marketing efforts.
 
Check out the Content Library for Insurance Agents!
 
Additional Resources:
Content Library: Cooking for Beginners ft. Jeff Snyder
Content Library: Mastering Medicare Insurance Coverage ft. Jeff Snyder
5 Spooky Stories for Halloween 👻
Holly Jolly Holiday Traditions
 
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💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
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Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

The Complete Guide to Selling Critical Illness Plans

Learn more about the critical illness product (and how to cross-sell it!) with our free guide for insurance agents! Ready to cross-sell with confidence? Start by downloading your copy of Ritter’s newest eBook today.
 
Download your FREE copy of The Complete Guide to Selling Critical Illness Plans
 
Additional Episodes You Might Like:
4 Ancillary Cross-Sales to Show Clients You Care
How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly
Making Cross‑Selling Less Awkward for Insurance Agents ft. Demetri Simos and Dawn Myers
 
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🤝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.
 
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CMS 2026 Prior Authorization Proposed Rule

The Friday Five for April 17, 2026:
 
[00:57] CMS 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule
[02:09] Google Announces New Chrome Features
[04:56] March 2026 CPI/2026 FOMC Calendar
[07:03] Protective Life Corporation Study on Gaps in Medicare Knowledge
[10:17] CMS 2026 Prior Authorization Proposed Rule
 
Get Connected:
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
CMS 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule:
5 Things About the CMS 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule 
CMS Improves Plan Transparency and Choice with 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule 
Email the show for your copy of the Final Rule PDF. (We’ve even filled out the subject line for you!)  
 
Google Announces New Chrome Features:
Tsu, Alex. “Get more done with new vertical tabs and immersive reading mode in Chrome.” Blog.google.com, The Keyword, 7 Apr. 2026, https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/products/chrome/new-chrome-productivity-features.
Pierce, David. "Vertical browser tabs are better and you should use them." Theverge.com, The Verge, 7 Apr. 2026, https://www.theverge.com/tech/907998/google-chrome-vertical-tabs.
 
March 2026 CPI/2026 FOMC Calendar:
“Consumer Price Index – March 2026.” Bls.gov, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 10 Apr. 2026, https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf.
“Meeting calendars, statements, and minutes (2021-2027).” Federalreserve.gov, The Federal Reserve, https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomccalendars.htm, Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
 
Protective Life Corporation Study on Gaps in Medicare Knowledge:
"Medicare planning: why it matters – and why financial professionals can’t ignore it." Protective Life Corporation, https://delivery-p102752-e1161810.adobeaemcloud.com/adobe/assets/urn:aaid:aem:e195f263-4c50-4410-8b40-f75468408f65/original/as/Protective_WP_Medical+Planning_FINAL_02092026+%283%29.pdf, Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
Bell, Allison. "Most Advisors Have Big Gaps in Medicare Knowledge: Survey." thinkadvisor.com, Think Advisor, 8 Apr. 2026, https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2026/04/08/most-advisors-have-big-gaps-in-medicare-knowledge-survey/. 
"New Research Highlights Critical Gaps in Medicare Planning and Opportunities for Financial Professionals." investor.protective.com, Protective Life Corporation, 7 Apr. 2026, https://investor.protective.com/newsroom/press-releases/press-release-details/2026/New-Research-Highlights-Critical-Gaps-in-Medicare-Planning-and-Opportunities-for-Financial-Professionals/default.aspx.
 
CMS 2026 Prior Authorization Proposed Rule:
"2026 CMS Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs Proposed Rule." cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 10 Apr. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-cms-interoperability-standards-prior-authorization-drugs-proposed-rule.
"CMS Proposes Major Reforms to Speed Up Patient Access to Drugs, Increase Transparency, and Reduce Administrative Burden." cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 10 Apr. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-proposes-major-reforms-speed-up-patient-access-drugs-increase-transparency-reduce-administrative.
"Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs for Medicare Advantage Organizations, Medicaid Managed Care Plans, State Medicaid Agencies, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Agencies and CHIP Managed Care Entities, and Issuers of Qualified Health Plans on the Federally-Facilitated Exchanges." federalregister.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 14 Apr. 2026, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/14/2026-07205/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act-interoperability-standards.  
Pines, Jesse. "Prior Authorization Reform Is Here — And It Could Change How Millions Get Care." Forbes.com, Forbes, 13 Apr. 2026, https://www.forbes.com/sites/jessepines/2026/04/13/prior-authorization-reform-is-here-and-it-could-change-how-millions-get-care/. 
Minemyer, Paige. "Proposed CMS rule would set prior auth deadlines for drugs." fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 10 Apr. 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/proposed-cms-rule-would-set-prior-auth-deadlines-drugs. 
"Summary of Proposed Provisions in the 2026 CMS Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs Proposed Rule (CMS0062-P)." cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/files/document/summary-changes-provisions-rule-10apr26-final-508-compliant.pdf, Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
 
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Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

How Insurance Agents Can Avoid Isolation & Build Stronger Connections ft. Dawn Myers

It's easy to feel isolated in the insurance industry. But if you talk with Dawn Myers, you'll quickly understand why she says isolation is just that, a feeling. And an optional one at that. She explains how connection, collaboration, and showing up changed everything for her.
 
Find Dawn Myers Online:
LinkedIn
Stay Paid: Relationships, Referrals & The Power of Partnerships
 
Get Connected:
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. 
🗓️Sign Up for Ritter Insurance Marketing Events & Webinars
 
Additional Resources:
5 Tips for New Insurance Agents
5 Tips for Seasoned Insurance Agents
Adding Spokes to Your Wheel ft. Robert Rothschild
Developing Power Habits ft. Dr. Noah St. John
How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly
 
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Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

4 Myths About Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) Sales

Think what you've heard about Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans is true? Fun fact, it’s probably not! Listen as we break down D-SNP myths to build up your knowledge.
 
Read the text version
 
Get Connected:
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!  
📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
 
Resources:
Diversify Your Insurance Portfolio & Reap Real Rewards
D-SNP Benefit Eligibility Client Letter
D-SNP Checklist
Get Your Insurance Portfolio Reviewed for FREE
The Beginner’s Guide to D-SNPs
The Complete Guide on How to Sell D-SNPs
 
References:
“A Profile of Medicare-Medicaid Dual Beneficiaries.” Atiadvisory.Com, ATI Advisory, atiadvisory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/A-Profile-of-Medicare-Medicaid-Dual-Beneficiaries.pdf. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
Freed, Salama, et al. “10 Things to Know about Medicare Advantage Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-Snps).” KFF.org, KFF, https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/10-things-to-know-about-medicare-advantage-dual-eligible-special-needs-plans-d-snps/. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
Ochieng, Nancy. “Medicare Advantage in 2025: Enrollment Update and Key Trends.” KFF.Org, KFF, 30 Jan. 2026, www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-enrollment-update-and-key-trends/.
“New Special Enrollment Periods (Seps) for Dually Eligible ...” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid, https://www.cms.gov/files/document/duals-lissepsjobaid01012025.pdf. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
“Seniors & Medicare and Medicaid Enrollees.” Medicaid.Gov, https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility/seniors-medicare-and-medicaid-enrollees/index.html. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
“US Enrollment and Spending for Dual-Eligible Individuals.” KFF.org, KFF, https://www.kff.org/interactive/state-profiles-for-dual-eligible-individuals/united-states/enrollment-and-spending-for-dual-eligible-individuals/. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
 
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Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.