Agent Survival Guide Podcast: Empowering Insurance Agents Selling Medicare, Long-term Care, Life, Annuities, & Final Expense

We’ve got the breakdown of all the Medicare and Medicare Advantage enrollment periods that beginner agents need to know.   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 10 Essential Tools for Beginner Insurance Agents: https://ritterim.com/blog/10-essential-tools-for-beginner-insurance-agents/ Apps for Comparing Healthcare & Prescriptions: https://lnk.to/ASGA85 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Do’s and Don’ts: https://ritterim.com/blog/medicare-advantage-open-enrollment-dos-and-donts/ Self-Guided Training with Knight School: https://ritterim.com/knight-school/ The Difference Between Medicare & Medicaid: https://lnk.to/ASGAE01 What is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It? https://lnk.to/asg672   References: Franchina, Chris. “AEP vs. OEP: Understanding the Differences for Medicare.” Policy Engineer, 11 Jan. 2025, https://policyengineer.com/aep-vs-oep-understanding-the-differences-for-medicare/. “Get Ready to Bu

Take your business into the modern world of digital marketing. We’ve compiled the ultimate guide to getting started, tips, resources, and more!   Read the text version   Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing   Full-Service Digital Marketing Services: $99 Social ConciergeBee Disruptive Advertising Firebelly MarketingHubstaff Talent Ignite Visibility KlientBoostLinkedIn Lyfe Marketing ReminderMedia SEO DiscoveryUpwork   Self-Service Digital Marketing Options: Buffer Constant Contact GoDaddy Google Ads HostGator HubSpot MailChimp Semrush SEO Meta in 1 Click Social Bee Squarespace Wix   Resources: 3 Insurance Business Tools You Absolutely Can’t Live Without Ritter Insurance Marketing Agent Compliance Handbook How to Market Yourself Online Webinar Field Notes on Traditional Marketing Integrity Tools Insurance Agents as TPMOs: What CMS Compliance Regulations Mean for You Introducing The Content Library for Health Insurance Agents Modern Medicare Marketing for Today’s Agents FREE eBook Download PlanEnroll Ritter’

Learn how to promote your insurance business with traditional marketing strategies. We cover what agents should know: marketing materials, use cases, and where to find resources!   Partner Resources: AllOver Media Lead Concepts LeadingResponse ReminderMedia Branded Magazine Info Ritter Agents working with ReminderMedia   Design Resources: 99Designs Fiverr Freelancer Upwork   Print Resources: 4imprint Carvertise FASTSIGNS Lead Concepts MOO Office Depot Printing Services Printful Staples Print & Marketing Services Sticker Mule Vistaprint Wrapify   Ritter Resources: 8 Relationship Marketing Strategies for Insurance Agents featuring ReminderMedia’s Luke Acree and Andrew Saksa Get Access to Exclusive Leads When You Become a PlanEnroll Network Agent Integrity Official Site Integrity Tools LeadCENTER MedicareCENTER MedicareCENTER FAQs PlanEnroll FAQs Read The Ultimate Agent Resource List Part 1 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing ShopRitterIM   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.c

In this episode of Agent Essentials, we’re covering the definition of the Health Insurance Marketplace!   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   The Complete Guide to Selling Affordable Care Act Insurance Plans   Resources: FREE DOWNLOAD – The Complete Guide to Selling Affordable Care Act Insurance Plans: https://ritterim.com/aca-ebook/   How Much Can Agents Make Selling Under-65 Insurance: https://lnk.to/TlGBGH Meet Your Ritter Sales Team: https://ritterim.com/meet-your-sales-team/ Under-65 Health Products: https://ritterim.com/products/under-65/   State Based Marketplaces: “Covered California: The Official Site of California’s Health Insurance Marketplace.” Covered California, https://www.coveredca.com/. Accessed 12 June 2025. “Colorado’s Official Health Insurance Marketplace.” Connect for Health Colorado, 27 May 2025, https://connectforhealthco.com/. Accessed 12 June 2025. Access Health CT, https://www.accesshealthct.com/.

Ever thought about incorporating your insurance business? Not sure if it’s the right move? In this episode, Sarah is joined by attorneys Frank Lavery and Justin Abodalo to learn more about business entities and how they’re structured. Frank focuses on the corporate law side, while Justin specializes in tax implications. Listen as theyir share their knowledge and weigh the pros and cons of each business structure option.   Find Frank Lavery Online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-lavery-a05a57255/ McNees: https://www.mcneeslaw.com/people/frank-lavery/   Find Justin Abodalo Online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-abodalo-463b3547/ McNees: https://www.mcneeslaw.com/people/justin-abodalo/   References: Finnerty, Timothy, et al. “Closing Call for the Corporate Transparency Act: Fincen Removes Reporting Requirements for Domestic Business Entities.” Mcneeslaw.Com, McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC, 27 Mar. 2025, www.mcneeslaw.com/closing-call-corporate-transparency-act-fincen/. Abodalo, Justin

Is business growth on your 2025 goals list? Don't miss this episode! We outline features and drawbacks of the different carrier types to help you fill in portfolio gaps.   Read the text version   Request your Free Portfolio Review from the team at Ritter   Resources: Adding Spokes to Your Wheel ft. Robert Rothschild: https://lnk.to/rothschild2025 Diversify Your Insurance Portfolio & Reap Real Rewards: https://lnk.to/asg651 Learn more about Integrity Tools: https://ritterim.com/integrity-tools/ Meet the Ritter Sales Team: https://ritterim.com/meet-your-sales-team/ Operating From a People-First Mentality ft. Scott Zimmerman: https://lnk.to/zimmerman2025 Portfolio Review Request: https://ritterim.com/portfolio/?utm_source=asg_podcast_link Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://app.ritterim.com/public/registration/?utm_source=asg_podcast_link Ritter Insurance Marketing Carriers by State: https://ritterim.com/products/by-carrier/ Ritter Platform: https://app.ritterim.com/ Takeaways on Social Media M

Join Sarah for a rundown of this week’s updates for insurance agents, featuring her deep dive into the CMS 2025 ACA Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Final Rule.   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Connect With 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/   Resources: 5 Things About the Insurance License Exam, 1 Year Later: https://lnk.to/asgf20250620 Are You Self-Sabotaging Your Insurance Sales Suc

This just in: CMS 2026 maximum broker commissions for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D. Listen to learn more about commission structure and the caps writing MA and PDP business in your market for the upcoming 2026 plan year.   Read the text version   Resources: AHIP 2026 Certification Dates: https://lnk.to/asgf20250516 Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. FAQs About NABIP Medicare Certification: https://ritterim.com/blog/faqs-about-nabip-medicare-certification/ How to Avoid Using Elderspeak: https://lnk.to/asgf20250530 Reach out to the team at Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://ritterim.com/meet-your-sales-team/  Reassuring Your Clients During Difficult Times: https://lnk.to/asg671 What is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It? https://lnk.to/asg672   References: “2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement.” CMS.Gov, CMS, 7 Apr. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-rate-an

Join Sarah and Tina as they review frequently asked questions about NABIP Medicare Certification. Don’t miss out on resources to help you get ready-to-sell!   Read the text version   NABIP Official Website: https://www.nabiptraining.org/   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: https://lnk.to/cdV0H1 Making Your Own Luck ft. Michael Krantz: https://lnk.to/krantz2025 Survive AEP with Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://ritterim.com/aep/ The Survivor’s AEP Checklist: https://ritterim.com/blog/the-survivors-aep-checklist/  What is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It? https://lnk.to/asg672   References: “Approved Carriers for 2025.” NABIP.Org, https://www.nabiptraining.org/nabip/carriers. Accessed 5 June 2025. “Corporate Partnership.” NABIP, https://nabip.org/membership/corporate-partnership. Accessed 5 June 2025. “Course Credit Details.” NABIP.Org, https://www.nabi

Learn more about the NABIP Medicare Advantage Certification (MMACR), an alternative program for agents looking to satisfy their Medicare & Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training requirements from CMS.   Read the text version   Resources: 4 Ancillary Cross-Sales to Show Clients You Care: https://lnk.to/asg670 AHIP 2026 Certification Dates: https://lnk.to/asgf20250516 Reassuring Your Clients During Difficult Times: https://lnk.to/asg671 Takeaways on Social Media Marketing in 2025: https://lnk.to/asgf20250523 What Is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It? https://lnk.to/asg672   References: “NABIP Approved Carriers .” NABIP.Org, NABIP, https://www.nabiptraining.org/nabip/carriers. Accessed 2 June 2025. “NABIP Medicare Advantage Certification.” NABIP.Org, NABIP, https://www.nabiptraining.org/nabip/medicare. Accessed 2 June 2025. “NABIP Official Site.” Nabip.Org, NABIP, nabip.org/. Accessed 2 June 2025. “NABIP Professional Development.” Nabip.Org, NABIP, nabip.org/professional-development. Accessed 2 June 2025.   F

  The 2026 AHIP Certification training is now live! We’re covering AHIP FAQs to help you prepare!   Read the text version    Resources: Diversify Your Insurance Portfolio & Reap Real Rewards: https://lnk.to/asg651 Get Access to Exclusive Leads When You Become a PlanEnroll Network Agent: https://lnk.to/3pKJsF FAQs About NABIP Medicare Certification: https://ritterim.com/blog/faqs-about-nabip-medicare-certification/ FMO vs. IMO vs. NMO vs. MGA vs. GA: What’s the Difference? https://lnk.to/asg658 The Survivor’s AEP Checklist: https://ritterim.com/blog/the-survivors-aep-checklist/ Updates to the 2026 AHIP Certification You Should Know: https://ritterim.com/blog/updates-to-the-2026-ahip-certification-you-should-know/   References:  “AHIP Medicare + Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (MFWA) Online Course.” Ahipmedicaretraining.com, 2025, https://www.ahipmedicaretraining.com/page/login. Accessed 20 May 2025. AHIP Technical Support: Support@AHIPInsuranceEducation.org Sawchuck, Craig. “Test Anxiety: Can It Be Treated?” Mayo

Keep track of your AEP prep to-do checklist with help from Ritter's certification center and Ritter Blog weekly roundups. Listen to find out how to access carrier AHIP, NABIP, MA and PDP certification, product training details, and more!   Read the text version   Resources: eBooks & Guides for Insurance Agents: https://ritterim.com/guides/ FAQs About NABIP Medicare Certification: https://ritterim.com/blog/faqs-about-nabip-medicare-certification/ Ritter Insurance Marketing Certification Center: https://docs.ritterim.com/products/certification/ What Is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It? https://lnk.to/asg672   References: “Medicare Advantage Certification.” NABIP.Org, NABIP, www.nabiptraining.org/nabip/medicare. Accessed 30 May 2025. “Medicare + Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Training.” Ahip.Org, AHIP, www.ahip.org/courses/medicare-fraud-waste-and-abuse-training. Accessed 30 May 2025. “Miramar:Agent.” Miramar-Agent.Com, Miramar, miramar-agent.com/KnowledgeBase/Article?kb=5. Accessed 30 May 2025. “Medicare Cer

Certification season is here! Learn more about the AHIP test including how to prepare yourself, tips, tech hacks, and more. Listen before you begin your first attempt, you'll be glad you did!   Read the text version   Have questions about AHIP Certification? Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Contact Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://ritterim.com/contact/ How to Survive AEP: Wellness Tips for Insurance Agents: https://ritterim.com/blog/how-to-survive-aep-wellness-tips-for-insurance-agents/ Medicare Part D - Could Be Just What the Doctor Ordered: https://ritterim.com/blog/medicare-part-d-could-be-just-what-the-doctor-ordered/ What Does 'Ready-to-Sell' Mean for Medicare Agents? https://ritterim.com/blog/what-does-ready-to-sell-mean-for-medicare-agents/ What Is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It? https://lnk.to/asg672 Why Insurance Agents Fail (& How Not To!): https://ritterim.com/blog/why-insurance-agent

Sarah reflects on the insurance licensing process one year after passing the exam. Listen as she outlines her journey, how to get started, and what she learned along the way.   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Adding Spokes to Your Wheel ft. Robert Rothschild: https://lnk.to/rothschild2025 FMO vs. IMO vs. NMO vs. MGA vs. GA: What’s the Difference? https://lnk.to/asg658 Making Your Own Luck ft. Michael Krantz: https://lnk.to/krantz2025 Operating From a People-First Mentality ft. Scott Zimmerman: https://lnk.to/zimmerman2025 Summer 2025 Survival Guide: https://lnk.to/asgf20250606 What is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It? https://lnk.to/asg672   References: “Insurance Departments by State.” Content.Naic.Org, NAIC, content.naic.org/state-insurance-departments. Accessed 10 June 2025. “Multiple Choice Test Taking Strategies.” Dmu.Edu, Des Moines University, www.dmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/MULTIPLE-CHOICE-TEST-T

Thinking about becoming an insurance agent? In this episode, we weigh the pros and cons of selling insurance, so you’ll have the information you need before you make that big decision!   Read the text version   Get Started by Registering with Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://app.ritterim.com/public/registration/   Learn More with These Resources: 2025 Maximum Broker Commissions for Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D Update: https://lnk.to/dFX1s1 2025 State of the Senior Market Address: In Review: https://ritterim.com/blog/2025-state-of-the-senior-market-address-in-review/ 5 Perks of Being a Part-Time Insurance Agent: https://lnk.to/YGJ3KX Agent Survival Guide Podcast: https://lnk.to/asgpodcast Building Client Loyalty: More than Just a Plan: https://ritterim.com/blog/building-client-loyalty-more-than-just-a-plan/  Contact the Ritter Sales Team: https://ritterim.com/contact/ Four Reasons Why Ritter Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency: https://ritterim.com/blog/four-reasons-why-ritter-should-be-your-fmo

Value is more than just a care model for Neil Reich. He recently joined Sarah to chat about his background in the Medicare Advantage space, his focus on value-based care, and how providing value still drives his business today.   Find Neil Reich Online: Care Connect Agency: https://careconnectagency.com/advisors/ Get the Playbook: https://careconnectadvisors.com/agent-playbook-download-form/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-reich-3382498   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-lamoreu

The Friday Five for June 13, 2025: Field Notes 6.13.2025 Apple Renames OS Versions Apple Liquid Glass Apple iPad Windowing New Apple Features: Sarah’s Picks   Register for the ICHRA Introduction Webinar from Ritter & Nexben   Field Notes for June 13, 2025: “AHIP Medicare + Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Online Course.” Ahipmedicaretraining.Com, AHIP, www.ahipmedicaretraining.com/page/login. Accessed 10 June 2025. ICHRA Webinar Information & Registration: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/20edcbcf-3b83-4971-8e26-b1c7854a8180@70dbad32-6e58-4114-88e8-84f5666158df  “NABIP Medicare Advantage Certification.” NABIP.Org, NABIP, www.nabiptraining.org/nabip/medicare. Accessed 10 June 2025. Register for Ritter Insurance Marketing Summits: https://summits.ritterim.com/   Apple Renames OS Versions: Shibu, Sherin, and Melissa Malamut. “Apple Is Making a Major Change to Its Operating Systems Across All Products. Here’s What We Know.” Entrepreneur.Com, Entrepreneur, 29 May 2025, www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/a

Be sure your clients are aware of their dental, vision, and hearing coverage options. We outline 4 steps to help you educate clients and pitch products!   Read the text version    Resources: 3 Additional Effective Techniques for Closing Insurance Sales: https://lnk.to/asg656 4 Ancillary Cross-Sales to Show Clients You Care: https://lnk.to/asg670 4 Ways Insurance Agents Should Be Utilizing Ask Integrity: https://ritterim.com/blog/4-ways-insurance-agents-should-be-utilizing-ask-integrity/ A Quick Guide to Cross-Selling Ancillary Insurance with Medicare Products: https://ritterim.com/selling-ancillary-with-medicare/ Building Client Loyalty: More than Just a Plan: https://ritterim.com/blog/building-client-loyalty-more-than-just-a-plan/ Operating From a People-First Mentality ft. Scott Zimmerman: https://lnk.to/zimmerman2025   References: “The Importance of Eye Care and Annual Exams – Tapestry 360 Health.” Tap360Health.Org, Tapestry 360 Health, https://tap360health.org/the-importance-of-eye-care-and-annual-exams/.

This week, Sarah unpacks all kinds of content to help you and your clients survive Summer 2025!   Field Notes: Malik, Aisha. “Adobe Launches Beta Version of Its Photoshop App on Android.” Techcrunch.Com, TechCrunch, 3 June 2025, techcrunch.com/2025/06/03/adobe-launches-beta-version-of-its-photoshop-app-on-android/. “AHIP Medicare + Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Online Course.” Ahipmedicaretraining.Com, AHIP, www.ahipmedicaretraining.com/page/login. Accessed 3 June 2025. “NABIP Medicare Advantage Certification.” NABIP.Org, NABIP, www.nabiptraining.org/nabip/medicare. Accessed 3 June 2025. Register for Ritter Insurance Marketing Summits: https://summits.ritterim.com/   Summer Podcast Listening for Kids: Kids Summer Podcast Sampler Playlist: https://www.podchaser.com/lists/summer-kids-podcast-sampler-11SKLQjpO2 Shippen, Lauren. “Maxine Miles and the Loose Ends - An Interactive Mystery!” Atypicalartists.Co, ATYPICAL ARTISTS, www.atypicalartists.co/loose-ends. Accessed 4 June 2025. Shippen, Lauren. “Maxine Miles - A YA

  Wondering what the difference between Medicare and Medicaid is? Learn all about it in this episode!   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 4 Effective Techniques for Closing Insurance Sales: https://lnk.to/asg655 2025 Maximum Broker Commissions for Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D: https://ritterim.com/blog/2025-maximum-broker-commissions-for-medicare-advantage-and-medicare-part-d/ FREE DOWNLOAD – The Guide to Earning a Living Selling Health Insurance: https://ritterim.com/earning-a-living-selling-insurance/ How Much Can Agents Make Selling Under-65 Insurance? https://lnk.to/TlGBGH Leveling Up: From Chill Mode to Growth Mode ft. Christian Brindle: https://lnk.to/brindle2025 Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://ritterim.com/    References: Alice Burns, Elizabeth Hinton. “10 Things to Know about Medicaid.” KFF, 10 Apr. 2025, https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/10-things-to-know-about-medicaid/. Nall, R