Episodes

  • The Insurance Agent’s Quick Guide to Medicare Supplement Birthday Rule States

    The Insurance Agent’s Quick Guide to Medicare Supplement Birthday Rule States
    Feb 18 2026
    Have a client that wants to switch Med Supp plans? If they live in a Med Supp birthday rule state, it might be easier than you think! Learn more about the states and their rules in this ASG Podcast episode. 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: 8 Strategies to Prevent Rapid Disenrollments from Medicare Plans 2016 vs. 2026: The Insurance Edition A Comprehensive Guide to Medicare Supplement Underwriting CMS 2027 MA & Part D Advance Notice Medicare Advantage Trial Rights Explained for Agents References: “10 Things You Should Know About Buying a Medigap policy in Utah.” Insurance.utah.gov, Utah Insurance Department, https://insurance.utah.gov/consumers/health-insurance/medicare/. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026. “AB 250 Medicare Supplement “Birthday Rule” Nevada.” Doi.nv.gov, Nevada Department of Insurance, https://doi.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/doi.nv.gov/Content/Insurers/Life_and_Health/AB%20250%20Guidance.pdf. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026. “California Med Supp Birthday Rule.” Insurance.ca.gov, California Department of Insurance, https://www.insurance.ca.gov/0150-seniors/0100alerts/SA-01-10B.cfm. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026. “Can I change my Medigap policy?” Medicare.gov, Medicare, https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap/ready-to-buy/change-policies. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026. “Compare Medigap Plan Benefits.” Medicare.gov, Medicare, https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap/basics/compare-plan-benefits. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026. “Delaware Med Supp Birthday Rule.” Legis.deleware.gov, Delaware General Assembly, https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail/141935. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026. “Expert: More Medicare plan options available to seniors.” Wyomingnews.com, Wyoming Tribune Eagle, 13 Aug. 2025, https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/expert-more-medicare-plan-options-available-to-seniors/article_da163542-25c0-49c9-8683-a8e81332c1d7.html. “Idaho Recent Changes to Medicare Supplement Law and Rules.” Doi.idaho.gov, Idaho Department of Insurance, https://doi.idaho.gov/shiba/new-to-medicare/medicare-supplement-medigap/recent-changes-to-medicare-supplement-law-and-rules/. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026. Haass, David. “Illinois Birthday Rule for Medicare Supplement Plans.” Medicarefaq.com, Medicare FAQ, https://www.medicarefaq.com/blog/illinois-birthday-rule/. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026. “Indiana Med Supp Birthday Rule.” Indianahousedemocrats.org, Indiana House Democratic Caucus, https://www.indianahousedemocrats.org/news/dant-chesser-bill-to-create-options-for-medicare-supplement-insurance-heads-to-the-senate. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026. “Kentucky Medicare Supplement Update Consumer Alert.” Insurance.ky.gov, Kentucky Department of Insurance, https://insurance.ky.gov/ppc/Documents/2024.01.24%20Medicare%20Supplement%20Enrollment%20Changes.pdf. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026. “Maryland Law Allows for an Additional Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Supplement Policies.” Insurance.maryland.gov, Maryland Insurance Administration, https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Documents/publications/ConsumerAdvisory-Maryland-law-allows-for-an-additional-Open-Enrollment-Period-for-Medicare-Supplement-Policies.pdf. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026. “Medicare Plan G – Part G.” boomerbenefits.com, Boomer Benefits, https://boomerbenefits.com/medicare-supplemental-insurance/medicare-supplement-plans/medicare-plan-g/. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026. “Medigap Birthday Rule States.” Boomerbenefits.com, Boomer Benefits, https://boomerbenefits.com/which-states-have-a-medigap-birthday-rule/. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026 “Medigap Open Enrollment Period.” Medicare.gov, Medicare, https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap/ready-to-buy. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026. LaPick, Micheal. “Medicare Birthday Rules by State (2025): Switch Without Underwriting.” Medicareguide.com, Medicare Guide, 30 Sep. 2025, https://medicareguide.com/medigap-birthday-rules-2025. “Oklahoma New Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment FAQs.” Oid.ok.gov, Oklahoma Insurance Department, https://www.oid.ok.gov/medicare-supplement-open-enrollment-faqs/. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026. Llopis, Bere. “Rhode Island Medigap AEP Update: Switch Your Plan Without Health Questions.” Senior65.com, Senior 65, 02 Dec. 2025, https://www.senior65.com/medicare/article/rhode-island-medigap-aep. Feke, Tanya, M.D. “The ‘birthday rule’: a gift to Medigap enrollees?” medicareresources.org, Medicare Resources, https://www.medicareresources.org/medicare-eligibility-and-enrollment/the-birthday-rule-a-gift-to-medigap-enrollees/. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026. “Virginia’s Medigap ‘Birthday Rule’ Annual Open Enrollment.” Scc.virginia.gov, State Corporation Commission, https://www.scc.virginia.gov/media/...
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    18 mins
  • Q1 Medicare Sales Planner

    Q1 Medicare Sales Planner
    Feb 17 2026
    Stay organized with a planner created just for insurance agents selling Medicare! We highlighting what to focus on during the first quarter of the year.

    Read the text version

    Download your copy of the Medicare Sales Planner!

    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:

    Do’s and Don’ts of Medicare Compliance

    Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Do’s and Don’ts

    The Complete Guide to Client Loyalty and Retention

    References:

    “2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update Fact Sheet At-a-Glance.” Professional.Heart.Org, American Heart Association, professional.heart.org/en/-/media/PHD-Files-2/Science-News/2/2026-Heart-and-Stroke-Stat-Update/At-A-Glance/2026-Stats-Update-Fact-Sheet-At-A-Glance-Statistics_final.pdf. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.

    “35+ Latest Business Plan Statistics to Boost Success.” Bizplanr.ai, Bizplanr, 13 Jun. 2025, https://bizplanr.ai/blog/business-plan-statistics.

    “Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs).” CMS.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/medicare/enrollment-renewal/special-needs-plans/dual-eligible. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.

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    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

    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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    7 mins
  • Q1 ACA Sales Calendar

    Q1 ACA Sales Calendar
    Feb 16 2026
    A busy insurance agent can easily become overwhelmed by the number of tasks to complete. But the good news is that you don’t have to rush to finish them all at once! Listen to learn what agents selling ACA plans should focus on during the first quarter of the year.

    Read the text version

    Download your copy of the Busy ACA Agent’s Sales Calendar!

    🤝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:

    6 Ways to Generate ACA Leads

    ACA 101: Selling Under-65 Health Insurance

    Community Engagement & ACA Marketing Ideas for Agents

    How an ICHRA Partnership Can Support ACA Sales

    How Insurance Agents Can Set SMART Goals to Succeed

    ICHRA vs. QSEHRA vs. Group Health Plans: Sales Opportunities for Insurance Agents

    The ICHRA Opportunity for Agents ft. Lisa Marzolino & Danica Stover

    The Ultimate Agent Resource List Pt. 3: Staying Organized

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    Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel

    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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    7 mins
  • 5 Takeaways from the CMS 2027 Marketplace Proposed Rule

    5 Takeaways from the CMS 2027 Marketplace Proposed Rule
    Feb 13 2026
    This week, CMS released their 2027 Marketplace Proposed Rule. Join us as we pull out 5 takeaways insurance agents should know about.

    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:

    2016 vs. 2026: The Insurance Edition

    2026 ACA Enrollment Update

    5 Tips for New Insurance Agents

    5 Tips for Seasoned Insurance Agents

    CMS 2027 MA & Part D Advance Notice

    What are the CMS Medicare Gift Rules?

    References:

    “CMS Model Consent Form for Marketplace Agents, Brokers, Web-brokers, and Agencies.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 9 Feb. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/marketplace/agents-brokers/files/cms-model-consent-form-marketplace-agents-brokers.pdf.

    “CMS Proposes Regulations to Lower Health Care Costs, Expand Consumer Choice, and Protect Taxpayers.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 9 Feb. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-proposes-regulations-lower-health-care-costs-expand-consumer-choice-protect-taxpayers.

    “HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027 Proposed Rule.” CMS.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 9 Feb. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/hhs-notice-benefit-payment-parameters-2027-proposed-rule.

    “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; and Basic Health Program.” Federalregister.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 9 Feb. 2026, www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2026-02769/patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act-benefit-and-payment-parameters-for-2027-and-basic-health.

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    Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel

    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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    17 mins
  • 4 Ways to Fund Hybrid Long-Term Care Insurance Agents Should Mention

    4 Ways to Fund Hybrid Long-Term Care Insurance Agents Should Mention
    Feb 11 2026
    Can your clients afford hybrid long-term care insurance? It might be more affordable than they think. Learn more about the ways hybrid or linked-benefit LTCi can be funded in this episode.

    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:

    4 Out-of-the-Box Long-Term Care Insurance Solutions

    5 Tips for New Insurance Agents

    5 Tips for Seasoned Insurance Agents

    Annuities vs. 401(k)s: Examining Differences That Can Matter to Clients

    Selling Long-Term Care Insurance

    What You Need to Know About 1035 Exchanges

    References:

    “Qualified vs. nonqualified annuities explained.” Thrivent.com, Thrivent, 19 Dec. 2025, https://www.thrivent.com/insights/annuities/qualified-vs-nonqualified-annuities-explained.

    Plaehn, Tim. “What is Tax-Qualified Money?” budgeting.thenest.com, The Nest, https://budgeting.thenest.com/can-deferred-compensation-rolled-401k-22900.html. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

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    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

    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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    7 mins
  • What Is E&O Insurance & Do You Need It?

    What Is E&O Insurance & Do You Need It?
    Feb 9 2026
    When the unexpected happens in your business, it’s important to have all your bases covered. In this episode learn what Errors and Omissions Insurance is and how it could save your business thousands in legal costs.

    Read the text version

    💵Save Up to 50% On E&O Insurance 🤝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 Tips for New Insurance Agents

    4 Reasons Why Ritter Insurance Marketing Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency

    Developing Power Habits ft. Dr. Noah St. John

    IntegrityCONNECT

    The Benefits of Joining a Top Insurance FMO

    Tips for Working With a Difficult Client

    References:

    Metz, Jason. “Best Small Business Insurance.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 24 Dec. 2025, https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business-insurance/best-small-business-insurance/.

    Bonner, Marianne. “Errors and Omissions Insurance: What It Is, How It Works, and Who Needs It.” Investopedia, Investopedia, https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/errors-omissions-insurance.asp. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.

    Rubin, Paul H. “More Money into Bad Suits - Nytimes.Com.” The New York Times, https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2010/11/15/investing-in-someone-elses-lawsuit/more-money-into-bad-suits. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.

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    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

    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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    8 mins
  • 2026 ACA Enrollment Update

    2026 ACA Enrollment Update
    Feb 6 2026
    The Friday Five for February 6, 2026: IntegrityCONNECT QuestionEducational Resources for Insurance AgentsGovernment Funding Bill UpdateLuffu AI for Family CaregiversACA Enrollment Comparison 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. Educational Resources for Insurance Agents: Content Library eBooks & Guides List of Ritter Events & Webinars Government Funding Bill Update: Freking, Kevin. “House Passes Bill on Government Funding to End Partial Shutdown.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, 3 Feb. 2026, www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-house-holds-key-procedural-vote-on-government-funding-to-end-partial-shutdown. “Senate passes government spending package, including healthcare funding.” Fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 31 Jan. 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/partial-government-shutdown-looms-threatening-stall-health-funding-package-telehealth. Luffu AI for Family Caregivers: “Fitbit founders launch AI platform to help families monitor their health.” Technrunch.com, TechCrunch, 3 Feb. 2026, https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/fitbit-founders-launch-ai-platform-to-help-families-monitor-their-health/. “Fitbit’s founders launch a new platform for monitoring your entire family’s health.” Theverge.com, The Verge, 3 Feb. 2026, https://www.theverge.com/tech/872963/fitbit-james-park-eric-friedman-luffu-caregivers-family-health-app. “Fitbit’s founders push AI into family caregiving.” Axios.com, Axios, 3 Feb. 2026, https://www.axios.com/2026/02/03/fitbit-founders-ai-family-caregiving. “From the Founders of Fitbit: Introducing Luffu, Your Guardian for Family Health & Safety.” PRNewswire.com, PR Newswire, 3 Feb. 2026, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/from-the-founders-of-fitbit-introducing-luffu-your-guardian-for-family-health--safety-302676975.html. “Luffu Official Website” luffu.com, Luffu, https://www.luffu.com/, Accessed 3 Feb. 2026. ACA Enrollment Comparison: “Marketplace 2026 Open Enrollment Period Report: National Snapshot.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 28 Jan. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/marketplace-2026-open-enrollment-period-report-national-snapshot-2. Related ASG Podcast Episodes: 5 Tips for New Insurance Agents 2016 vs. 2026: The Insurance Edition CMS 2027 MA & Part D Advance Notice Content Library: Mastering Medicare Insurance Coverage ft. Jeff Snyder Introducing a Content Marketing Solution for Insurance Agents IntegrityCONNECT FAQs Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and YouTube Sarah on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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    14 mins
  • ACA Subsidies & Their Eligibility Requirements

    ACA Subsidies & Their Eligibility Requirements
    Feb 4 2026
    Learn about ACA subsidies and their requirements to help your clients save on health insurance!

    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 Myths About Selling ACA Health Insurance Plans

    How the ACA Subsidy Cliff Impacts Clients Shopping for Marketplace Coverage

    How to Assist Clients with Marketplace Household Income Estimations

    How to Help Clients Navigate ACA Marketplace Subsides & Taxes

    What Are the ACA Marketplace Alternatives for Health Insurance?

    References:

    “Federal Poverty Level (FPL) - Glossary.” HealthCare.Gov, https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/federal-poverty-level-fpl/. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.

    Norris, Lousie. “IRS Regulations Fix the ACA’s ‘family Glitch’ as of 2023.” Healthinsurance.Org, healthinsurance.org, 2 Sept. 2025, www.healthinsurance.org/obamacare/irs-regulations-fix-the-acas-family-glitch-as-of-2023/.

    “Medicaid Expansion & What It Means for You.” HealthCare.Gov, https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/medicaid-expansion-and-you/. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.

    “Poverty Guidelines.” ASPE, https://www.aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.

    Yearly Guidelines & Thresholds, Updated February 2023 Reference Chart, https://www.healthreformbeyondthebasics.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/REFERENCE_YearlyGuidelines_CY2025.pdf. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.

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    Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel

    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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    6 mins