📝 Episode Description (Buzzsprout)

In this episode of The Insurance Producers Guild, we break down the major 2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D updates agents need to know.

CMS has finalized payment increases for Medicare Advantage plans while also introducing new operational guardrails affecting plan management, supplemental benefits, and prescription drug processes. We also review early 2026 plan design trends, including $0 premium availability and benefit changes that may shape client conversations heading into the next enrollment cycle.

🔑 Key Topics Covered

• 2026 Medicare Advantage payment increases and CMS rate updates
• New operational rules impacting plans, providers, and compliance
• Changes to supplemental benefits and Part D processes
• 2026 premium trends, $0 plans, and plan availability
  
  

🎯 What This Means for Agents

• Payment increases may support continued plan stability in many markets
• Compliance, documentation, and client education remain critical
• Benefit changes require clearer conversations around value and fit
• Agents who understand policy and product shifts can better guide clients

Infographic: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP15_Infographic.png

Slides: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP15_Slides.pdf

✅ Go-Do

Within the next 48 hours, pull two CRM lists and schedule follow-ups for next week:

1. ACA clients above 300% FPL
   Call to review their 2026 premium and deductible, then discuss Hospital Indemnity or Accident coverage as a gap-filling option.
2. Prospects turning 65 in the next 6–9 months
   Build a 3-touch sequence: personal call, aging-in mailer, and Medicare planning follow-up. Run new messaging through compliance before sending.

The agents who start these conversations now will be best positioned to keep those households long term.

🔗 Sources

CMS 2026 Rate Announcement:
https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-finalizes-2026-payment-policy-updates-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-programs

CMS Contract Year 2026 Final Rule:
https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-medicare-advantage-program-medicare-prescription-final

KFF Medicare Advantage 2026 Spotlight:
https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-2026-spotlight-a-first-look-at-plan-premiums-and-benefits/

The Insurance Producers Guild Podcast delivers intelligence for insurance agents looking to stay ahead of industry trends.

Follow the show and connect with PSM Brokerage to access tools, training, and support designed to help you grow your business.

Learn more: https://www.psmbrokerage.com

📝 Episode Description

In Episode 14, we explore one of the most overlooked drivers of Medicare agency growth: service.

With Medicare Advantage enrollment continuing to grow and CMS pushing for more efficient processes, agencies that are responsive, organized, and easy to work with have a clear advantage in retention and referrals.

This episode covers practical strategies for improving intake, setting callback expectations, documenting client interactions, and communicating confidently with beneficiaries who need guidance.

We also discuss how strong service can uncover additional client needs and create opportunities for ethical growth. Learn how a consistent service process can strengthen client relationships and help your agency grow.

🔑 Key Topics Covered

• Medicare Advantage growth and the expansion of Special Needs Plans

• CMS efforts to improve prior authorization and information sharing

• Building a service process that improves retention and referrals

• Using client service conversations to identify additional needs ethically

🎯 What This Means for Agents

• Strong service can become a key driver of growth and retention

• Clear communication builds trust and generates more referrals

• Consistent processes create a better client experience

• Service-focused agencies are better positioned for long-term success

Infographic: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/EP14_Infographic.png

Slides: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/EP14_Slides.pdf

✅ Go-Do

This week, create a simple service response standard for your agency and test it on your next five service calls.

• Define your intake process
• Set a clear callback commitment
• Document every client interaction
• Follow up after the issue is resolved

🔗 Sources

1. Medicare Advantage enrollment grew by about 1 million people in 2026, mainly due to Special Needs Plans — KFF
   https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-enrollment-grew-by-about-1-million-people-mainly-due-to-special-needs-plans/
2. CMS Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs (2026 Proposed Rule) — CMS.gov
   https://www.cms.gov/priorities/burden-reduction/overview/interoperability/policies-regulations/cms-interoperability-standards-prior-authorization-drugs
3. Medicare Advantage Out-of-Pocket Limits: Variation and Trends (2026) — KFF
   https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-out-of-pocket-limits-variation-and-trends/

The Insurance Producers Guild Podcast delivers intelligence for insurance agents looking to stay ahead of industry trends.

Follow the show and connect with PSM Brokerage to access tools, training, and support designed to help you grow your business.

Learn more: https://www.psmbrokerage.com

🎙️ Episode Description

Episode 13 explores one of the biggest Medicare shifts heading into 2026: fewer standalone Part D plans and continued growth in prescription coverage inside Medicare Advantage plans.

We break down what agents need to know about formulary fit, pharmacy networks, premium trade-offs, and total annual exposure, and why these conversations matter more than ever.

The episode also covers the CMS backdrop behind these changes and shares an annual review approach designed to improve retention, build trust, and uncover compliant opportunities.

🔑 Key Topics Covered

• 2026 Part D changes and fewer standalone plan options
• Medicare Advantage prescription coverage trends
• Formulary, pharmacy, and annual cost exposure reviews
• Annual review strategies for retention and referrals

🎯 What This Means for Agents

• Drug-plan reviews become more important as choices narrow
• Cost conversations extend beyond premiums
• Better reviews can improve retention and referrals
• Compliance-first reviews may uncover additional needs

Infographic: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP13_Infographic.png

Slides: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP13_Slides.pdf

🔗 Sources

CMS Medicare Part D Program Information:
https://www.cms.gov/medicare/prescription-drug-coverage/prescriptiondrugcovgenin

Medicare Plan Finder:
https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/

CMS Medicare Advantage & Part D Information:
https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans

PSM Brokerage:
https://psmbrokerage.com

The Insurance Producers Guild Podcast delivers intelligence for insurance agents looking to stay ahead of industry trends.

Follow the show and connect with PSM Brokerage to access tools, training, and support designed to help you grow your business.

Learn more: https://www.psmbrokerage.com