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

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

By: Sarah J. Rueppel | Ritter Insurance Marketing | Insurance Agent Tips Tools & Training
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Bringing insurance agents tips and strategies for making sales, staying compliant, marketing yourself, getting leads, and more! Think of the Agent Survival Guide as your go-to resource for insight, information, and the inspiration needed to take the next step on your journey. Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned pro, the ASG Podcast has got you covered.

Empowering insurance agents selling Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, ACA, Long and Short-Term Care, Life, Annuities, and Final Expense.Copyright 2017-2026 All rights reserved.
Career Success Economics Marketing Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • CMS 2026 Prior Authorization Proposed Rule
    Apr 17 2026
    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. 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/...
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    16 mins
  • How Insurance Agents Can Avoid Isolation & Build Stronger Connections ft. Dawn Myers
    Apr 16 2026
    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

    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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social

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

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    13 mins
  • 4 Myths About Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) Sales
    Apr 14 2026
    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. 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/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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    9 mins
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