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

Sarah J. Rueppel | Ritter Insurance Marketing | Insurance Agent Tips, Tools & Training
  • 4.6 (44)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 22h ago

    Empower Your Prospects to Act Before Turning 65

    In the insurance industry, if your job begins and ends with meeting clients and selling insurance, you’re missing out on opportunities. In this episode, we’re exploring what empowerment is and how it can help embed you in your community for long-lasting and valuable partnerships. 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:   3 Essential Steps New Insurance Agents Need to Take 17 Ways to Generate Medicare Leads (That You Probably Haven’t Tried Yet!) Community-Based Marketing for Insurance Agents Content Library Best Practices The Definitive Guide to Getting Leads and Prospecting for Medicare Sales How to Organize a Turning 65 Seminar on a Budget Insurance Agents as TPMOs: What CMS Compliance Regulations Mean for You IntegrityCONNECT PlanEnroll Ritter Insurance Marketing’s Content Library ShopRitterIM ShopRitterIM T65 Lead Mailer   References: Empowerment - ResearchGate, www.researchgate.net/publication/316451077_Empowerment. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026. “Get Started with Medicare.” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026. Hanna, Katie Terrell. “What Is Affinity Marketing?: Definition from TechTarget.” WhatIs, TechTarget, 2 May 2024, www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/affinity-marketing. “Independence and Older Adults: Importance and Promoting It.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/independence-and-the-elderly. Accessed 16 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/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.

  2. 1d ago

    Real Sales Expectations for Insurance Agents

    Are your expectations grounded in reality? Or, are you setting yourself up for disappointment? Goals are great, smart goals are even better, but we often equate goals with expectations and wind up frustrated when the two don’t match up. Listen to learn how to avoid the pitfall of unrealistic expectations and the actions you can take instead.   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: How Insurance Agents Can Set SMART Goals to Succeed 4 Effective Techniques for Closing Insurance Sales How to Overcome Common Medicare Insurance Sales Objections 5 Common Sales Mistakes You Might Be Making (And How to Fix Them!) 3 Additional Effective Techniques for Closing Insurance Sales What’s Inside The Complete Guide on How to Sell Medicare Advantage Plans? This Is the Time to Start Selling Under-65 Marketplace Plans! There's More to Life Insurance Than Just a Policy How Much Money Can Agents Make Selling Ancillary Health Insurance? Diversify Your Insurance Portfolio & Reap Real Rewards What’s Inside A Quick Guide to Cross-Selling Ancillary Insurance with Medicare Products?   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.

  3. 2d ago

    2027 ACA Exchange & FFM Certification

    Don’t miss the details on 2027 ACA Certification for the Federal Marketplace and State-Based Exchanges! We cover training deadlines, continuing education creds, and recertification requirements! 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: Ritter Insurance Marketing Certification Center   State Exchanges: CA “Covered California” https://www.coveredca.com/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026. CO “Connect for Colorado” https://connectforhealthco.com/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026. CT “Access Health CT” https://www.accesshealthct.com/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026. GA “Georgia Access” https://georgiaaccess.gov/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026. IL “Get Covered Illinois” https://getcovered.illinois.gov/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026. KY “kynect” https://kynect.ky.gov/healthcoverage/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026. MD “Maryland Health Connection” https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026. NJ “Get Covered NJ” https://www.nj.gov/getcoverednj/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026. NY “NY State of Health” https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/agent/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026. PA “Pennie” https://agency.pennie.com/brokers/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026. VA “Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace” https://www.marketplace.virginia.gov/ Accessed 10 Jul 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.

  4. 5d ago

    New Scam Targeting Insurance Agents

    The Friday Five for July 10, 2026: Halfway Through 2026 Ritter Insurance Marketing Summits Musings on Artificial Intelligence CDC High Heat & Medication Guidance Scam Targeting Insurance Agents   🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!   📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 📣 Shoutouts? 🤔 Questions? 💌 Feedback? Send them all to: ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com ⛰️ Ritter Summits Registration Now Open! Save Your Spot Today!!   Musings on Artificial Intelligence: Abrams, Zara. “How AI is reshaping human skills and thinking.” Apa.org, American Psychological Association, 1 July 2026, https://www.apa.org/monitor/2026/07-08/ai-job-skills-thinking. Hoover, Amanda. “Is AI making us dumber?” businessinsider.com, Business Insider, 7 Jul 2026, https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-making-us-dumber-research-2026-7.   CDC High Heat & Medication Guidance: “CDC Heat Risk Map.” Ephtracking.cdc.gov, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/Applications/HeatRisk/, Accessed 7 Jul 2026. Price, Jamiese. “Doctors warn GLP-1 users about dehydration risk amid severe heat.” Abc11.com, 11ABC, 1 Jul 2026, https://abc11.com/post/doctors-warn-glp-1-users-dehydration-risk-amid-severe-heat/19432623/. “Heat and Medications – Guidance for Clinicians.” Cdc.gov, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 18 Sep 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/hcp/clinical-guidance/heat-and-medications-guidance-for-clinicians.html. French, Mandy et. al. “These 10 Medications May Raise Your Risk of Heat-Related Illness.” Healthline.com, Healthline, 5 Jul 2026, https://www.healthline.com/health-news/10-common-medications-heat-related-illness-risk.   Scam Targeting Insurance Agents: “Should I Be Concerned | Insurance Forums.” Insurance-Forums.Com, Insurance Forums, www.insurance-forums.com/community/threads/should-i-be-concerned.117816/. Accessed 7 July 2026.   Resources: 2027 Medicare Advantage & Part D Certification Info Certification 2027, America Turns 250, Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Demo Webinar Community-Based Marketing for Insurance Agents CMS Medicaid Work Requirements Federal Judge Vacates Several CMS ACA Provisions Q3 ACA Sales Calendar Q3 Medicare Sales Planner   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.

  5. Jul 8

    Medicare & Medicaid Compared: How Both Programs Benefit Insurance Agents

    Have you ever had a client mistake Medicare and Medicaid (or have you mixed the two up)? In this episode of the Agent Survival Guide podcast, we’re comparing, contrasting, and clarifying how these two government-funded programs differ and how they work together!   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: Agent Registration How to Check Medicare Extra Help Eligibility for Your Client Meet Your Sales Team Stay Busy Outside of AEP With Special Enrollment Periods The Beginner's Guide to D-SNPs   References: “4 Types of Medicare Savings Programs and What They Cover.” UnitedHealthcare, www.uhc.com/news-articles/medicare-articles/4-types-of-medicare-savings-programs-and-what-they-cover. Accessed 8 June 2026. Burns, Alice, et al. “10 Things to Know about Medicaid.” KFF, 12 Aug. 2025, www.kff.org/medicaid/10-things-to-know-about-medicaid/. “Create an Account.” Healthcare.Gov, www.healthcare.gov/create-account. Accessed 8 June 2026. “Eligibility Policy.” Medicaid, www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility-policy. Accessed 8 June 2026. “How Medicaid Works with Medicare.” Medicare Interactive, 2 Apr. 2025, www.medicareinteractive.org/understanding-medicare/cost-saving-programs/medicare-and-medicaid/how-medicaid-works-with-medicare. “Low Cost Marketplace Health Care, Qualifying Income Levels.” HealthCare.Gov, www.healthcare.gov/lower-costs/. Accessed 8 June 2026. “Medicaid & Chip Coverage.” HealthCare.Gov, www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/getting-medicaid-chip/. Accessed 8 June 2026. Williams, Elizabeth, et al. “Medicaid Financing: The Basics.” KFF, 21 Apr. 2026, www.kff.org/medicaid/medicaid-financing-the-basics/. “Parts of Medicare.” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/medicare-basics/parts-of-medicare. Accessed 8 June 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.

  6. Jul 6

    How to Check Medicare Extra Help Eligibility For Your Clients

    Did you know that CMS estimates three million Medicare beneficiaries aren’t enrolled in the government’s Medicare Extra Help program but could benefit from it? In this episode of the Agent Survival Guide, we see what this program is and how it can help your clients.   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: 8 Powerful Practices for Selling Prescription Drug Plans How to Help Clients Avoid Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties How to Save Beneficiaries Money on Prescription Drugs at a Preferred Pharmacy The Beginner's Guide to D-SNPs The Part D SEP Triggers That Can Help You Post-AEP What Agents Can't Say During Medicare Sales Appointments   References: “Apply for Medicare Part D Extra Help Program.” Social Security, www.ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026. “CMS Issues Additional Guidance on Program to Allow People with Medicare to Pay Out-of-Pocket Prescription Drug Costs in Monthly Payments.” CMS.Gov, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-issues-additional-guidance-program-allow-people-medicare-pay-out-pocket-prescription-drug-costs#:~:text=The%20Medicare%20Prescription%20Payment%20Plan%2C%20which%20goes%20into%20effect%20in,-of-pocket%20cost%20upfront. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026. “Extra Help With Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs.” Social Security, secure.ssa.gov/i1020/Ee001View.action. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026. “Get Lower Prescription Costs with the Extra Help Program.” Kaiser Permanente, healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/georgia/shop-plans/ready-for-medicare/extra-help. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026. “Get Medicare Help from Your Local Ship Program: Ship Ta Center.” State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, 16 Mar. 2026, www.shiphelp.org/. “Guide to Consumer Mailings from CMS, Social Security, and Plans in 2025/2026.” Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/medicare/prescription-drug-coverage/limitedincomeandresources/downloads/consumer-mailings.pdf. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026. “Help with Drug Costs.” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/drug-costs. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026. “Low Income Subsidy for Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage.” CMS.Gov, www.cms.gov/medicare/enrollment-renewal/part-d-plans/low-income-subsidy. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026. Medicare.Gov, www.medicare.gov/account/login. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026. “Medicare Savings Programs Eligibility and Coverage.” Medicare Savings Program Eligibility and Coverage, www.ncoa.org/article/medicare-savings-programs-eligibility-coverage/. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026. “Supplemental Security Income (SSI).” Social Security, www.ssa.gov/ssi. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and YouTube     Sarah on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Threads    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

  7. Jul 2

    Q3 ACA Sales Calendar

    The 3rd quarter of each year is an essential period of time for preparing yourself. Before the ACA Open Enrollment is upon us, know the details, the dates, and the key prep steps with this episode of the Agent Survival Guide.   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 2026 ACA Exchange & FFM Certification Info Contract & Get Appointed to Sell with Health Insurance Companies FAQs About ACA Certification and Training Free Ritter Guides Meet Your Sales Team Ritter Agent Registration The Busy ACA Agent’s Sales Calendar 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.

  8. Jul 1

    Q3 Medicare Sales Planner

    Q3 has arrived and preparations for AEP 2027 are starting. Listen to find out what agents selling Medicare should focus on during this time of year.   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: 3 Benefits of Contracting to Sell Medicare Advantage Plans Outside of AEP 5 Things About the CMS 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule 2027 MA and Part D Max Commissions CMS Update on BALANCE Model & Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Learn More About Online Contracting with Ritter Insurance Marketing Request Your Portfolio Review from Ritter Insurance Marketing   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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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.

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