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

Sarah J. Rueppel | Ritter Insurance Marketing | Insurance Agent Tips, Tools & Training

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. 4h ago

    2027 ACA & Medicare Cost Projections

    The Friday Five for August 7, 2026: ACA 2027 Certification Updates CY2027 ACA Premium Rate Filings So Far CMS 2027 Medicare Part D Bid Information 2027 Medicare Part B Cost Projections 2027 COLA Estimate   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.   ACA 2027 Certification Updates: Ritter Insurance Marketing Certification Center (for all things certification!)   CY2027 ACA Premium Rate Filings So Far: McGough, Matt, et al. “How Much and Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Going Up in 2027.” KFF.Org, KFF, 4 Aug. 2026, www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/how-much-and-why-aca-marketplace-premiums-are-going-up-in-2027/.   CMS 2027 Medicare Part D Bid Information: “2026 Medicare Part D Bid Information and Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration Parameters.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 28 Jul. 2025, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-part-d-bid-information-and-part-d-premium-stabilization-demonstration-parameters. Minemyer, Paige. “CMS ending Medicare Part D subsidy program.” Fiercehealthcare, Fierce Healthcare, 29 Jul. 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/cms-ending-medicare-part-d-subsidy-program. “Medicare Part D 2027 National Average Monthly Bid Amount Information.” cms.org, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 28 Jul. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-part-d-2027-national-average-monthly-bid-amount-information.   2027 Medicare Part B Cost Projections “2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles” cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 14 Nov. 2025, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-parts-b-premiums-deductibles. “2026 Annual Report of the Boards of Trustees of the Federal Hospital Insurance and Federal Supplement Medical Insurance Trust Funds.” Cms.org, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 9 Jun. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/oact/tr/2026. LeValley, Donna. “Medicare 2027 Projections: Here’s How Much Your Monthly Premiums Are Estimated to Rise.” Kiplinger.com, Kiplinger, https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/medicare/medicare-2027-how-much-premiums-are-set-to-rise, Accessed 4 Aug. 2026. Blake, Suzanne. “Medicare Update: New Estimate of How Much Premiums Will Increase.” Newsweek.com, Newsweek, 28 Jul. 2026, https://www.newsweek.com/medicare-update-new-estimate-of-how-much-premiums-will-increase-12256344.   2027 COLA Estimate: Shesgreen, Deidre. “Social Security COLA 2027: An Early Look at How Much Payments Could Increase” aarp.org, AARP, 14 Jul. 2026, https://www.aarp.org/social-security/cola-2027-increase-estimate/.   Resources: Finding Opportunity Despite Medicare & ACA Market Challenges Insurance Agents Can Generate More Leads with a Referral Marketing Strategy Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Updates, CMS Appeals & CE Credits Real Sales Expectations for Insurance Agents Turning Life Changes into Sales Opportunities ft. Bobby Nerem & Danica Stover   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

    The Pros and Cons of Selling Insurance

    If you're thinking about becoming an insurance agent, you may be thinking about what can come along with the career change? What are some of the perks you might discover, and what downsides could sneak up on you? in this episode of The Agent Survival Guide Podcast, we help you weigh the good of becoming an insurance agent against the bad.    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: 5 Perks of Being a Part-Time Insurance Agent 5 Reasons Why Ritter Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency 2027 Maximum Broker Commissions for Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D Diversify Your Insurance Portfolio & Reap Real Rewards Get Access to Exclusive Leads When You Become a PlanEnroll Network Agent Get Your ACA Insurance Sales Contracts Here — Recommendations for 2026 How Insurance FMOs Work How Much Can Agents Make Selling Under-65 Insurance? How Much Can Insurance Agents Make Selling Medicare? How Professional Organizations Make You a Better Agent Interview: Relationship Marketing Strategies for Insurance Agents The Advantages of Being a Field vs. Call Center Insurance Agent Why Trust Is an Insurance Agent's Most Important Non-Renewable Resource Your Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Started in Insurance Sales   References: Cubanski, J. (2025, October 7). A current snapshot of the medicare part D prescription drug benefit | KFF. KFF. https://www.kff.org/medicare/a-current-snapshot-of-the-medicare-part-d-prescription-drug-benefit/ Marketplace 2025 open enrollment period report: National snapshot | CMS. CMS.gov. (2025, January 17). https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/marketplace-2025-open-enrollment-period-report-national-snapshot-2 Marketplace 2026 open enrollment period report: National snapshot | CMS. CMS.gov. (2026, January 12). https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/marketplace-2026-open-enrollment-period-report-national-snapshot-0 Rosanes, M. (2024, January 22). Want to build a career selling insurance? here are the pros and Cons | Insurance Business. Insurance Business. https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/guides/want-to-build-a-career-selling-insurance-here-are-the-pros-and-cons-473774.aspx   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

    5 Myths About Selling ACA Health Insurance Plans

    Heard any of these myths about selling ACA plans? We’re debunking the rumors and delivering facts on ACA insurance sales. Listen as we set the record straight here on the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!   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: 6 Reasons Insurance Agencies Selling Medicare Products Should Sell ACA 8 Reasons Why Insurance Agents Should Sell ACA Plans ACA 101: Selling Under-65 Health Insurance FAQs About ACA Certification and Training FAQs About Selling On-Exchange & Off-Exchange Under-65 Plans How Much Can Agents Make Selling Under-65 Insurance? How to Become Certified for ACA Marketplace Sales with Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) Training Meet Your Sales Team Ritter Insurance Marketing Blog Simplify Marketplace Enrollments with HealthSherpa   References: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2024, December 11). General Resources | CMS. CMS.gov. https://www.cms.gov/marketplace/agents-brokers/general-resources Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). FAQs for Marketplace Agents and Brokers. CMS.gov. https://www.agentbrokerfaq.cms.gov/s/ Health Insurance Marketplace. (n.d.-a). Immigrants. healthcare.gov. https://www.healthcare.gov/immigrants/immigration-status/ Health Insurance Marketplace. (n.d.-b). Medicare and the Marketplace. healthcare.gov. https://www.healthcare.gov/medicare/medicare-and-the-marketplace/ Health Insurance Marketplace. (n.d.-c). The Marketplace in your state. healthcare.gov. https://www.healthcare.gov/marketplace-in-your-state/ Health Insurance Marketplace. (n.d.-d). Welcome to the Health Insurance Marketplace® | healthcare.gov. healthcare.gov. https://www.healthcare.gov/ Home | The Senate Democratic Caucus. (n.d.). https://www.democrats.senate.gov/ IRS. (2025, November 5). Eligibility for the Premium Tax Credit. irs.gov. https://www.irs.gov/affordable-care-act/individuals-and-families/eligibility-for-the-premium-tax-credit   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. 4d ago

    Turning Life Changes into Sales Opportunities ft. Bobby Nerem & Danica Stover

    Life stage changes bring opportunities to talk with your clients about their coverage. Bobby Nerem and Danica Stover explain how leveraging this strategy adds real value to client interactions. Even better? They explain how naturally agents can cross-sell both life and under-65 health insurance through every stage of life.   Visit the Life & Annuities Resource Center   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: Annuity Training (LARC) Fact-Finder PDF Download Life and Annuity Resource Center (LARC) Life Insurance for Each of Life’s Stages Life Training (LARC)   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 31

    Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Updates, CMS Appeals & CE Credits

    The Friday Five for July 31, 2026: RegEd CE Courses Available on IntegrityCONNECT Fresh Take on Social Platforms: ThingsBook Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Reminder CMS Files Appeal to Clover Decision CMS & HHS File Expedited Appeal to Colombus I   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.   RegEd CE Courses Available on IntegrityCONNECT: Learn More About IntegrityCONNECT MyBenefits in IntegrityCONNECT   Fresh Take on Social Platforms: ThingsBook: ThingsBook for iPhone   Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Reminder: “Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Expectations and FAQs.” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 10 June 2026, www.cms.gov/files/document/medicare-glp-1-bridge-expectations-faqs.pdf.   CMS Files Appeal to Clover Decision: Minemyer, Paige. “CMS appeals court decision behind 2026 MA star ratings recalculations.” Fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 22 Jul 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/cms-appeals-court-decision-behind-2026-ma-star-ratings-recalculations. Kerfoot, Jenn. “Part XI: Star Rating Lawsuits & The Battle in the Courtroom and The Battle Against the Clock.” LinkedIn, Jenn Kerfoot, 27 July 2026, www.linkedin.com/pulse/part-xi-star-rating-lawsuits-battle-courtroom-against-jenn-kerfoot-pmswc/.   CMS & HHS File Expedited Appeal to Colombus I: City of Colombus vs. RFK, Jr. Consent Motion to Expedite Appeal, litigationtracker.law.georgetown.edu, Georgetown Law Litigation Tracker, https://litigationtracker.law.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/City-of-Columbus_2026.07.22_DEFENDANTS-MOTION-TO-EXPEDITE-3.pdf, Accessed 27 Jul 2026. Casolo, Elizabeth. “HHS Appeals Decision Vacating Provisions of 2025 ACA Marketplace Rule.” Beckerspayer.Com, Becker’s Payer Issues, 24 July 2026, www.beckerspayer.com/payer/aca/hhs-appeals-decision-vacating-provisions-of-2025-aca-marketplace-rule/. Minemyer, Paige. “HHS appeals vacatur of 2025 ACA program integrity rule.” Fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 23 Jul 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/judge-tosses-multiple-provisions-cms-2025-aca-program-integrity-rule. “Updated Statement Regarding the Failure to File and Reconcile Requirement for Plan Years 2026-2027.” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 27 July 2026, www.cms.gov/files/document/ftr-requirement-py26-27-statement.pdf.   Resources: Federal Judge Vacates Several CMS ACA Provisions Finding Opportunity Despite Medicare & ACA Market Challenges Navigate Medicare Drug and Durable Medical Equipment Coverage for Diabetes   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 29

    Selling Medicare Insurance: Why it’s Worth It

    After becoming an insurance agent, there might be some difficulty deciding what types of insurance to sell. In this episode, we break down the positives of selling Medicare insurance and what makes the market so fulfilling!   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:  5 Reasons Why Ritter Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency 5 Steps to Selling Cancer Insurance 8 Powerful Practices for Selling Prescription Drug Plans 2027 Medicare Advantage & Part D Certification Info Boost Business Selling Hospital Indemnity Insurance Dental, Vision, and Hearing Insurance Sales: How, Who, and Why Do's and Don'ts of Medicare Compliance Getting Started Selling Medicare Supplements How Much Money Can Agents Make Selling Ancillary Health Insurance? How to Approach Selling Final Expense Insurance IntegrityCONNECT Leads Ritter Insurance Marketing Carriers Save Time. Sell More. Selling Ancillary Products Selling Long-Term Care Insurance SNPs: The Secret to Surviving Lock-in There's More to Life Insurance Than Just a Policy Understanding Medicare Advantage   References: Freed, M., Fuglesten Biniek, J., Damico, A., Ochieng, N., & Neuman, T. (2026, June 5). Medicare advantage in 2026: Enrollment update and key trends. KFF. https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-in-2026-enrollment-update-and-key-trends/ Integrity. (2026, May 29). 2026 Medicare Age-In Study. Deft Research. https://deftresearch.com/2026-medicare-age-in-study/ Kaplan, S. (2024, July). America is unprepared to support its growing older adult population. Syracuse University. https://www.maxwell.syr.edu/research/lerner-center/population-health-research-brief-series/article/america-is-unprepared-to-meet-the-needs-of-its-growing-older-adult-population Kroll, M. M. (2024, November 1). Generation X... “The forgotten generation.” University of New Hampshire. https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2024/11/generation-x-forgotten-generation Medicare Marketing Guidelines. CMS.gov. (2024, September 10). https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/managed-care-marketing/medicare-guidelines   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.

  7. Jul 29

    Insurance Agents Can Generate More Leads with a Referral Marketing Strategy

    Referrals are a powerful lead generating tool, especially for insurance agents! Find out more in this explainer on referral marketing how to implement this strategy into your insurance business.   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 Learn About Their Social Media Audiences INtegrityCONNECT Ritter Blog ShopRitterIM The Insurance Agent’s Guide to Establishing Successful Affinity Partnerships Where It All Begins: Obtaining Permission to Contact for Medicare Sales Why Trust Is an Insurance Agent's Most Important Non-Renewable Resource   References: Canva Medicare Marketing Guidelines | CMS. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2024, October 9). https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/managed-care-marketing/medicare-guidelines Microsoft Word   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 27

    Here Are the Medicare Out-of-Pocket Expenses That Cost Beneficiaries the Most

    Out-of-pocket exposure is an important component in Medicare coverage conversations. In this episode, learn which costs factor into the OOP equation and help your clients make more educated decisions.   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 2026 Medicare Part A & B Premiums & Deductibles Are You Offering Multiple LTC Insurance Options? Dental, Vision, and Hearing Insurance Sales: How, Who, and Why Getting Started Selling Medicare Supplements How to Save Beneficiaries Money on Prescription Drugs at a Preferred Pharmacy Take Your Business to the Next Level What’s Inside The Complete Guide on How to Sell Prescription Drug Plans?   References: Durable Medical Equipment (DME) coverage. Medicare.gov. (n.d.). https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/durable-medical-equipment-dme-coverage Ochieng, N., Cubanski, J., Neuman, T., & Damico, A. (n.d.). Health costs consume a large portion of income for millions of people with Medicare | KFF. https://www.kff.org/medicare/health-costs-consume-a-large-portion-of-income-for-millions-of-people-with-medicare/     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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