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. 6h ago

    Understanding the ACA Marketplace Metal Tiers

    When stepping into the ACA marketplace, you’ll obviously have a plethora of different plans to offer to your clients. What if we told you there was an easy way to break down the different types of plans you could be selling in hopes of helping your clients better understand what they’re buying into? In this episode of the Agent Survival Guide Podcast, we’ll be guiding your next sale to a podium finish by breaking down the ACA metal tiers!   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! 📢 Submit a shoutout to be read in a future episode 🎙️ Be a Guest on the ASG Podcast 💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: ACA 101: Selling Under-65 Health Insurance  ACA in 2027: CMS Changes, Fraud Prevention & Identity Proofing ft. Arthur Barlow   Understanding ACA Plan Metal Tiers    References:   Average monthly marketplace premiums by metal tier: KFF State Health Facts. KFF. (2025, November 3). https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/state-indicator/average-marketplace-premiums-by-metal-tier/?currentTimeframe=0&sortModel=%7B%22colId%22%3A%22Location%22%2C%22sort%22%3A%22asc%22%7D   Health Insurance Marketplace. (n.d.-a). Health plan categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold, & Platinum. HealthCare.gov. https://www.healthcare.gov/choose-a-plan/plans-categories/   Lewis, B. E. (2026, March 25). What are the four metal tiers of Affordable Care Act Health Plans?. GoodRx. https://www.goodrx.com/insurance/aca/aca-tiers-of-coverage   Quality ratings of health plans. HealthCare.gov. (n.d.-b). https://www.healthcare.gov/quality-ratings/     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

    Can Insurance Agents Charge Consulting Fees for Medicare Sales or Services?

    We all know that MA Plans are non-commissionable, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t be curious about making a sale. In this episode, we’ll be diving into payments and fees that can come with selling Medicare plans.   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! 📢 Submit a shoutout to be read in a future episode 🎙️ Be a Guest on the ASG Podcast 💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 7 Actions You Can Take If Your Medicare Plans Go Non-Commissionable 8 Reasons Why Insurance Agents Should Sell ACA Plans ACA 101: Selling Under-65 Health Insurance A Quick Guide to Cross-Selling Ancillary Insurance with Medicare Products How to Explain the Real Cost of a Funeral & Help Your Clients Plan for One Selling Hospital Indemnity with Medicare Advantage: Is It Worth It?   References: Alerion Advisors. (n.d.). Are brokers still in the crosshairs? policy and market updates for 2026. Rebellis Group. https://partners.rebellisgroup.com/download-webinar-are-brokers-still-in-the-crosshairs-policy-and-market-updates-for-2026 (2008, September 18). Part D Communication Requirements. Federal Register. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-423/subpart-V National Archives and Records Administration. (2005, January 28). Medicare Advantage program. Federal Register. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-422 Q2 impact report. NABIP. (n.d.). https://nabip.org/   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. 1d ago

    Q4 ACA Sales Calendar

    Are you ready for go-time? In this episode of the Agent Survival Guide podcast, we're covering the 4th quarter and the essential details, dates, and what it means now that prep time is over.   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!   📢 Submit a shoutout to be read in a future episode 🎙️ Be a Guest on the ASG Podcast 💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 8 Reasons Why Insurance Agents Should Sell ACA Plans Busy ACA Agent’s Sales Calendar Everything You Need to Know About the ACA OEP Federal Judge Strikes Down ACA Marketplace Rule Provisions Free Guides Guiding Your Clients from the Marketplace to Medicare   References: Norris, Louise. “What Are the Deadlines for the ACA’s Open Enrollment Period?” Healthinsurance.Org, 10 Aug. 2026, www.healthinsurance.org/faqs/what-are-the-deadlines-for-the-acas-open-enrollment-period/.   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  Opinions expressed by interview guests are their own and not representative of Ritter Insurance Marketing or Integrity. The Agent Survival Guide Podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

  4. 2d ago

    Dental, Vision, and Hearing Insurance Sales: How, Who, and Why

    As we get older, we have more time to experience what life has to offer. However, with age also comes wear and tear on certain senses. In this episode, we’ll be teaching you how to identify clients who might need help taking care of these important factors of life.   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! 📢 Submit a shoutout to be read in a future episode 🎙️ Be a Guest on the ASG Podcast 💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Client Sync Consumer User Guide Cross-Sell to Fill Coverage Gaps or Unmet Needs IntegrityCONNECT Why Trust Is an Insurance Agent's Most Important Non-Renewable Resource   References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). Preventing oral diseases and conditions in communities. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/prevention/?CDC_AAref_Val=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Foralhealth%2Fbasics%2Fadult-oral-health%2Ftips.html Cohen, R. A., & Bottoms-McClain, L. (2024, April 26). Dental Care Among Adults Age 65 and Older. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db500.htm Hibbler, R. (2024, January 5). The importance of Eye Care and annual exams. Tapestry 360 Health. https://tap360health.org/the-importance-of-eye-care-and-annual-exams/ Persky, W. (2025, August 11). The problem with Medicare Advantage Plans. Microscopic New Live Site. https://www.microscopiccolitisfoundation.org/blog/the-problem-with-medicare-advantage-plans U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Dental services. Medicare.gov. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/dental-services Why dental care is important for your overall health. UI Health. (2024, January 3). https://hospital.uillinois.edu/mile-square-health-center/patient-resources/blog-and-news/dental-health-is-important   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. 4d ago

    Content Corner: Spooky Season and All Things Pumpkin

    Jeff is back for another Content Corner episode with Sarah!  Hear about the newest Content Library series and shareables for the month of October. No tricks – just spooky treats to delight your clients!   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! 📢 Submit a shoutout to be read in a future episode 🎙️ Be a Guest on the ASG Podcast 💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 4 Ways to Keep Trick-or-Treating Safe 5 Spooky Stories for Halloween Best Practices for Using Ritter’s Content Library Content Corner: Fundamentals of Senior Finance Content Library: Cooking for Beginners ft. Jeff Snyder Content Library Homepage Fun Halloween Ways to Get Fit Fun Tricks for Tasty Halloween Treats Ready-Made Marketing for Insurance Agents: Inside the Content Library The Content Library: Content Marketing for Insurance Agents Trick-or-Treating Without Overeating Why Do We Feel Fear?   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  Opinions expressed by interview guests are their own and not representative of Ritter Insurance Marketing or Integrity. The Agent Survival Guide Podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

  6. 5d ago

    $90 Rebate for Qualifying Medicare Beneficiaries

    The Friday Five for October 9, 2026: 6 Days Until AEP 2027! 2026 Kindle Lineup & Accessories Medicare Advantage Mapped KFF MA Plan Options for CY 2027 $90 Rebate for Qualifying Medicare Beneficiaries   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! 📢 Submit a shoutout to be read in a future episode 🎙️ Be a Guest on the ASG Podcast 📰 Get Field Notes delivered to your inbox! 💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Ritter Resources   2026 Kindle Lineup & Accessories: “Amazon introduces a completely redesigned Kindle family.” Aboutamazon.com, Amazon, https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/new-kindle-lineup-2026, Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.   Medicare Advantage Mapped: “Every Medicare Advantage plan, mapped for agents.” Windermerefinancial.com, Windermere Financial, https://windermerefinancial.com/medicare-plan-map, Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.   KFF MA Plan Options for CY 2027: “The Average Medicare Beneficiary has 28 Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan Options for 2027.” Kff.org, KFF, 1 Oct. 2026, https://www.kff.org/medicare/the-average-medicare-beneficiary-has-28-medicare-advantage-prescription-drug-plan-options-for-2027/.   $90 Rebate for Qualifying Medicare Beneficiaries: “Fact Sheet: 2026 Medicare Costs.” Medicare.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Dec. 2025, www.medicare.gov/publications/11579-medicare-costs.pdf. “Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Announces Medicare Improvement Fund Payments for Seniors.” Whitehouse.gov, The White House, 2 Oct. 2026, https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/10/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-announces-medicare-improvement-fund-payments-for-seniors/. “Medicare Improvement Fund Premium Rebate Frequesntly Asked Questions.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 3 Oct. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-improvement-fund-premium-rebate-frequently-asked-questions. “Medicare Monthly Enrollment.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 23 Sep. 2026, https://data.cms.gov/summary-statistics-on-beneficiary-enrollment/medicare-and-medicaid-reports/medicare-monthly-enrollment. “More than 20 million Medicare beneficiaries may get one-time $90 payment – here’s who qualifies.” Cnbc.com, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2026, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/10/05/medicare-part-b-beneficiaries-90-payment.html. “The Medicare and Medicaid Improvement Funds: Budgetary History and Projections.” Cbo.gov, Congressional Budget Office, https://www.cbo.gov/publication/59115#_idTextAnchor009, Accessed 7 Oct. 2026. “Who Qualifies for the New $90 Medicare Part B Rebate?” Kiplinger.com, Kiplinger, 6 Oct. 2026, https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/medicare/who-qualifies-for-the-new-medicare-part-b-rebate.   Resources: 5 Ways Insurance Agents Should Be Using Ask Integrity 2027 Medicare Advantage & Part D Premiums, Enrollment, and Plan Trends ACA in 2027: CMS Changes, Fraud Prevention & Identity Proofing ft. Arthur Barlow Beyond the Benefits: Navigating Coverage Gaps in 2027 ft. Jameson Keller Getting Started Selling Group Ancillary Benefits ft. Max Ravenelle   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. Oct 5

    Getting Started Selling Group Ancillary Benefits ft. Max Ravenelle

    Ever wonder what it would take to branch out into group benefit sales? We did too, and Max Ravenelle, Director of Group Sales at Ritter Insurance Marketing was kind enough to answer the call and Sarah’s questions.   Contact Max Ravenelle by email at M.Ravenelle@ShieldsBrokerage.com or call 603-418-0805 to learn more!   Additional Episodes Like This One: How to Stay Top of Mind & Build Trust That Drives Growth ft. Bjorn Piltingsrud and Andrew Saksa Making Cross‑Selling Less Awkward for Insurance Agents ft. Demetri Simos and Dawn Myers 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  Opinions expressed by interview guests are their own and not representative of Ritter Insurance Marketing or Integrity. The Agent Survival Guide Podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

  8. Oct 2

    2027 Medicare Advantage & Part D Premiums, Enrollment, and Plan Trends

    The Friday Five for October 2, 2026: CMS announces enrollment projections for Medicare Advantage, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D costs, and the general market outlook insurance agents should know about in coverage year 2027. Listen for our takeaways and insight!   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! 📢 Submit a shoutout to be read in a future episode 🎙️ Be a Guest on the ASG Podcast 📰 Get Field Notes – our monthly newsletter – sent directly to your inbox!   💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 5 Ways Insurance Agents Should Be Using Ask Integrity ACA in 2027: CMS Changes, Fraud Prevention & Identity Proofing ft. Arthur Barlow Escaping the Procrastination Station | Monday Motivation How to Stay Top of Mind & Build Trust That Drives Growth ft. Bjorn Piltingsrud and Andrew Saksa Ritter Resources The Part D Cliff & Costs for 2027   References: “2026 MA and Part D Landscape State Fact Sheet.” CMS.Gov, www.cms.gov/files/document/2026-ma-part-d-landscape-state-state-fact-sheet.pdf. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026. “CY2027 Landscape Data.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 28 Sep. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/prescription-drug-coverage. “Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Programs Expected to Remain Stable in 2026.” CMS.Gov, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/medicare-advantage-medicare-prescription-drug-programs-expected-remain-stable-2026. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026. “Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Programs Expected to Remain Stable in 2027.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 28 Sep. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/medicare-advantage-medicare-prescription-drug-programs-expected-remain-stable-2027. “Medicare Advantage in 2026: Enrollment Update and Key Trends.” Kff.org, KFF, 5 Jun 2026, https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-in-2026-enrollment-update-and-key-trends/. “Medicare Part D Enrollment, Premiums, and Cost Sharing in 2026.” Kff.org, KFF, 11 Jun 2026, https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-part-d-enrollment-premiums-and-cost-sharing-in-2026/. “State by State 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape Face Sheet.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 28 Sep. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/files/document/2027-medicare-advantage-part-d-landscape-state-state-fact-sheets.pdf.   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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