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. 2D AGO

    CMS Update on BALANCE Model & Medicare GLP-1 Bridge

    The Friday Five for May 1, 2026: [00:44] Staying Caffeinated on the Road [03:26] Healthcare or Health Care? AP Stylebook Makes it Official [05:24] Spotify Spins Fitness into the Mix [08:41] Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026 [12:16] CMS Update on BALANCE Model & Medicare GLP-1 Bridge   Events & Webinars for Insurance Agents   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.   Staying Caffeinated on the Road: "Dunkin' Summer Menu." dunkindonuts.com, Dunkin Donuts, "https://www.dunkindonuts.com/en/summer-menu, Accessed 29 Apr. 2026. "Starbucks previews 2026 summer menu with tropical flavors and horchata-inspired drinks." about.starbucks.com, Starbucks, 13 Apr. 2026, https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2026/starbucks-previews-2026-summer-menu-with-tropical-flavors-and-horchata-inspired-drinks/.   Healthcare or Health Care? AP Stylebook Makes it Official: Berendzen, Gerri. “AP announces stylebook changes; “healthcare” tops list.” Aceseditors.org, aces, 24 Apr. 2026, https://aceseditors.org/news/2026/ap-announces-stylebook-changes-healthcare-tops-list. “The Associated Press Stylebook (@apstylebook) on Threads.” Threads, AP Stylebook, 25 Apr. 2026, www.threads.com/@apstylebook/post/DXhRkwYieVa?xmt=AQF09zuIUacVV6Ii9z7wDtZ9Or6W-RpmyLnA0twzfMsOKA.   Spotify Spins Fitness into the Mix: “Introducing Fitness with Spotify: A New Way to Bring Movement Into Your Daily Routine.” Newsroom.spotify.com, Spotify, 27 Apr. 2026, https://newsroom.spotify.com/2026-04-27/spotify-fitness-workouts-peloton/. O’Brien, Terrance. “Spotify is partnering with Peloton for guided workouts.” Theverge.com, The Verge, 27, Apr. 2026, https://www.theverge.com/tech/918861/spotify-peloton-guided-workouts. Perez, Sarah. “Spotify’s next frontier: Fitness content.” Techcrunch.com, Tech Crunch, 27 Apr. 2026. https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/27/spotifys-next-frontier-fitness-content/.   Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026: "Dr. Miller-Meeks, Congressional Doctors Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Restore Accountability in Medicare Advantage." millermeeks.house.gov, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, 22 Apr. 2026, https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-miller-meeks-congressional-doctors-introduce-bipartisan-bill-restore. Gleeson, Cailey. "Lawmakers introduce bipartisan legislation to improve access, quality of care in Medicare Advantage plans." fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare 24 Apr. 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/lawmakers-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-improve-access-quality-care-medicare. Blake, Suzanne. "Medicare Advantage Could Change for Millions Under New Bill." newsweek.com, Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2026, https://www.newsweek.com/medicare-advantage-could-change-new-bill-11883576. “Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026.” Millermeeks.House.Gov, U.S. House of Representatives, 15 Jan. 2026, millermeeks.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/millermeeks.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/h.r-8375.pdf.   CMS Update on BALANCE Model & Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: "BALANCE (Better Approaches to Lifestyle and Nutrition for Comprehensive hEalth) Model." cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/balance, Accessed 27 Apr. 2026. Minemyer, Paige. “CMS delays Part D GLP-1 model amid skepticism from insurers.” Fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 22 Apr. 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/cms-delays-part-d-glp-1-model-amid-skepticism-insurersd. Cubanski, Juliette. "CMS Extends Medicare’s Short-Term Bridge Program for GLP-1 Obesity Drug Coverage." kff.org, KFF, 23 Apr. 2026. https://www.kff.org/quick-take/cms-extends-medicares-short-term-bridge-program-for-glp-1-obesity-drug-coverage/. "Medicare GLP-1 Bridge." cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/prescription-drug-coverage/medicare-glp-1-bridge, Accessed 27 Apr. 2026. "Status Update on the BRIDGE Demo and BALANCE Model in Part D for CY2027." sponsors.aha.org, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://sponsors.aha.org/rs/710-ZLL-651/images/20260422_Status_Update_on_the_BRIDGE_Demo_and_BALANCE_Model_in_Part_D_for_CY2027_G.pdf, Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.     Resources: Big Moves in Healthcare & Tech: What Insurance Agents Should Watch How the BALANCE Model Will Help Medicare Part D & Medicaid Enrollees Access GLP-1s Ready-Made Marketing for Insurance Agents: Inside the Content Library CMS 2026 Prior Authorization Proposed Rule 5 Things About the CMS 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule   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.

    20 min
  2. 4D AGO

    FMO vs. IMO vs. NMO vs. MGA vs. GA: What’s the Difference?

    From FMO to IMO and MGA to GA, we’re unpacking what these acronyms mean and how insurance hierarchies work. Learn more about these organizations and where your insurance business falls on the spectrum!   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 Advantages of Being an Independent Insurance Agent 4 Reasons Why Ritter Insurance Marketing Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency Best Practices for Training Downline Agents How Insurance FMOs Work Learn More About Integrity Tools What Are Insurance Hierarchies & How Do They Work?   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/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

    17 min
  3. 6D AGO

    Affinity Partnerships for Insurance Agents

    Broaden your reach by combining forces with a like-minded affinity partner! If you're looking to grow your insurance business, affinity marketing is a great strategy that won't break the bank.    Read the text version   Download The Insurance Agent’s Guide to Establishing Successful Affinity Partnership   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 Stay Compliant Without Slowing Down Sales How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly Optimize Your Online Presence ft. Aaron Kassover Your Guide to Forming an Insurance Agent Network   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/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

    9 min
  4. APR 24

    Big Moves in Healthcare & Tech: What Insurance Agents Should Watch

    The Friday Five for April 24, 2026: [00:25] Hits & Headlines [01:41] New Podcast From KFF [03:33] Tech Takeaways [05:42] Amazon to Discontinue Older Kindles [08:47] Amazon One Medical GLP-1 Management Program   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.   Hits & Headlines: Brenninger, Kevin. "Kevin Warsh hearing takeaways: Trump Fed chair nominee defends finances, says president never demanded rate cuts." CNBC.com, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/21/kevin-warsh-fed-confirmation-hearing-trump-live-updates.html.   "Meet Lucie. A New Way to Shop for Healthcare." ir.hioscar.com, Oscar Health, 20 Apr. 2026, https://ir.hioscar.com/news-events-presentations/news-press-releases/news-details/2026/Meet-Lucie--A-New-Way-to-Shop-for-Healthcare-/default.aspx. Minemyer, Paige. "Oz previews new plan to push states toward revalidating Medicaid providers." fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 21 Apr. 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/oz-previews-plan-push-states-revalidate-medicaid-providers. Chu, Amanda. "Oz unveils nationwide plan to tackle Medicaid fraud at POLITICO Summit" politico.com, Politico, 21 Apr. 2026, https://www.politico.com/news/2026/04/21/oz-medicaid-fraud-plan-politico-summit-00883279. "Secretary Kennedy Appoints Casey B. Mulligan as HHS Chief Economist and Regulatory Officer." hhs.gov, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 17 Apr. 2026, https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-appoints-casey-b-mulligan-phd-as-chief-economist-and-chief-regulatory-officer.html. Huang, Pien. "Trump nominates former Coast Guard doctor as CDC chief." npr.org, National Public Radio, 17 Apr. 2026, https://www.npr.org/2026/04/16/nx-s1-5787959/erica-schwartz-cdc-leadership-nomination.   New Podcast From KFF: KFF’s The Business of Health with Chip Kahn Why KFF is Launching a Podcast on the Business of Health   Tech Takeaways: Sarnoff, Leah. "Apple CEO Tim Cook is stepping down, John Ternus set to replace him." abcnews.com, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026, https://abcnews.com/US/apple-ceo-tim-cook-stepping-john-ternus-set/story?id=132217743. Esposito, Filipe. "iPhone 18 Pro exclusive color reveals: Dark Cherry is the new Cosmic Orange." macworld.com, Macworld, 20 Apr. 2026, https://www.macworld.com/article/3116701/iphone-18-pro-colors-revealed-exclusive-look-at-apples-2026-models.html. "Microsoft 365 Roadmap." Microsoft.com, Microsoft, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?id=560321#Roadmap, Accessed 21 Apr. 2026. "Microsoft Teams is trying to fix accidental hand-raising." theverge.com, The Verge, 21 Apr. 2026, https://www.theverge.com/tech/915586/microsoft-teams-accidental-hand-raising-fix. Roy, Dwaipayan. "Microsoft Teams will soon stop you from accidentally raising hand." newsbytesapp.com, NewsBytes, 21 Apr. 2026, https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/microsoft-teams-to-get-a-redesign-this-june/story. "Tim Cook to become Apple Executive Chairman. John Ternus to become Apple CEO." apple.com, Apple, 20 Apr. 2026, https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/04/tim-cook-to-become-apple-executive-chairman-john-ternus-to-become-apple-ceo/.   Amazon to Discontinue Older Kindles: Amazon Kindle Store Newman, Justyn. "Amazon’s May 20 Kindle Cutoff: Which Models are Affected and How to Keep Reading Anyway." pcmag.com, PC Mag, 21 Apr. 2026, https://www.pcmag.com/news/amazon-may-20-kindle-cutoff-which-models-impacted-how-to-keep-reading. Tyko, Kelly. "Amazon launches GLP-1 program as gaps in care emerge." axios.com, Axios, 21, Apr. 2026, https://www.axios.com/2026/04/21/amazon-pharmacy-one-medical-glp1-program. Ashworth, Boone. "Amazon Pulls Support for Perfectly Fine Older Kindles." wired.com, Wired, 9 Apr. 2026, https://www.wired.com/story/amazon-pulls-support-for-perfectly-fine-older-kindles/. McMahon, Liv. "Amazon to end support for older Kindles, prompting user outcry." bbc.com, BBC, 9 Apr. 2026, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c98k91yy4z4o. Mangino, Samantha. "Don't panic: Amazon is discontinuing support on these 13 Kindle devices, but they're not totally obsolete." mashable.com, Mashable, 8 Apr. 2026, https://mashable.com/article/amazon-discontinuing-kindle-1st-gen-support. Adorno, Jose. "Old And Unsupported Kindles Might Become The Best Tech Deal Of 2026." 15 Apr. 2026, https://www.bgr.com/2148274/why-old-kindle-deal/.   Amazon One Medical GLP-1 Management Program: Amazon One Medical GLP-1 Management Program Gomez, Brandon. "Amazon launches GLP-1 weight loss program, promising ‘fast, convenient’ access." cnbc.com, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/21/amazon-glp-1-weight-loss-program.html.  Patel, Hemalee. "Amazon One Medical introduces weight management program with upfront GLP-1 medication costs." aboutamazon.com, Amazon News, https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/retail/amazon-glp1-management-program.   Resources: 5 Things About the CMS 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule CMS 2026 Prior Authorization Proposed Rule How Insurance Agents Can Avoid Isolation & Build Stronger Connections ft. Dawn Myers Making Cross‑Selling Less Awkward for Insurance Agents ft. Demetri Simos and Dawn Myers Ready-Made Marketing for Insurance Agents: Inside the Content Library   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.

    13 min
  5. APR 22

    Q2 Medicare Sales Planner

    It’s time to sync up your calendar! What should insurance agents selling Medicare focus on during the 2nd quarter? Listen to this episode for our suggestions and info on how to get your own Medicare Sales Planner.   Read the text version   Download your copy of the Medicare Sales Planner!   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: AHIP Test Tips and Tricks for Medicare Certification Carrier Pages Certification Info Community-Based Marketing for Insurance Agents Dental, Vision, and Hearing Insurance Sales: How, Who, and Why FAQs About NABIP Medicare Certification The Advisor Approach: Cross-Selling by Fact-Finding What Is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It?   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 min
  6. APR 22

    Q2 ACA Sales Calendar

    Streamline your second quarter tasks with a little help from your friends at Ritter Insurance Marketing and the Agent Survival Guide Podcast. Listen for the details and don’t forget to download the full calendar!   Read the text version Download your copy of the Busy ACA Agent’s Sales Calendar!   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: Should Medicare & ACA Clients Use Drug Discount Programs? The Best Appointment Schedulers for Insurance Agents The Complete Guide to Selling Affordable Care Act Insurance Plans The State of the ACA Market in 2026 Why Marketplace Agents Should Connect With Young Adults Turning 26   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/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

    5 min
  7. TRAILER

    The Complete Guide to Selling Critical Illness Plans

    Learn more about the critical illness product (and how to cross-sell it!) with our free guide for insurance agents! Ready to cross-sell with confidence? Start by downloading your copy of Ritter’s newest eBook today.   Download your FREE copy of The Complete Guide to Selling Critical Illness Plans   Additional Episodes You Might Like: 4 Ancillary Cross-Sales to Show Clients You Care How Storytelling Helps Agents Quickly Connect with Clients ft. Don Connelly Making Cross‑Selling Less Awkward for Insurance Agents ft. Demetri Simos and Dawn Myers   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.   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.

    1 min

Trailers

4.6
out of 5
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About

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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