The Broker Link

The Brokerage Inc.
  • 5.0 (11)
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  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Broker Link empowers insurance agents to sell more, earn more and stay independent. Hosted by The Brokerage Inc.

  1. 21H AGO

    2027 CMS Medicare Final Rule: What Agents Need to Know

    In this episode of The Broker Link Podcast, Mike Smith and Josh Slattery break down the key updates from the 2027 CMS Medicare Final Rule and what it means for agent partners. One of the biggest headlines is the rate increase for Medicare Advantage plans, rising from 0.9% to 2.48%, which injects approximately $13 billion into the system. While this funding boost is significant, it will likely influence product design, including potential reductions in certain non-essential supplemental benefits. The discussion also highlights the codification of the Inflation Reduction Act provision that caps out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $2,100, providing greater financial protection for beneficiaries. From a compliance standpoint, several important changes are addressed. The removal of the 48-hour waiting period for Scope of Appointment and the reduction of call recording retention requirements from 10 years to 6 years are expected to streamline agent workflows while maintaining regulatory standards. The episode also explores the evolving focus of Star Ratings, with a shift toward clinical outcomes and away from administrative measures — signaling a broader move toward quality of care and patient results. The Brokerage Inc. will continue to keep you informed about CMS changes for 2027.  Visit our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com to learn more. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show!  New episodes are available every Tuesday. Join our Community! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/  YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas  Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/

    36 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Meet Colby Cox: Growing Life & Annuities at The Brokerage Inc.

    In this episode of The Broker Link Podcast, Cristal Bustillos introduces Colby Cox, the new Director of Sales in the Life Department at The Brokerage Inc. Colby shares his background, from his Texas roots and time at Texas A&M University to his transition from coaching into the insurance industry. He discusses his first few weeks in the role, with a strong focus on growing the brokerage's presence in life insurance and annuities. Throughout the conversation, Colby emphasizes the importance of truly understanding insurance concepts rather than focusing solely on specific products. He encourages agents to build a strong foundation of knowledge so they can better serve their clients and grow their business. Colby also makes it clear that he is here as a resource — committed to supporting agents, answering questions, and helping them succeed in the life and annuity space. Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show!  New episodes are available every Tuesday. Join our Community! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/  YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas  Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/

    18 min

  3. MAR 24

    The Long Game in Insurance: 25 Years of Experience with Luis Moreno

    In this episode of The Broker Link Podcast, Mike Papuc and Danielle Tworek sit down with Luis Moreno, owner of Simply Health Insurance, to discuss his 25-year journey in the insurance industry. Luis shares how he first obtained his life and health insurance license in 1999 while transitioning from a career in teaching. Over the years, he built experience across multiple areas of the industry, including time in the military and working with Mutual of Omaha before launching his own Farmers Insurance agency in 2001. As the market evolved, Luis expanded his business to include Affordable Care Act marketplace plans and Medicare in 2014, helping clients access comprehensive health coverage while continuing to grow his agency. Luis also discusses his passion for mentoring new agents. Through his YouTube channel and the Skool platform, he provides training and support to help agents build confidence and develop their businesses. His advice for new agents is simple: get contracted now, invest in training, and offer a full range of insurance solutions so clients can rely on you as a trusted advisor. Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show!  New episodes are available every Tuesday. Join our Community! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/  YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas  Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/

    45 min

  4. MAR 11

    Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage: What Agents Need to Know

    In this episode of The Broker Link Podcast, Regional Sales Directors Cynthia Rosales and Leigha Hayes break down one of the most common questions agents face: Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage plans. The conversation begins with Original Medicare, which typically covers about 80% of approved medical costs, leaving beneficiaries responsible for the remaining 20%. Cynthia and Leigha explain how Medicare Supplement Plan G can help fill that gap by providing predictable coverage for many out-of-pocket expenses. They discuss guaranteed issue opportunities for Medicare Supplement plans, including when individuals turn 65 or transition off employer group coverage. While Plan G benefits are standardized across carriers, premiums can vary — with typical monthly costs for a 65-year-old female ranging between $100 and $200 depending on the carrier and location. The episode also explores Medicare Advantage plans, which often feature $0 premiums but require copays and cost-sharing when services are used. These plans may also bundle additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing services. Cynthia and Leigha emphasize that both Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans include out-of-pocket maximum protections, helping beneficiaries manage financial risk while choosing the coverage option that best fits their healthcare needs and budget. Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show!  New episodes are available every Tuesday. Join our Community! Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/  YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas  Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/

    22 min

  5. MAR 3

    Business Insurance Planning 101: Key Person, Buy-Sell & Disability Coverage

    In this episode of The Broker Link Podcast, Chris Newberry and Cristal Bustillos break down essential business insurance strategies every advisor should understand — and every business owner should implement. The conversation centers on key person insurance and buy-sell agreements, two critical tools for protecting business continuity. Key person insurance provides financial stability to a company if a vital employee or owner passes away, helping offset lost revenue and operational disruption. Buy-sell agreements, when properly funded with life insurance, ensure smooth ownership transitions and protect both partners and families from financial uncertainty. Chris and Cristal emphasize the importance of proactive planning and discuss how complementary business valuations help owners understand their true exposure and funding needs. They also explore worksite marketing opportunities, available to businesses with as few as 15 employees. With guaranteed issue options and portable coverage, these policies offer meaningful benefits to employees and their families — while creating strong revenue opportunities for agents. Additionally, the episode covers disability insurance, including income protection and business overhead expense coverage — critical safeguards that protect both personal paychecks and company operations. Whether you're advising business owners or looking to grow your book of business, this episode highlights why business insurance planning is not only essential for clients, but also a highly profitable line of coverage for agents. Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show!  New episodes are available every Tuesday. Join our Community! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/  YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas  Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/

    14 min

  6. FEB 18

    From Sacrifice to Success: Launching Texas Power Insurance

    In this episode of The Broker Link, host Mike Papuc sits down with Jessica and Sabin Lopez to share the inspiring story behind the launch of Texas Power Insurance. They reflect on their early days in the industry, the challenges they faced, and the defining moment in 2021 when they made the bold decision to start their own agency. A major theme throughout the conversation is the importance of having the right partner—someone who shares your values, work ethic, and long-term vision. Jessica and Sabin emphasize that success isn't just about production. It's about loyalty, trust, compliance, and a commitment to educating both brokers and clients. They share the sacrifices required to build something meaningful—long hours, missed personal moments, and the discipline needed to stay focused on the bigger picture. Their message to aspiring agency owners is clear: Have a strategy. Stay disciplined. Surround yourself with the right support system. And don't underestimate the power of faith and perseverance. Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show!  New episodes are available every Tuesday. Join our Community! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/  YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas  Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/

    54 min

  7. FEB 10

    Insure Your Love Month: Products That Matter Most

    In this episode of The Broker Link, Crystal Bustillos and Chris Newberry explore a variety of insurance solutions under the theme "Insure Your Love Month," focusing on products that help protect families, legacies, and financial security. They begin with final expense insurance, highlighting its simplicity and accessibility. These policies help cover funeral costs and outstanding debts, with coverage options up to $50,000 for simplified issue and $25,000 for guaranteed issue, making them an approachable solution for many clients. The conversation also introduces the Gerber Children's Grow-Up Plan, which allows families to secure life insurance early, with the face amount doubling at age 18 without a premium increase—a long-term planning tool that offers lasting value. Crystal and Chris discuss the importance of long-term care insurance, whether as a standalone policy or an add-on, emphasizing the high likelihood of future care needs and the financial strain it can place on families. Additional products covered include term life, whole life, IUL, universal life, annuities, disability insurance, and life settlements, giving agents a broad perspective on how to tailor coverage to meet clients' evolving needs. Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show!  New episodes are available every Tuesday. Join our Community! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/  YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas  Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/

    11 min

  8. FEB 3

    Ready to Grow? How Agents Can Build Full-Service Agencies

    In this episode of The Broker Link, David Ireland and Scott Christie share valuable insights on how Medicare-focused agents can successfully grow their businesses into full-service agencies. The discussion explores two primary growth models. The traditional independent agent model focuses on building a team by hiring back-office support and recruiting independent agents to expand production. The Licensed Agent of Agency (LOA) model takes a different approach by hiring employees who work under the agency while earning a base salary combined with commission opportunities. David and Scott emphasize the importance of maintaining ownership and control of client relationships while implementing technology solutions to effectively manage client data and communication. They also highlight the opportunity for agents to strengthen their business by cross-selling additional products such as hospital indemnity, long-term care, and other supplemental coverage options. The conversation reinforces the importance of establishing a strong business foundation, including forming an LLC and creating clear operational structures. Agents are encouraged to leverage brokerage partnerships for resources, training, and operational support to accelerate growth and long-term success. This episode provides practical guidance for agents looking to transition from individual production to building scalable, sustainable agencies. Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show!  New episodes are available every Tuesday. Join our Community! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/  YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas  Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The Broker Link empowers insurance agents to sell more, earn more and stay independent. Hosted by The Brokerage Inc.

Information

  • Creator
    The Brokerage Inc.
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Broker Link

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