• Takeaways from the 2025 ACA Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Final Rule
    Jun 27 2025
    Join Sarah for a rundown of this week’s updates for insurance agents, featuring her deep dive into the CMS 2025 ACA Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Final Rule. Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Connect With 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 Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/ Resources: 5 Things About the Insurance License Exam, 1 Year Later: https://lnk.to/asgf20250620 Are You Self-Sabotaging Your Insurance Sales Success? https://ritterim.com/blog/are-you-self-sabotaging-your-insurance-sales-success/ Four Reasons Why Ritter Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency: https://ritterim.com/blog/four-reasons-why-ritter-should-be-your-fmo-insurance-agency/ How to Build Intentional Value ft. Neil Reich: https://lnk.to/reich2025 Summer 2025 Survival Guide: https://lnk.to/asgf20250606 References: “2025 Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Final Rule.” CMS.Gov, CMS, 20 June 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2025-marketplace-integrity-and-affordability-final-rule. “2025 Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Proposed Rule.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 10 Mar. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2025-marketplace-integrity-and-affordability-proposed-rule. “CMS Finalizes Major Rule to Lower Individual Health Insurance Premiums for Americans.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 20 June 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-finalizes-major-rule-lower-individual-health-insurance-premiums-americans. Minemyer, Paige. “CMS Finalizes Rule Aimed at ‘improper’ Sign-Ups on the ACA Exchanges.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 20 June 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/cms-finalizes-rule-aimed-improper-sign-ups-aca-exchanges. Minemyer, Paige. “Democrats Introduce Bill to Establish a Medicare ‘part E’ Public Option.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 16 June 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/democrats-introduce-bill-establish-medicare-part-e-public-option. Mercado, Darla. “Fed Decision Recap: Central Bank Signals Stagflation Fears, Powell Says Fed ‘Well Positioned to Wait’ on Rates.” CNBC.Com, CNBC, 18 June 2025, www.cnbc.com/2025/06/18/fed-meeting-live-updates-feds-interest-rate-projections-loom.html. “HHS Secretary Kennedy, CMS Administrator Oz Secure Industry Pledge to Fix Broken Prior Authorization System.” HHS.Gov, Department of Health & Human Services, 23 June 2025, www.hhs.gov/press-room/kennedy-oz-cms-secure-healthcare-industry-pledge-to-fix-prior-authorization-system.html. Minemyer, Paige. “Mehmet Oz: Insurers’ Prior Auth Pledge ‘an Opportunity for the Industry to Show Itself.’” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 23 June 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/oz-insurers-prior-auth-pledge-opportunity-industry-show-itself. “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Marketplace Integrity and Affordability.” Federalregister.Gov, Federal Register, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/25/2025-11606/patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act-marketplace-integrity-and-affordability. Accessed 25 June 2025. Schneider, Howard. “Powell Repeats Rate Cuts Can Wait as Fed Studies Tariff Impacts.” Reuters.Com, Reuters, 24 June 2025, www.reuters.com/business/powell-repeats-rate-cuts-can-wait-fed-studies-tariff-impacts-2025-06-24/. Simmons-Duffin, Selena. “RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz Say Health Insurers Will Cut Red Tape on ‘Prior Authorizations.’” NPR.Org, NPR, 24 June 2025, www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/06/24/nx-s1-5442713/rfk-jr-dr-oz-health-insurance-prior-authorization. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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    18 mins
  • 2026 Maximum Broker Commissions for Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D
    Jun 26 2025
    This just in: CMS 2026 maximum broker commissions for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D. Listen to learn more about commission structure and the caps writing MA and PDP business in your market for the upcoming 2026 plan year.

    Read the text version

    Resources:

    AHIP 2026 Certification Dates: https://lnk.to/asgf20250516

    Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.

    FAQs About NABIP Medicare Certification: https://ritterim.com/blog/faqs-about-nabip-medicare-certification/

    How to Avoid Using Elderspeak: https://lnk.to/asgf20250530

    Reach out to the team at Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://ritterim.com/meet-your-sales-team/

    Reassuring Your Clients During Difficult Times: https://lnk.to/asg671

    What is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It? https://lnk.to/asg672

    References:

    “2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement.” CMS.Gov, CMS, 7 Apr. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-rate-announcement.

    Agent Broker Compensation and Training and Testing Requirements CY2026: https://ritterim.com/documents/cms-memos/memo-agent-broker-compensation-and-training-and-testing-requirements-cy2026.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/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel

    Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/

    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

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    8 mins
  • FAQs About NABIP Medicare Certification
    Jun 25 2025
    Join Sarah and Tina as they review frequently asked questions about NABIP Medicare Certification. Don’t miss out on resources to help you get ready-to-sell!

    Read the text version

    NABIP Official Website: https://www.nabiptraining.org/

    Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.

    Resources:

    4 Ways PlanEnroll Will Make This Your Best AEP Yet: https://lnk.to/cdV0H1

    Making Your Own Luck ft. Michael Krantz: https://lnk.to/krantz2025

    Survive AEP with Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://ritterim.com/aep/

    The Survivor’s AEP Checklist: https://ritterim.com/blog/the-survivors-aep-checklist/

    What is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It? https://lnk.to/asg672

    References:

    “Approved Carriers for 2025.” NABIP.Org, https://www.nabiptraining.org/nabip/carriers. Accessed 5 June 2025.

    “Corporate Partnership.” NABIP, https://nabip.org/membership/corporate-partnership. Accessed 5 June 2025.

    “Course Credit Details.” NABIP.Org, https://www.nabiptraining.org/site/courseDetails/1777. Accessed 5 June 2025.

    “Medicare + Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (MFWA) Online Course.” Ahipmedicaretraining.Com, https://www.ahipmedicaretraining.com/. Accessed 5 June 2025.

    “Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Compliance Requirements User Guide” NABIP.Org, https://nabip.org/media/8564/nabip-ma-user-guide.pdf . Accessed 5 June 2025.

    “State Rules for Insurance Continuing Education.” NABIP.Org, https://www.nabiptraining.org/site/staterules. Accessed 5 June 2025.

    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

    Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/

    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

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    8 mins
  • 2026 NABIP Medicare Advantage Certification
    Jun 24 2025
    Learn more about the NABIP Medicare Advantage Certification (MMACR), an alternative program for agents looking to satisfy their Medicare & Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training requirements from CMS.

    Read the text version

    Resources:

    4 Ancillary Cross-Sales to Show Clients You Care: https://lnk.to/asg670

    AHIP 2026 Certification Dates: https://lnk.to/asgf20250516

    Reassuring Your Clients During Difficult Times: https://lnk.to/asg671

    Takeaways on Social Media Marketing in 2025: https://lnk.to/asgf20250523

    What Is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It? https://lnk.to/asg672

    References:

    “NABIP Approved Carriers .” NABIP.Org, NABIP, https://www.nabiptraining.org/nabip/carriers. Accessed 2 June 2025.

    “NABIP Medicare Advantage Certification.” NABIP.Org, NABIP, https://www.nabiptraining.org/nabip/medicare. Accessed 2 June 2025.

    “NABIP Official Site.” Nabip.Org, NABIP, nabip.org/. Accessed 2 June 2025.

    “NABIP Professional Development.” Nabip.Org, NABIP, nabip.org/professional-development. Accessed 2 June 2025.

    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

    Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/

    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

    Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.

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    5 mins
  • FAQs About AHIP
    Jun 23 2025

    The 2026 AHIP Certification training is now live! We’re covering AHIP FAQs to help you prepare!

    Read the text version

    Resources:

    Diversify Your Insurance Portfolio & Reap Real Rewards: https://lnk.to/asg651

    Get Access to Exclusive Leads When You Become a PlanEnroll Network Agent: https://lnk.to/3pKJsF

    FAQs About NABIP Medicare Certification: https://ritterim.com/blog/faqs-about-nabip-medicare-certification/

    FMO vs. IMO vs. NMO vs. MGA vs. GA: What’s the Difference? https://lnk.to/asg658

    The Survivor’s AEP Checklist: https://ritterim.com/blog/the-survivors-aep-checklist/

    Updates to the 2026 AHIP Certification You Should Know: https://ritterim.com/blog/updates-to-the-2026-ahip-certification-you-should-know/

    References:

    “AHIP Medicare + Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (MFWA) Online Course.” Ahipmedicaretraining.com, 2025, https://www.ahipmedicaretraining.com/page/login. Accessed 20 May 2025.

    AHIP Technical Support: Support@AHIPInsuranceEducation.org

    Sawchuck, Craig. “Test Anxiety: Can It Be Treated?” Mayo Clinic, 14 May 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/expert-answers/test-anxiety/faq-20058195. Accessed 20 May 2025.

    ‌“Top Universities.” Top Universities, Nov. 2012, https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/health-and-support/exam-preparation-ten-study-tips. Accessed 20 May 2025.

    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

    Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/

    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

    Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.

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    8 mins
  • 2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D Certification Info
    Jun 23 2025
    Keep track of your AEP prep to-do checklist with help from Ritter's certification center and Ritter Blog weekly roundups. Listen to find out how to access carrier AHIP, NABIP, MA and PDP certification, product training details, and more!

    Read the text version

    Resources:

    eBooks & Guides for Insurance Agents: https://ritterim.com/guides/

    FAQs About NABIP Medicare Certification: https://ritterim.com/blog/faqs-about-nabip-medicare-certification/

    Ritter Insurance Marketing Certification Center: https://docs.ritterim.com/products/certification/

    What Is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It? https://lnk.to/asg672

    References:

    “Medicare Advantage Certification.” NABIP.Org, NABIP, www.nabiptraining.org/nabip/medicare. Accessed 30 May 2025.

    “Medicare + Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Training.” Ahip.Org, AHIP, www.ahip.org/courses/medicare-fraud-waste-and-abuse-training. Accessed 30 May 2025.

    “Miramar:Agent.” Miramar-Agent.Com, Miramar, miramar-agent.com/KnowledgeBase/Article?kb=5. Accessed 30 May 2025.

    “Medicare Certification System.” Pinpointglobal.Com, Pinpoint Global, www.pinpointglobal.com/medicare-certification-system. Accessed 30 May 2025.

    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

    Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/

    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

    Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.

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    7 mins
  • AHIP Test Tips and Tricks for Medicare Certification
    Jun 21 2025
    Certification season is here! Learn more about the AHIP test including how to prepare yourself, tips, tech hacks, and more. Listen before you begin your first attempt, you'll be glad you did!

    Read the text version

    Have questions about AHIP Certification? Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.

    Resources:

    Contact Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://ritterim.com/contact/

    How to Survive AEP: Wellness Tips for Insurance Agents: https://ritterim.com/blog/how-to-survive-aep-wellness-tips-for-insurance-agents/

    Medicare Part D - Could Be Just What the Doctor Ordered: https://ritterim.com/blog/medicare-part-d-could-be-just-what-the-doctor-ordered/

    What Does 'Ready-to-Sell' Mean for Medicare Agents? https://ritterim.com/blog/what-does-ready-to-sell-mean-for-medicare-agents/

    What Is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It? https://lnk.to/asg672

    Why Insurance Agents Fail (& How Not To!): https://ritterim.com/blog/why-insurance-agents-fail-how-not-to/

    Why You Need to Make Time for Medicare Agent Training: https://ritterim.com/blog/why-you-need-to-make-time-for-medicare-training-and-where-to-find-great-resources/

    References:

    Oppido, Luigi. “How to Connect a Laptop to a Monitor.” wikiHow.Com, wikiHow, 20 Apr. 2025, www.wikihow.com/Connect-a-Laptop-to-a-Monitor.

    “Positive Thinking: Stop Negative Self-Talk to Reduce Stress.” Mymlc.Com, Mosaic Life Care, www.mymlc.com/health-information/articles/p/positive-thinking-stop-negative-self-talk-to-reduce-stress/. Accessed 29 May 2025.

    “The Impact of Stress on Our Health: How Can We Manage Stress in a Healthy Way?” Insightspsychology.Org, Insights Psychology, 28 Oct. 2024, insightspsychology.org/impact-of-stress-on-health-healthy-stress-management/.

    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

    Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/

    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

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    19 mins
  • 5 Things About the Insurance License Exam, 1 Year Later
    Jun 20 2025
    Sarah reflects on the insurance licensing process one year after passing the exam. Listen as she outlines her journey, how to get started, and what she learned along the way.

    Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.

    Resources:

    Adding Spokes to Your Wheel ft. Robert Rothschild: https://lnk.to/rothschild2025

    FMO vs. IMO vs. NMO vs. MGA vs. GA: What’s the Difference? https://lnk.to/asg658

    Making Your Own Luck ft. Michael Krantz: https://lnk.to/krantz2025

    Operating From a People-First Mentality ft. Scott Zimmerman: https://lnk.to/zimmerman2025

    Summer 2025 Survival Guide: https://lnk.to/asgf20250606

    What is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It? https://lnk.to/asg672

    References:

    “Insurance Departments by State.” Content.Naic.Org, NAIC, content.naic.org/state-insurance-departments. Accessed 10 June 2025.

    “Multiple Choice Test Taking Strategies.” Dmu.Edu, Des Moines University, www.dmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/MULTIPLE-CHOICE-TEST-TAKING-STRATEGIES.pdf. Accessed 10 June 2025.

    “NAIC - National Association of Insurance Commissioners.” Naic.Org, NAIC, content.naic.org/. Accessed 10 June 2025.

    “NIPR - National Insurance Producer Registry.” Nipr.Com, National Insurance Producer Registry, nipr.com/. Accessed 10 June 2025.

    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

    Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/

    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

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    19 mins