Freedom and Financial Security: The Independence Life Insurance Brings
The Broker Link
In this episode, Crystal Bustillos from The Brokerage Inc. dives into the critical role life insurance plays in achieving financial independence and long-term security. She explains how life insurance not only provides peace of mind by covering funeral costs and lost income, but also offers living benefits through permanent policies like Whole Life or Indexed Universal Life. These policies can build cash value—a flexible financial tool that can be used for emergencies, retirement income, or other major life expenses. Mike Papuc also shares details about an upcoming ACA agent training in...
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2025 Marketplace Final Rule: What You Need to Know
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In this episode, we break down the CMS Final Rule for the 2025 Marketplace and what it means for agents, insurers, and consumers. Key highlights include: Past-due premium enforcement: Carriers may require payment of prior premiums before activating new coverage, with flexibility for state-specific rules. Standardized Open Enrollment: → 2026: Nov 1 – Jan 15 → 2027 and beyond: Federal deadline of Dec 15 Tighter eligibility verification: 75% of applications will be randomly selected for verification. DACA exclusion: DACA recipients will no longer be eligible for Marketplace...
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Non-Commissionable Plans: What's Going On?
The Broker Link
In this episode, we dive into the growing trend of non-commissionable Medicare Advantage plans and what it means for agents and the industry. Josh Slattery, Executive VP of The Brokerage Inc. and a seasoned expert in the Medicare space, explains that carriers are labeling certain plans as non-commissionable primarily to curb financial losses, often driven by low profitability, plan redundancy, or rising costs. A major talking point is UnitedHealthcare’s decision to make 15% of its PPO portfolio non-commissionable, impacting over 100 plans nationwide. The episode also explores the...
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Annuity Awareness Month: Securing a Lifetime of Income
The Broker Link
In this episode, Cheryl Chapman, Annuities Specialist with 19 years of experience, joins Sherry Kelson, Director of the Life Team at The Brokerage Inc., to break down what agents need to know about annuities. Cheryl walks through the key requirements for selling annuities, including: A life and health license State-specific certifications Anti-money laundering (AML) training Errors & omissions (E&O) coverage Product-specific training She explains the main types of annuities—fixed, indexed, and single premium income annuities (SPIAs)—and shares how each can serve...
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The Business of Being Independent: Advice for Insurance Agents
The Broker Link
In this episode of The Broker Link, Mike Papuc and Trey Owens from the Health team at The Brokerage Inc., explore what it means to be truly independent as an insurance agent. They break down the importance of carefully reading and negotiating contracts, ensuring agents aren't locked into unfavorable terms that limit their growth. Trey shares why being a 1099 agent is essential for long-term success and business control, while Mike talks about the power of ongoing support through tools like Monday masterminds and personal outreach. If you're an agent looking to maintain...
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Building a Holistic Financial Practice: Beyond Medicare and Life Insurance with Cory Procter
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In this episode, Chris Newberry from The Brokerage joins Cory Procter, founder of Pro Capital, to explore what it means to take a truly holistic approach to financial practice. Chris emphasizes that advisors must go beyond selling just Medicare or life insurance, advocating for a broader suite of services that meet clients’ evolving financial needs. Cory shares his powerful personal journey from financial instability to building a career in wealth management, highlighting the value of long-term planning, managing through market volatility, and conducting regular financial reviews. He sheds...
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Decoding CMS: Legislative Insights from the FMO Summit with Mike Smith
The Broker Link
In this special episode, Mike Smith of The Brokerage Inc. leads a timely and insightful panel discussion from the FMO Summit, joined by two distinguished guests: John Greene, Founder & Principal of Tri-Branch Resolution LLC, and Nick Uehlecke, Principal at Todd Strategy Group. Together, they unpack the latest legislative and regulatory developments surrounding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Listeners will gain insider perspectives on key policy shifts, implications for FMOs and agents, and what to expect in the evolving healthcare landscape. With their deep...
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From Onboarding to Earning: How TBI Empowers New Agents
The Broker Link
In this episode of The Broker Link, Trey Owens and Mike Papuc dive into platform updates designed to simplify and enhance the onboarding experience for insurance agents. They address a common industry problem: agents often feel forgotten after joining. TBI is tackling this through ongoing support tools, including brief, twice-weekly training sessions and a personalized white glove contracting service. The episode also discusses TBI's financial incentive called Brokerage Bucks, offering agents up to $450 per sale each month. Trey and Mike stress that true success comes not just from tools, but...
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Disability Insurance Awareness Month: Protecting Your Paycheck
The Broker Link
In this insightful episode, Crystal Bustillos joins the show to spotlight the often-overlooked topic of disability insurance, timed perfectly with Disability Insurance Awareness Month. Crystal emphasizes that a client’s income is their most valuable financial asset, and protecting it should be a top priority. She breaks down the differences between short-term and long-term disability insurance, helping agents understand when each type makes sense. Crystal also covers disability riders—customizable policy add-ons—and shares strategies for overcoming client objections, a common challenge...
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Countdown to the Life Symposium: Insight, Strategy & Connection
The Broker Link
This episode of the Broker Link podcast discusses the upcoming Life Symposium on May 20 at the new Flower Mound office. Chris Newberry and Crystal Bustillos from the Life team highlight new features like the Vive platform for term insurance, which allows agents to run quotes and apply directly. The symposium will cover various life insurance products, including term, IUL, long-term care, final expense, and worksite products. It will feature presentations from carriers and other partners, with a fast-paced schedule and a working lunch. Registration is encouraged as space is limited....
info_outlineWhile selling Medicare and ACA, don't forget to include Life insurance in your client's portfolio. Each of our Brokerage Inc. 2025 AEP Kickoff events included a discussion with our Life Sales Director, Chris Newberry and Tyler End the CEO of Retirable.
We wanted to share this discussion in a look back at our events. Our Life team is always available to discuss adding life insurance to your portfolio.
If you want to watch each of these panel discussions, you can visit our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com/kickoff.