Retain Your Clients This AEP with Our Member Retention Program
The Broker Link
In this episode of The Broker Link, Josh Slattery shares insights on the upcoming Member Retention Program, designed to help insurance agents proactively retain clients amid rising plan terminations and cost increases. Josh highlights: The success of last year’s retention campaign Why having a CRM and streamlined processes is critical Free tools available: direct mail, email templates, and QR codes in both English and Spanish How Medicare Pro organizes data and integrates with Simply Enroll The program is completely free and supports up to 1,000 members per agent The episode also...
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2026 Medicare Preview with Josh Slattery
The Broker Link
In this episode of The Broker Link, Josh Slattery dives into the 2026 Final Rule and its impact on the health insurance landscape. While this year’s changes are more modest compared to previous updates, several important developments were discussed: GLP-1 Coverage & Debit Card Rules: Proposed changes to expand GLP-1 drug coverage for obesity and revise flex debit card use were not included in the final rule. SSA Qualification Process: The process for Medicare Special Enrollment Periods is now more complex, requiring verification from past claims or providers. Part D Risk Adjustment:...
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Rethinking Benefits: The Rise of ICHRA and What It Means for Agents
The Broker Link
In this episode of the Broker Link, Mike Papuc and JR Hopkin from our Health team dive into the growing momentum behind ICHRA — the Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement — and how it’s reshaping the future of employer-sponsored benefits. With 175 million Americans currently covered through group plans and 25 million still uninsured, ICHRA presents a flexible, cost-controlled alternative that empowers employees to choose their own health insurance. Our speakers break down how ICHRA works, its potential to shift 10% of the uninsured into coverage over the next five years,...
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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
The Broker Link
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
The Broker Link
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...
info_outlineAgents' questions these days revolve around how the election will impact our industry. The news is pretty favorable. We asked one man, who is always in the know about the insurance business, to break it down for us.
This episode of The Broker Link features John Greene, formerly the Sr. VP at NABIP and now the founder of Tri-Bridge Resolution LLC. John spoke with The Brokerage Inc.'s Executive Vice President, Josh Slattery, and Marketing Director, Gillan Boyer about what to expect in a second Trump Administration.
Topics they discussed include:
- The New Administration's impact on the insurance business
- Inflation Reduction Act and it's future
- Prescription Drug costs
- ACA
- Short Term Plans
- Surprise Billing
- Final Rule
- And more....
This is great information that offers hope for our industry. To learn more about John and his new business, visit www.tri-branch-resolution-llc.com.
And as always you can connect with The Brokerage Inc. online at www.thebrokerageinc.com