UnitedHealthcare in the ACA Market: Data, Value-Based Care, and What Agents Need to Know
Release Date: 01/13/2026
Smarter Coverage, Lower Costs: Inside Physicians Mutual’s Plan G
The Broker Link
On this episode of The Broker Link Podcast, host Leigha Hayes sits down with Robert Davis from Physicians Mutual to discuss innovative solutions in today’s Medicare market. Robert shares details about Physicians Mutual’s unique Plan G Medicare supplement, which features a disappearing deductible and lifetime discounts, often making it 20–40% more affordable than traditional Plan G options. He explains that the ideal clients for this plan include healthy individuals, retirees with HSAs, and consumers already comfortable with high-deductible health plans. The conversation also dives into...
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2027 CMS Medicare Final Rule: What Agents Need to Know
The Broker Link
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...
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Meet Colby Cox: Growing Life & Annuities at The Brokerage Inc.
The Broker Link
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...
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The Long Game in Insurance: 25 Years of Experience with Luis Moreno
The Broker Link
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...
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Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage: What Agents Need to Know
The Broker Link
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,...
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Business Insurance Planning 101: Key Person, Buy-Sell & Disability Coverage
The Broker Link
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...
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From Sacrifice to Success: Launching Texas Power Insurance
The Broker Link
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,...
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Insure Your Love Month: Products That Matter Most
The Broker Link
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...
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Ready to Grow? How Agents Can Build Full-Service Agencies
The Broker Link
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...
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Building Momentum: Life Sales Wins in 2025 and What’s Ahead for 2026
The Broker Link
In this episode of The Broker Link, Chris Newberry is joined by Sherry Kelson and Cristal Bustillos to recap a standout year for the Life team and preview what’s coming next. The conversation highlights 2025 as a milestone year—ranking as the second-best year in Life sales and the best year ever for Final Expense and Annuities. The team credits this success to agent engagement, diversification, and a strong focus on education and support. Looking ahead to 2026, several exciting initiatives are on the horizon. The team reintroduces the Life Bonus Program, designed to reward agents based on...
info_outlineIn this episode of The Broker Link Podcast, Mike Papuc and Sonia Porras take a deep dive into UnitedHealthcare’s growing role in the ACA market and what it means for agents and consumers. As a top-five Fortune 500 company, UHC continues to expand its footprint across multiple product lines, leveraging robust data and analytics to design plans that better meet member needs.
The conversation highlights how UHC uses data to inform healthcare delivery while addressing social determinants of health, helping improve access, outcomes, and long-term member satisfaction. Mike and Sonia also discuss the potential impact of expiring enhanced premium tax credits, noting how consumer behavior may shift from Silver plans toward Bronze or Gold options as affordability becomes a key factor.
A key focus of the episode is UHC’s value-based care partnership with Sanitas in the San Antonio market, which brings primary care, preventive services, and specialty care together under one roof for a more integrated member experience.
The episode wraps with encouragement for agents to diversify their portfolios, stay informed during market uncertainty, and continue delivering exceptional service to clients navigating ACA decisions.
Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.
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