In this episode of The Broker Link, Gillan Boyer and Josh Slattery unpack the proposed CMS 2027 rule and what it could mean for agents, consumers, and the future of the insurance industry.

The discussion highlights a clear shift toward deregulation, with several proposed changes aimed at reducing administrative burden while increasing flexibility for both agents and consumers. Key topics include updates to Special Enrollment Period (SEP) rules, allowing plan changes when providers leave a network, and the removal of the 12-hour delay between educational and marketing events.

Gillan and Josh also break down proposals to shorten record retention requirements for call recordings, simplify TPMO disclaimers, and eliminate certain low-value compliance requirements. The conversation explores how these changes could give agents more time to focus on what evidence shows matters most — educating and serving clients.

Additionally, the episode covers proposed updates to the Stars program and discusses the long-term impact of making IRA changes permanent, particularly regarding Part D cost structures.

Overall, the proposed 2027 rule signals a meaningful shift in CMS's approach — one that industry professionals are cautiously optimistic about as it moves toward a more practical, agent-friendly regulatory environment.

Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.

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In this episode of The Broker Link, Gillan Boyer and Chris Newberry explore the headline-grabbing lawsuit filed by NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, who is suing Pacific Life Insurance for $8.5 million. Busch alleges that his index universal life (IUL) policy was designed to over-compensate the agent, ultimately hurting the long-term performance of his plan.

Chris breaks down what's actually happening behind the scenes and offers clarity for advisors who may be fielding client questions. He emphasizes that IUL remains a strong and effective product when designed properly — and that this case appears to stem from the agent's compensation structure, not the integrity of Pacific Life.

The conversation reinforces a key message for agents: 👉 Good advisors put client needs first. When policies are structured for the client — not the commission — performance, trust, and long-term relationships thrive.

A timely, educational episode that reminds the industry to stay focused on ethics, transparency, and client-first solutions.

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In this episode of The Broker Link, National Health Sales Director Mike Papuc breaks down what agents can expect heading into the 2026 Open Enrollment Season — especially in light of the final CMS rules. With rising demand for alternate solutions outside the ACA market, Mike introduces Presidio Healthcare, a new carrier partner now available in Texas.

Mike is joined by Cameron Mason, COO of Presidio, who shares insight into their flagship offering: The Fortress Plan, a non-ACA solution created to provide more affordability and flexibility for consumers. The plan features a $0 deductible, 50% coinsurance, and low max out-of-pocket options ranging from $2,500–$10,000. It also includes benefits for specified diseases and accidents, and offers maternity coverage with a $5,000 deductible during the first year.

Presidio has aggressive growth plans, aiming to expand into 5–10 states by 2026, giving agents more tools to serve clients effectively in a shifting health insurance landscape. Mike emphasises that understanding and offering alternate solutions will be crucial as agents prepare for another dynamic enrollment season.

Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.

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In this episode of The Broker Link, Mike Papuc, National Health Sales Director at The Brokerage Inc., sits down with Breck Garrett, Texas Leader for Oscar, to explore the company's rapid growth and forward-thinking strategy in the ACA marketplace.

Oscar has surged past 2 million members and is preparing to expand into 20 states by 2026, including new markets like Alabama and Mississippi. Breck shares how Oscar is differentiating itself by designing personalized plans tailored to specific health needs — including solutions for diabetics, menopausal women, and other unique member populations.

The conversation also highlights Oscar's new AI-powered member support platform, Oswell, built to deliver faster answers, smarter navigation, and a more intuitive experience for members. With a Net Promoter Score in the low 60s, Oscar continues to lead the way in member satisfaction.

Agents will also appreciate Oscar's enhanced broker portal, offering real-time performance tracking and actionable insights to help partners grow and support their clients more effectively.

This episode is a must-listen for agents looking to stay ahead of ACA trends and understand where the market is headed.

Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.

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In this timely episode of The Broker Link, Mike Papuc, National Sales Director for Health at The Brokerage Inc., joins Gillan Boyer to break down what the current government shutdown discussions could mean for the Affordable Care Act and the agents serving ACA members during open enrollment.

Mike outlines clear, actionable strategies to help agents navigate uncertainty—starting with segmenting their client books based on Cost Share Reductions (CSRs) and overall eligibility for financial assistance. He walks through when to recommend $0 plans and how to position Bronze, Silver, and Gold options depending on a client's unique circumstances.

The conversation also covers alternative solutions, such as short-term medical and affordable choice products, especially important if enhanced subsidies are not extended. While projections show that the market could shrink by up to 30% without those subsidies, Mike shares encouraging news: The Brokerage Inc. is seeing a 66% year-over-year increase in ACA membership enrollments, signaling strong agent performance and consumer demand.

Mike and Gillan close by urging agents to stay proactive, consistent, and relationship-focused. Serving clients well during uncertainty is what creates long-term trust—and long-term business.

Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.

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In this episode of The Broker Link, Cristal Bustillos from The Brokerage Inc. highlights the importance of Long-Term Care Awareness Month and why every advisor should be helping clients prepare for future care needs.

Crystal discusses the rising costs of nursing homes and assisted living facilities and explains that Medicare and Medicaid offer limited coverage, leaving many families unprepared for the financial and emotional burden of long-term care.

She shares practical solutions like long-term care insurance and life insurance policies with LTC riders, which can help clients maintain their financial security and personal dignity as they age.

Crystal also encourages agents to continue their education by:

• Attending training sessions and webinars

• Using tools like the Cost of Care Calculator

• Completing long-term care certification courses

• Reviewing product guides and available resources

As the year comes to a close, she reminds agents that December is the perfect time to tie up loose ends and plan ahead for a successful new year.

Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.

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In this episode of The Broker Link, Mike Papuc and Sonia Porras dive into the exclusive ACA partnership between UnitedHealthcare and Sanitas Clinics, a collaboration that's reshaping access to care in the San Antonio community.

Focused on value-based care, this partnership aims to deliver comprehensive, culturally aligned healthcare — from preventive medicine to mental health services — to better serve the Hispanic community, where more than 200,000 individuals remain uninsured.

Listeners will learn how this partnership is designed to make coverage more accessible and sustainable through:

• 💡 Affordable plan options, including a $0 deductible Bronze plan

• 🩺 Comprehensive primary and virtual care

• ❤️ Community outreach and long-term health initiatives

• 💬 Commitment to maintain current commissions for agents

Together, UnitedHealthcare and Sanitas Clinics are setting a new standard for community-based, value-driven healthcare in San Antonio.

Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.

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In this episode of The Broker Link, host John Ross Hopkin sits down with Christapher Estep, Vice President of Sales Midwest at Ameriflex to dive into the growing world of Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs).

Introduced in 2018, ICHRAs are transforming how employers offer health benefits — giving businesses the ability to set defined allowances while empowering employees to choose their own health insurance plans. John and Christopher break down how this model provides flexibility, cost control, and satisfaction for both employers and employees.

Tune in to learn why 90% of employers who switched to ICHRAs are staying with them, why 92% of employees say they're satisfied, and how Ameriflex's TAP plan is setting a new standard with compliance support, extra benefits, and a 98% client retention rate.

This episode will give you the insights you need to understand why ICHRAs are one of the fastest-growing trends in employee benefits.

Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.

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In this episode of The Broker Link, Mike Papuc and Trey Owens dive into the heart of what keeps agents thriving—consistent communication and meaningful support.

They discuss the importance of upline check-ins that aren't driven by an agenda but by a genuine desire to help agents grow. Trey shares insights from his experience with health insurance carriers, emphasizing that open communication is the key to lasting success. Mike adds that understanding each agent's personal goals is essential to helping them achieve professional success.

Together, they highlight how a lack of support can hold agents back, and why The Brokerage's commitment to partnership makes all the difference. The episode wraps with a powerful reminder: don't hesitate to speak up about what you need—your success starts with connection.

Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.

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In this episode of The Broker Link, Cristal Bustillos from The Brokerage Inc. explores the growing importance of final expense insurance, especially for baby boomers nearing retirement. With rising funeral and burial costs, the demand for affordable and straightforward coverage continues to grow.

Cristal explains how final expense insurance offers easy qualification, with many plans providing guaranteed coverage. She also introduces a helpful cheat sheet available on The Brokerage Inc. website, outlining carrier options, underwriting types (Simplified Issue and Guaranteed Issue), and coverage limits — up to $25,000 for Guaranteed Issue and $50,000 for Simplified Issue.

Agents can also access valuable resources like the Agent Portal, which streamlines the process with electronic applications and real-time status tracking.

Whether you're new to final expense insurance or looking to expand your portfolio, this episode offers practical tools and insights to help you better serve your clients.

Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.

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