The Broker Link

Health insurance premiums are rising, deductibles remain high, and many consumers are searching for a more affordable way to protect themselves from major medical expenses.

On this episode of The Broker Link Podcast, host Mike Papuc sits down with Sergio Archuleta of Presidio to discuss today's health insurance affordability challenges and where alternative coverage options may fit into the conversation.

Sergio shares how changes in cost and affordability are affecting ACA enrollment and explains how Presidio is positioning its plans as an alternative for certain consumers. He walks Mike through Presidio's zero-deductible plan design, network-negotiated rates, maximum out-of-pocket protection, and rollover benefit.

The two also look at the potential cost difference. Sergio provides the example of a 44-year-old male in Texas who could enroll in Presidio for approximately $313 per month, compared with approximately $490 per month for an ACA plan, depending on the individual's circumstances and available coverage.

But price is only part of the conversation. Mike and Sergio discuss what Presidio plans are designed to cover, important limitations—including the exclusion of mental health coverage—and why agents need to understand the differences between Presidio and ACA-compliant major medical insurance before recommending an option to a client.

They also explore who may be a good fit for Presidio, including healthy individuals looking for lower-cost coverage, consumers currently using healthcare-sharing programs, and small groups searching for additional options.

For agents navigating a market where affordability is becoming an increasingly important part of the health insurance conversation, this episode offers a closer look at another solution to consider for clients who may be struggling with the cost of traditional coverage.

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

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On this episode of The Broker Link, host David Ireland sits down with The Brokerage Inc.'s Compliance Director, Diana McElroy, for an important AEP compliance update.

Diana breaks down several key rule changes and reminders for agents, including the elimination of the 48-hour waiting period for collecting a Scope of Appointment for 2027 plans, while clarifying that the requirement still applies to 2026 plans. They also discuss updated guidelines for educational and sales events, including how to schedule the two types of events back-to-back.

The conversation also covers the TPMO disclaimer and the October 1 deadline for updating the required disclaimer language, along with common compliance complaints involving incorrect benefit explanations and provider network issues.

Diana also explains the requirements surrounding SSBCI benefits for chronically ill individuals, including the need to verify that consumers meet the necessary health qualifications before benefits are available. David and Diana discuss tighter Special Enrollment Period requirements and why agents must confirm consumers meet the appropriate criteria before completing an enrollment.

With AEP approaching, this episode provides agents with important compliance reminders and practical guidance to help them stay informed and prepared.

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

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On this episode of The Broker Link, National Health Sales Director Mike Papuc introduces The Brokerage Inc.'s new partnership with Aflac, highlighting the importance of diversification for today's insurance agents.

Mike is joined by Bradley Cross and Craig Andrews of Aflac, who discuss the companies' shared commitment to mutual growth and protecting policyholders. As a Fortune 500 company with a long-standing reputation in supplemental insurance, Aflac offers products designed to help individuals and seniors address gaps left by major medical coverage.

The conversation explores Aflac's supplemental product portfolio, including dental, accident, critical illness, and cancer insurance, and how these solutions can give agents more opportunities to meet their clients' individual needs.

Bradley and Craig also emphasize the importance of conducting a thorough needs analysis and taking advantage of Aflac's training and educational resources. With strong brand recognition and a focus on policyholder protection, the partnership gives agents another tool to diversify their business while helping clients prepare for the unexpected.

Listen to the latest episode of The Broker Link to learn more about the Aflac partnership and the opportunities it brings to The Brokerage Inc. agents.

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

Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.

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On this episode of The Broker Link, host Mike Smith sits down with Jonas Roeser, CEO of AgentReview.net, to discuss why building a trusted and verified online identity is becoming increasingly important for insurance agents.

As consumers turn to AI and online search to find insurance professionals, Jonas explains how agents can establish their digital presence and protect their professional identity. He describes AgentReview.net as a trusted platform designed specifically for insurance agents—helping consumers find and verify agents, much like other industries have platforms such as Zillow and Avvo.

Jonas also breaks down the platform's different options, from a free agent listing to paid tiers and the verified agent program, which includes ongoing third-party verification. The conversation highlights the growing importance of protecting agents from identity fraud while making it easier for consumers—and increasingly, AI—to recognize legitimate professionals.

Mike and Jonas also discuss the Brokerage Bucks program, which reimburses eligible agents who join AgentReview.net.

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

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On this episode of The Broker Link, National Health Sales Director Mike Papuc sits down with Kyle Rogers of MedMutual Protect to discuss why diversification is becoming increasingly important for health insurance agents.

With changes impacting the ACA marketplace, Medicare commissions, and carrier participation, Mike and Kyle explore how agents can expand their portfolios with supplemental health insurance solutions. Kyle highlights Med Mutual Protect's à la carte product offerings, including specified disease, accident, and fixed indemnity coverage, designed to help provide affordable protection while addressing gaps in traditional health plans.

The conversation also covers simplified medical underwriting, nationwide coverage, and options that can help clients manage deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. With Med Mutual Protect celebrating 70 years in the industry, Kyle emphasizes the company's focus on stability, affordability, and accessible coverage.

For agents, the message is clear: diversification can create new opportunities, provide more solutions for clients, and open the door to additional revenue streams.

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

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On this episode of The Broker Link, Josh Slattery and David Ireland continue the 2027 AEP Carrier Rollout Series with a look at the strategic direction of three major players in the Medicare market: UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Wellcare.

Chapters:

• :00 - 1:15 Open
• 1:15 - 20:30 Wellcare
• 20:30 - 50:51 UnitedHealthcare
• 50:51 - 1:13:13 Humana

The conversation explores how each carrier is adapting to a changing healthcare landscape, focusing on profitability, quality, technology, and members' evolving needs. David and Josh discuss Wellcare's efforts to strengthen its Medicaid and Medicare businesses and stabilize its workforce and operations heading into 2027.

They also examine UnitedHealthcare's focus on quality, innovation, and streamlining prior authorization, along with the company's continued growth. Humana's strategy centers on prioritizing quality over volume and making benefit adjustments designed to support long-term sustainability.

Technology and artificial intelligence are another key part of the discussion, as both UnitedHealthcare and Humana invest in tools designed to improve the member experience and create greater operational efficiency.

For agents preparing for 2027 AEP, understanding these carriers' strategic direction can provide valuable perspective as they evaluate plans and prepare for the year ahead.

Listen now to Part 2 of The Broker Link's 2027 AEP Carrier Rollout Series. If you missed Part 1, with HealthSpring & Aetna, go back and listen to that episode as well.

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

Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.

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Building strong provider relationships starts long before asking for referrals or discussing products. In this episode of The Broker Link, host Danielle Tworek sits down with Aleshia Holliday, Director of Provider Relations at The Brokerage Inc., to share practical strategies for helping agents become trusted partners with provider offices.

Aleshia explains some of the most common mistakes agents make when approaching clinics, including moving too quickly, leading with a sales pitch, or viewing front desk staff as obstacles rather than valuable partners. Instead, she encourages agents to slow down, build genuine relationships, and take time to understand the daily challenges providers and their teams face.

Throughout the conversation, Danielle and Aleshia discuss the importance of empathy, consistency, and delivering meaningful value. Whether it's helping with insurance verification, supporting value-based care initiatives, maximizing patient databases, or simply becoming a reliable resource, agents who focus on solving problems—not making sales—are the ones who build lasting partnerships.

The episode also offers practical networking advice, encouraging agents to ask thoughtful questions, identify pain points, and provide solutions that make life easier for providers and their staff.

To help agents succeed, The Brokerage Inc. offers ongoing training, educational resources, and provider relations support designed to build confidence and strengthen relationships in the field.

You can reach Alesha at aleshia at thebrokerageinc.com.

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

Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.

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The annuity market is booming, and the opportunity for agents is growing right alongside it.

In this episode of The Broker Link, Chris Newberry sits down with Colby Cox to discuss the rapid growth of the annuity market, the important role these products can play in retirement planning, and how agents can incorporate annuities into their business.

Chris and Colby highlight the growing need for reliable retirement income, particularly as fewer Americans have access to traditional pensions. They explain how annuities can provide lifetime income and offer tax advantages that may make them an attractive alternative to traditional savings vehicles such as bank CDs.

The conversation breaks down the major types of annuities, including immediate and deferred annuities, as well as income and accumulation strategies. They also explore fixed and fixed index annuities and how each can serve different client needs depending on their retirement goals.

The episode also introduces The Brokerage Inc.'s expanded in-house annuity support, including new tools, resources, and training designed to make the annuity process easier for agents. With additional support available throughout the process, agents can confidently expand their product offerings while helping clients build more secure retirement strategies.

Whether you're new to annuities or looking to grow your existing business, this episode provides a practical look at why annuities are becoming an increasingly important part of the retirement conversation—and the opportunity they represent for agents.

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

Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.

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In this episode of The Broker Link Podcast, The Brokerage Inc. President Emeritus Mike Smith explores how artificial intelligence is helping insurance agents become more efficient, strengthen client relationships, and grow their businesses.

Mike introduces three AI-powered platforms designed to support agents at every stage of the client journey. AgentReview.net helps agents build credibility through verified online reviews; Medicare Mike serves as a digital AI assistant that educates Medicare prospects and answers common questions; and Aiden RX simplifies the annual prescription drug plan review process by automating much of the work involved in renewals.

Throughout the episode, Mike emphasizes that AI isn't replacing agents—it's empowering them. By automating routine tasks and providing smarter ways to engage clients, these tools allow agents to spend more time building relationships, delivering personalized guidance, and growing their businesses.

Whether you're just beginning to explore AI or looking for practical ways to integrate it into your agency, this episode offers valuable insights into how technology can improve efficiency, support compliance, and help you stay ahead in an evolving insurance industry.

Mike also mentioned a few links.

For Agent Review: https://agentreview.net/a/mike-smith#add-review

To reach out to Mike: mike at thebrokerageinc.com

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

Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.

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Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/

Chapters:

:00 - 17:00 - 2027 AEP Overview

17:00 - 41:00 - HealthSpring

41:00- 1:05:00 - Aetna

The 2027 AEP season is here, and with it comes significant changes that every Medicare agent needs to understand.

In the first episode of a special two-part Carrier Rollout Series, co-hosts Josh Slattery and David Ireland break down the latest carrier announcements, industry trends, and regulatory updates shaping the upcoming Annual Enrollment Period.

The discussion begins with the continued impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on the Medicare Advantage market. As plan revenues struggle to keep pace with rising healthcare costs, carriers are making strategic adjustments to benefits, networks, and product offerings. Josh and David explain what these market pressures mean for agents and how they may influence client conversations during AEP.

The episode also explores key carrier updates, including HealthSpring's transition to the HCSC brand and its continued focus on HMO products and Dual Special Needs Plan (DSNP) expansion. The hosts discuss Aetna's strategy centered on network efficiency and product enhancements, noting that approximately 60% of members are expected to experience stable or improved benefits despite ongoing market challenges.

Beyond carrier-specific news, the conversation covers important regulatory updates, changes to the SSBCI qualification process, and why ancillary products will continue to play a vital role in helping clients address coverage gaps. Josh and David also preview additional carrier releases, market expansions, and emerging opportunities that agents should be watching as the rollout season continues.

Whether you're preparing for your first client appointment or refining your AEP strategy, this episode provides the insights needed to stay informed and confident heading into the 2027 selling season.

Be sure to tune in for Part 2, coming later this August, as Josh and David continue their analysis of the latest carrier rollouts and what they mean for your business.

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

Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.

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Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/