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.

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Ancillary benefits are no longer just an add-on—they're an essential part of helping clients build comprehensive health coverage. In this episode of The Broker Link, host Mike Papuc welcomes Jamison Keller, Chief Commercial Officer at NCD, to discuss how ancillary products are improving customer experiences while creating new opportunities for insurance agents.

Jamison shares NCD's mission of improving lives through better health and exceptional service, offering a portfolio of products that includes dental, vision, accident medical expense plans, and an upcoming hospital indemnity product. He explains how these solutions complement major medical coverage by helping clients manage out-of-pocket costs while gaining access to valuable provider network discounts.

The conversation also explores why agents should make ancillary products part of every client conversation. Jamison highlights the importance of cross-selling dental and vision coverage—not only because they help protect physical and mental health, but because they strengthen client relationships and increase long-term retention.

You'll also get an inside look at NCD's commitment to customer service, including its U.S.-based member care team, rapid response times, and highly rated member experience.

Learn more about NCD online at https://www.ncd.com

Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. and how to get contracted with NCD by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.

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In this episode of The Broker Link, host Mike Papuc, National Health Sales Director at The Brokerage Inc., welcomes Darcy Soltys, Regional Vice President, and Jason Yoo, Vice President of Individual Sales at Manhattan Life, for a conversation about the evolving health insurance landscape and why ancillary products are becoming more important than ever.

As ACA and Medicare continue to evolve, the guests explain why agents should look beyond major medical plans and consider offering supplemental solutions that help fill coverage gaps. They highlight Manhattan Life's Affordable Choice plan, which provides valuable first-dollar benefits with no deductible and no copay, giving clients additional financial protection while creating new opportunities for agents.

Throughout the episode, Mike, Darcy, and Jason emphasize the importance of product diversification. By bundling ancillary products with ACA or Medicare plans, agents can provide more comprehensive solutions that better meet their clients' needs while strengthening retention and growing their business.

The conversation also explores how Manhattan Life's streamlined e-app simplifies the enrollment process, making it easier for agents to quote, enroll, and serve clients efficiently.

Whether you're looking to expand your product portfolio, increase client value, or stay ahead in today's evolving healthcare market, this episode offers practical strategies to build stronger client relationships through ancillary coverage.

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

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What happens if your client can't work? While many clients focus on protecting their families with life insurance or planning for long-term care later in life, one of their greatest financial assets—their paycheck—is often left unprotected.

In this mini-episode of The Broker Link, hosts Cristal Bustillos and Chris Newberry explore why disability insurance is an essential part of a well-rounded financial protection strategy. They explain how disability insurance provides income replacement during a client's working years, helping protect their lifestyle and financial obligations if illness or injury prevents them from earning a living.

Cristal and Chris walk listeners through the disability insurance process, including medical underwriting, income verification, and the structure of benefits. They also discuss how different carriers specialize in serving a wide range of occupations, from white-collar professionals and business owners to blue-collar and skilled trade workers, making disability insurance a solution for far more clients than many agents realize.

The conversation also highlights how The Brokerage's Life Department makes it easy for producers to enter the disability insurance market through its turnkey DI Partners program. With access to experienced specialists, product expertise, and dedicated support, agents can confidently introduce disability insurance into client conversations without having to become experts overnight.

Beyond the client benefits, Cristal and Chris discuss why disability insurance represents a significant business opportunity for producers. In addition to helping clients protect their most valuable asset—their income—disability insurance can generate meaningful commissions and long-term renewal income, creating lasting value for both clients and agents.

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

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Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) are quickly becoming one of the biggest opportunities in employee benefits, and on this episode of The Broker Link, Mike Papuc sits down with John Ross Hopkin to discuss why brokers should be paying attention.

The conversation explores how ICHRAs are transforming the way employers offer health benefits by providing an alternative to traditional group health insurance. With affordability continuing to challenge both businesses and employees, ICHRAs are giving employers greater flexibility while helping control healthcare costs.

Mike and John Ross highlight the rapid growth of ICHRAs in 2026, noting that more than half of brokers are now utilizing this strategy. They also discuss how major employers, including Amazon and Southwest Airlines, have adopted ICHRAs as part of their employee benefits approach, signaling a significant shift in the marketplace.

The episode emphasizes the importance of broker education, explaining how understanding ICHRAs can open new opportunities for business growth and client retention. They also break down the critical role third-party administrators (TPAs), such as Ameriflex and Predictable Benefits, play in helping employers successfully implement these plans.

Whether you're looking to help employers reduce costs, retain employees, or expand your own business, this episode provides valuable insights into one of the fastest-growing segments of the health insurance industry.

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 Danielle Tworek sits down with Provider Relations expert Aleshia Holliday to discuss what it takes for agents to become truly indispensable to their provider partners.

Aleshia shares valuable insights into the day-to-day challenges healthcare providers face, from staffing shortages and administrative burdens to increasingly complex reimbursement processes. While providers are focused on delivering quality patient care, many are stretched thin managing operational demands, creating opportunities for agents to step in and provide meaningful support.

Throughout the conversation, Aleshia emphasizes that successful provider relations are built on trust, consistency, and rapport. Agents who take the time to understand a provider's needs, address front desk concerns, communicate clearly, and follow through on commitments quickly differentiate themselves from the competition. She explains that being responsive, knowledgeable, and easy to work with can make an agent an invaluable resource for both providers and their staff.

The discussion also explores practical ways agents can add value beyond enrollment support, including assisting with patient education, resolving common issues, and providing marketing resources that strengthen provider visibility in the community. By focusing on solutions and becoming a reliable partner, agents can build stronger relationships that benefit providers, clients, and their own business growth.

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 Smith, President Emeritus, and Mike Papuc, National Health Sales Director at The Brokerage Inc., take a deep dive into the proposed Notice of Benefits and Payment Parameters (NBPP) for 2027 and 2028 and what these changes could mean for agents, carriers, and consumers.

The conversation explores CMS's ongoing efforts to improve affordability, increase access to coverage, encourage plan innovation, and strengthen program integrity across the ACA marketplace. Mike and Mike discuss the introduction of non-network health plans, a potential new option designed to lower costs for consumers while creating additional flexibility in the marketplace. While these plans may offer savings opportunities, they also raise important considerations around consumer education and understanding of provider access.

The episode also highlights several consumer-focused proposals, including expanded hardship exemptions and the potential for multi-year catastrophic plans. These changes are intended to provide greater flexibility for individuals facing unique financial or coverage challenges while helping consumers maintain access to affordable healthcare options.

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on fraud prevention and compliance initiatives. CMS is proposing enhanced pre-enrollment verification requirements to reduce improper enrollments and protect consumers from unauthorized plan selections. Mike and Mike explain how these measures could impact enrollment processes and reinforce the importance of compliance throughout the industry.

Throughout the episode, they emphasize CMS's broader goals of increasing transparency, improving consumer education, controlling costs, and creating a more stable healthcare marketplace. For agents, understanding these proposed changes now will be critical to preparing for future enrollment seasons and continuing to provide trusted guidance to clients.

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, Leigha Hayes and Aleshia Holliday sit down to discuss the growing impact of Medicare Advantage network disruptions and what agents can do to help clients navigate these unexpected changes.

Aleshia explains that provider network shifts have reached unprecedented levels, affecting more than 2.9 million Medicare beneficiaries in 2026. Unfortunately, agents often learn about these changes from concerned clients before receiving official communication, creating confusion and urgency for everyone involved.

The conversation explores the chaos that follows major network announcements, from providers managing operational challenges to agents working quickly to find solutions for impacted members. Aleshia shares practical strategies for success, including proactive outreach, providing compliant communication materials, and serving as a trusted resource for both clients and healthcare providers.

Most importantly, she emphasizes that moments of disruption create opportunities for agents to strengthen relationships. By stepping in with guidance, education, and solutions, agents can reduce stress for clients and provider offices while building long-term trust and loyalty.

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 Podcast, host Chris Newberry welcomes David Seiger, long-term care specialist, to the Life Team at The Brokerage Inc. David shares his unique journey from practicing as an elder care attorney to becoming a dedicated advocate for long-term care planning and insurance solutions.

Drawing on years of experience helping families navigate the challenges of aging and caregiving, David explains why long-term care planning has become one of the most important—and often overlooked—components of a comprehensive financial strategy. He discusses the realities of today's care costs, noting that nursing home care can range from $8,000 to $12,000 per month, while home care services can exceed $30 per hour, creating significant financial risks for retirees and their families.

Chris and David also address common misconceptions about Medicare, clarifying its limitations when it comes to covering long-term care needs. The conversation highlights how long-term care insurance can help protect assets, preserve retirement savings, and provide families with greater flexibility and peace of mind when care becomes necessary.

For insurance agents, David emphasizes the growing need to understand long-term care solutions and incorporate these conversations into their client planning process. He shares how he supports agents through education, training, and case design assistance, making it easier to confidently introduce long-term care products as part of a holistic planning approach.

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 Podcast, Mike Papuc welcomes Mike Smith, President Emeritus of The Brokerage Inc., for an important discussion on the current state of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace and what agents need to know moving forward.

Mike shares his perspective on the latest developments affecting ACA plans, including marketplace trends, enrollment activity, carrier participation, and the evolving regulatory environment. Drawing on decades of industry experience, he explains how recent changes may impact both consumers and insurance professionals.

The conversation explores the opportunities and challenges agents face in today's health insurance landscape, emphasizing the importance of staying informed, educating clients, and adapting to market shifts. Mike also discusses the value of building long-term client relationships and how trusted advisors can help consumers navigate an increasingly complex healthcare system.

Whether you're focused on ACA, Medicare, or broader health insurance solutions, this episode provides valuable insights into the factors shaping the market today and practical guidance for serving clients with confidence.

Tune in for an informative conversation packed with industry expertise, strategic perspective, and actionable takeaways from one of the insurance industry's most respected leaders.

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

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