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.

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

Join our Community!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/  

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/ 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/ 

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas 

Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/ 

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.

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

Join our Community!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/  

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/ 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/ 

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas 

Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/ 

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.

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

Join our Community!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/  

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/ 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/ 

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas 

Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/ 

In this episode of The Broker Link, The Brokerage Inc. highlights the upcoming 2026 Kickoff Events designed to help agents gear up for both AEP and OEP.

These in-person events will be hosted across multiple cities — Miami, Tampa, Houston, San Antonio, El Paso, Harlingen, Corpus Christi, and Dallas — bringing together local carrier reps, provider groups, and our Brokerage leadership team.

Attendees can look forward to:

• Expert panel discussions

• The latest industry updates

• Best practices from top-performing agents

• Networking opportunities with carriers and peers

Plus, enjoy exciting extras like raffles, free professional headshots, and one-on-one time with carrier representatives.

📍 Don't miss your chance to learn, connect, and prepare for a successful year. Visit brokerageinc.com/kickoff to RSVP and reserve your spot today!

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.

Join our Community!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/  

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/ 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/ 

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas 

Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/ 

In this episode of The Broker Link, Crystal Bustillos from The Brokerage Inc. discusses how the back-to-school season is the perfect time for agents to talk with parents about long-term financial planning—specifically life insurance.

She highlights how juvenile life insurance can lock in low premiums, secure lifetime insurability, and build cash value for future expenses like college, a first home, or a wedding. Crystal reviews standout products, including Gerber's Children's Whole Life and United of Omaha's Children's Whole Life, plus IUL options for kids. She explains key features like guaranteed purchase options, face amount increases at age 18, and underwriting guidelines.

This episode is full of actionable ideas for helping families protect their children's futures while easing financial stress during the busy school season.

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.

Join our Community!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/  

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/ 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/ 

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas 

Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/ 

In this episode of The Broker Link, Josh Slattery breaks down key carrier updates that will impact Medicare Advantage and Part D plans in 2026.

Highlights include:

🔄 Cigna's rebrand to HealthSpring Following its acquisition by HCSC, Cigna's Medicare Advantage and Part D plans will now be branded under HealthSpring. The focus will shift to HMO plans and expanded C-SNP offerings, with continued support for members with partial Medicaid eligibility.

💊 New HealthSpring benefits Expect features like a $0 tier one copay and RX deductibles on tiers 3–5, offering competitive value for members.

📈 Aetna's strategy for 2026 Led by Steve Nelson, Aetna is focused on regaining market share through D-SNP and C-SNP expansion, zero premium plans, and $0 PCP copays—all while reinforcing stability and broker support.

Both carriers are prioritizing member rewards, enhanced broker tools, and adapting to regulatory changes heading into the new plan year.

This episode is packed with the strategic insight agents need to stay competitive and informed for AEP 2026.

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.

Join our Community!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/  

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/ 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/ 

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas 

Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/ 

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 spotlights new educational courses and reinforces the importance of local market expertise and year-round client engagement.

Whether you're a new agent or an experienced pro, this episode is packed with tools and strategies to build loyalty and boost retention heading into AEP.

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.

Join our Community!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/  

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/ 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/ 

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas 

Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/ 

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: Updates were made to help stabilize the Part D market amid growing cost pressures.
• Medicaid Impacts: The "Big Beautiful Bill" introduced major changes, including work requirements and stricter eligibility limits for Medicaid beneficiaries.
• Medicare Advantage Update: Penetration rates have reached 53%, but 6% of enrollees faced plan terminations this year.

Josh also shares insights on the current regulatory climate, market volatility, and what agents should watch for as policy changes continue to evolve.

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.

Join our Community!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/  

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/ 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/ 

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas 

Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/ 

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, and why agents should take notice. They also highlight the critical role of education, compliance, and working with TPAs to ensure smooth implementation. For brokers and agents, ICHRA represents a new, high-retention revenue stream with strong commission potential.

Whether you're new to ICHRA or looking to expand your offerings, this episode lays out why now is the time to get involved.

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.

Join our Community!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/  

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/ 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/ 

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas 

Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/ 

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 Corpus Christi on July 10, encouraging agents to stay engaged and continue learning.

She wraps by reminding agents to take full advantage of the resources offered by The Brokerage Inc., including past webinars, training materials, and marketing tools to better serve their clients and grow their 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.

Join our Community!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/  

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/ 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/ 

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas 

Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/