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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/ 

In this episode, we break down the CMS Final Rule for the 2025 Marketplace and what it means for agents, insurers, and consumers.

Key highlights include:

• Past-due premium enforcement: Carriers may require payment of prior premiums before activating new coverage, with flexibility for state-specific rules.

• Standardized Open Enrollment: → 2026: Nov 1 – Jan 15 → 2027 and beyond: Federal deadline of Dec 15

• Tighter eligibility verification: 75% of applications will be randomly selected for verification.

• DACA exclusion: DACA recipients will no longer be eligible for Marketplace coverage.

• Financial impact: CMS estimates $12 billion in savings and an average 5% premium reduction due to increased oversight and fraud prevention.

This final rule is a major step toward greater compliance, reduced fraud, and a more stable Marketplace.

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/ 

In this episode, we dive into the growing trend of non-commissionable Medicare Advantage plans and what it means for agents and the industry. Josh Slattery, Executive VP of The Brokerage Inc. and a seasoned expert in the Medicare space, explains that carriers are labeling certain plans as non-commissionable primarily to curb financial losses,  often driven by low profitability, plan redundancy, or rising costs.

A major talking point is UnitedHealthcare’s decision to make 15% of its PPO portfolio non-commissionable, impacting over 100 plans nationwide. The episode also explores the financial strain caused by the V28 risk adjustment model, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and unfavorable post-COVID utilization trends.

Despite these headwinds, agents are encouraged to:

• Stay informed on carrier changes

• Leverage technology to improve efficiency

• Prioritize client retention to build long-term value

• Consider cross-selling ancillary products to offset lost commissions

The episode emphasizes that field agents remain critical in navigating local markets and client relationships, even amid shifting compensation structures.

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!

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Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/ 

In this episode, Cheryl Chapman, Annuities Specialist with 19 years of experience, joins Sherry Kelson, Director of the Life Team at The Brokerage Inc., to break down what agents need to know about annuities.

Cheryl walks through the key requirements for selling annuities, including:

• A life and health license

• State-specific certifications

• Anti-money laundering (AML) training

• Errors & omissions (E&O) coverage

• Product-specific training

She explains the main types of annuities—fixed, indexed, and single premium income annuities (SPIAs)—and shares how each can serve clients' long-term goals like retirement, college funding, or guaranteed income.

With current interest rates around 5.3%, annuities are becoming an attractive, low-risk option offering tax-deferred growth and portfolio diversification.

Cheryl also notes that annuities typically issue within a week, and agents can reach out to her directly for guidance and support.

You can reach Cheryl through The Brokerage Inc. website.

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!

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Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/ 

In this episode of The Broker Link,  Mike Papuc and Trey Owens from the Health team at The Brokerage Inc., explore what it means to be truly independent as an insurance agent.

They break down the importance of carefully reading and negotiating contracts, ensuring agents aren't locked into unfavorable terms that limit their growth.  

Trey shares why being a 1099 agent is essential for long-term success and business control, while Mike talks about the power of ongoing support through tools like Monday masterminds and personal outreach. If you're an agent looking to maintain independence, communicate effectively, and grow with confidence—this episode is for you.

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!

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

Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/ 

In this episode, Chris Newberry from The Brokerage joins Cory Procter, founder of Pro Capital, to explore what it means to take a truly holistic approach to financial practice. Chris emphasizes that advisors must go beyond selling just Medicare or life insurance, advocating for a broader suite of services that meet clients’ evolving financial needs.

Cory shares his powerful personal journey from financial instability to building a career in wealth management, highlighting the value of long-term planning, managing through market volatility, and conducting regular financial reviews. He sheds light on common issues such as probate pitfalls and the importance of naming contingent beneficiaries—details that are often overlooked but critical to effective planning.

Together, they stress the need for advisors to offer a diverse menu of financial services and to prioritize ongoing education for both themselves and their clients, to deliver real, lasting value.

All the information you can need about Pro Capital can be found on Cory's website, http://www.procaptx.com.  Or check out his podcast, The Pro Capital Show Wisdom & Wealth, on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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!

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Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/ 

In this special episode, Mike Smith of The Brokerage Inc. leads a timely and insightful panel discussion from the FMO Summit, joined by two distinguished guests: John Greene, Founder & Principal of Tri-Branch Resolution LLC, and Nick Uehlecke, Principal at Todd Strategy Group. Together, they unpack the latest legislative and regulatory developments surrounding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Listeners will gain insider perspectives on key policy shifts, implications for FMOs and agents, and what to expect in the evolving healthcare landscape. With their deep experience in government affairs and healthcare strategy, Greene and Uehlecke shed light on how these changes might shape the future of Medicare marketing, compliance standards, and the overall regulatory environment.

This episode is a must-listen for professionals navigating the complexities of healthcare legislation and those looking to stay ahead of CMS updates.

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!

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

Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/