• How to Save Beneficiaries Money on Prescription Drugs at a Preferred Pharmacy
    Mar 23 2026
    Preferred pharmacies can play a massive role in the affordability of a PDP or MAPD plan for your clients. Do you know what they are and how they can change the essential math for your clients?

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    Selling Medicare Part D

    The Complete Guide on How to Sell Prescription Drug Plans

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    🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!

    📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!

    💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.

    Resources:

    8 Powerful Practices for Selling Prescription Drug Plans

    Building Client Loyalty: More than Just a Plan

    References:

    “Find an Aetna Medicare Network Pharmacy: Aetna Medicare.” Aetna, www.aetna.com/medicare/prescription-drugs/find-pharmacy.html#:~:text=Here%20are%20some%20of%20the,I%20request%20a%20prescription%20refill? Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

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    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

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    6 min
  • Microsoft Announces Copilot Health
    Mar 20 2026
    The Friday Five for March 20, 2026: Rueppel RecommendsAudible launches Standard PlanUniversal Health Services to Acquire TalkspaceManufacturer Participation in CMS 2028 Medicare Drug Price NegotiationMicrosoft Announces Copilot Health Get Connected: 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Rueppel Recommends: The Death of Social Media and the Rise of Interest Media Minemyer, Paige. “The feds will overpay Medicare Advantage plans by $76B this year, MedPAC estimates.” Fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 13 Mar 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/feds-will-overpay-medicare-advantage-plans-76b-year-medpac-estimates. Minemyer, Page. “Joint Economic Committee report: Medicare Advantage overpayments drive up Part B premiums.” Fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 13 Mar 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/joint-economic-committee-report-medicare-advantage-overpayments-drive-part-b-premiums. “Medicare Payment Policy March 2026.” Medpac.Gov, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, Mar. 2026, www.medpac.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mar26_MedPAC_Report_To_Congress_SEC.pdf. “The Part B Premium PassThrough: Medicare Advantage Overpayments Inflate Premiums for All.” Jec.Senate.Gov, Join Economic Committee, 10 Mar. 2026, www.jec.senate.gov/public/vendor/_accounts/JEC-R/issue-briefs/The%20Part%20B%20Premium%20Pass-Through.pdf. Audible launches Standard Plan: “Audible Membership Plans & Pricing.” Audible.Com, Audible, www.audible.com/ep/memberbenefits. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026. Davies, Rowan. "Audible launches a cheaper audiobook tier that’s perfect for entry-level listeners as Spotify continues to hike prices — here’s what you get with the new $9 plan." Techradar.com, Tech Radar, 4 Mar. 2026, https://www.techradar.com/audio/audiobooks/audible-launches-a-cheaper-audiobook-tier-thats-perfect-for-entry-level-listeners-as-spotify-continues-to-hike-prices-heres-what-you-get-with-the-new-usd9-plan. Bonk, Lawrence. "Audible's new plan is $9 a month and still includes an audiobook." Engadget.com, Engadget, 3 Mar. 2026, https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/audibles-new-plan-is-9-a-month-and-still-includes-an-audiobook-credit-174641878.html. Mehrotra, Pranob. "Audible’s new Standard plan makes it easy to enjoy audiobooks for less." Digitaltrends.com, Digital Trends, 3 Mar. 2026, https://www.digitaltrends.com/movies/audibles-new-standard-plan-makes-it-easy-to-enjoy-audiobooks-for-less/. Universal Health Services to Acquire Talkspace: “Universal Health Services, Inc. to Acquire Talkspace, Inc.” Uhs.Com, Universal Health Services, Inc., 9 Mar. 2026, uhs.com/news/universal-health-services-inc-to-acquire-talkspace-inc/. Gliadkovskaya, Anastassia, and Dave Muoio. “Universal Health Services to Acquire Talkspace in $835M Deal to Build out Virtual Behavioral Health.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 9 Mar. 2026, www.fiercehealthcare.com/finance/uhs-acquire-talkspace-estimated-835-million-transaction. Manufacturer Participation in CMS 2028 Medicare Drug Price Negotiation CMS Announces 2028 Maximum Fair Prices for 15 New Medicare-Negotiated Drugs Under Part B & D “CMS Announces Manufacturer Participation in Third Cycle of Medicare Drug Price Negotiation.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 13 Mar. 2026, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/cms-announces-manufacturer-participation-third-cycle-medicare-drug-price-negotiation. CMS Announces Part D Savings & 2026 Maximum Fair Prices for First 10 Medicare-Negotiated Drugs CMS Announces Part D Savings & 2027 Maximum Fair Prices for 15 New Medicare-Negotiated Drugs Cubanski, Juliette, and Tricia Neuman. “Key Facts About Medicare Drug Price Negotiation.” Kff.Org, KFF, 11 Mar. 2026, www.kff.org/medicare/key-facts-about-medicare-drug-price-negotiation/. “Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program: Selected Drugs for Initial Price Applicability Year 2028.” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/files/document/factsheet-medicare-negotiation-selected-drug-list-ipay-2028.pdf. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026. Microsoft Announces Copilot Health: “Introducing Copilot Health.” Mcrosoft.Ai, Microsoft, 12 Mar. 2026, microsoft.ai/news/introducing-copilot-health/. Bonifield, Stevie. “Microsoft’s Copilot Health can connect to your medical records and wearables.” Theverge.com, The Verge, 12 Mar. 2026, https://www.theverge.com/tech/893594/microsoft-copilot-health-launch. Landi, Heather. “Microsoft unveils Copilot Health as an AI health companion for consumers.” Fiercehealthcare.com, Fierce Healthcare, 12 Mar. 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/ai-and-machine-learning/...
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    21 min
  • How Plan Crosswalks Work in the ACA Marketplace
    Mar 17 2026
    The Agent Survival Guide is discussing crosswalking in the ACA marketplace and how it can be a big deal for your clients. If you don’t know what that means or the affects it can have on coverage, you won’t want to miss this episode. Read the text version The Complete Guide to Selling Affordable Care Act Insurance Plans ACA 101: Selling Under-65 Health Insurance Get Connected: 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: Everything Agents Need to Know About Selling in State-Based Marketplaces Everything You Need to Know About the ACA OEP FAQs About Selling On-Exchange & Off-Exchange Under-65 Plans How to Assist Clients with Marketplace Household Income Estimations Is the ACA Sticking Around Long Term? References: “§ 155.335 Annual Eligibility Redetermination.” Federal Register :: Request Access, www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-B/part-155/subpart-D/section-155.335. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026. Cohen, Robin A, et al. “Products - NHIS Early Release - Health Insurance - 2010.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 Nov. 2015, www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhis/earlyrelease/insur201106.htm. “Low Cost Marketplace Health Care, Qualifying Income Levels.” HealthCare.Gov, www.healthcare.gov/lower-costs/. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026. World Population Review. “Uninsured People by State 2026.” World Population Review, 9 Feb. 2026, worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/uninsured-people-by-state. Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and YouTube Sarah on LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky and Threads Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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    11 min
  • How to Follow Up with Medicare Clients Compliantly
    Mar 16 2026
    Don't let the fear of compliance keep you from following up with your Medicare clients. Find out how to follow up and stay within CMS guidelines for marketing and enrollment. Read the text version Get Connected: 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: 4 Reasons Why Ritter Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency 4 Ways to Keep Your Medicare Business Warm This Winter Building Client Loyalty: More than Just a Plan Keys to Client Retention: Face-to-Face Communication Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Do's and Don'ts The Complete Guide to Client Loyalty and Retention References: “Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Website.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026. “Medicare Advantage Communication Requirements.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-422/subpart-V. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026. “Medicare Part D Communication Requirements.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-423/subpart-V. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026. “Silver&Fit Website.” Silverandfit.com, Silver & Fit, https://www.silverandfit.com/. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026. “SilverSneakers Website.” Tools.silversneakers.com, Silver Sneakers, https://tools.silversneakers.com/. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026. “The 3-30-60-90 Day Conversation Guide.” Heinrichdev.com, Humana, https://heinrichdev.com/email/6715/Humana_3-30-60-90_Conversation_Guide.pdf. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026. Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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    13 min
  • Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Demonstration
    Mar 13 2026
    The Friday Five for March 13, 2026: Headline Quick HitsAI & Critical ThinkingCMS Notification: 1.3 Million MBI Reassignments2026 Medicare Part D Enrollment StatsMedicare GLP-1 Bridge Demonstration Get Connected: 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. AI & Critical Thinking: Peck, Emily. “AI overuse could spark “brain fry,” new research finds.” Axios.com, Axios, 6 Mar. 2026, https://www.axios.com/2026/03/06/ai-chatgpt-claude-jobs-brain-fry. Landymore, Frank. “AI Use at Work is Causing “Brain Fry,” Researchers Find, Especially Among High Performers.” Futurism.com, Futurism, 6 Mar. 2026, https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/ai-brain-fry. Zak, Lana. “Is AI productivity prompting burnout? Study finds new pattern of “AI brain fry.” Cbsnews.com, CBS, 8 Mar. 2026, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/is-ai-productivity-prompting-burnout-study-finds-new-pattern-of-ai-brain-fry/. Fakurian, Milad. “It’s tempting to offload your thinking to AI. Cognitive science shows why that’s a bad idea.” Theconversation.com, The Conversation, 9 Mar. 2026, https://theconversation.com/its-tempting-to-offload-your-thinking-to-ai-cognitive-science-shows-why-thats-a-bad-idea-276766. Bedard, Julie, et al. “When Using AI Leads to ‘Brain Fry.’” Hbr.Org, Harvard Business Review, 5 Mar. 2026, hbr.org/2026/03/when-using-ai-leads-to-brain-fry. CMS Plan Notification of 1.3 Million MBI Reassignments: 1.3 Million Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers to Be Reissued in March 2026 2026 Part D Enrollment States: “Analyzing Changes in Medicare Part D Enrollment for 2026.” Kff.org, KFF, 3 Mar. 2026, https://www.kff.org/medicare/analyzing-changes-in-medicare-part-d-enrollment-for-2026/. Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Demonstration: “Frequently Asked Questions Related to the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 3 Mar. 2026, https://hpms.cms.gov/app/ng/home/. Cubanski, Juliette. “What Medicare’s Temporary Program Covering GLP-1s for Obesity Means for Beneficiaries.” Kff.org, KFF, 9 Mar. 2026, https://www.kff.org/quick-take/what-medicares-temporary-program-covering-glp-1s-for-obesity-means-for-beneficiaries/. Headline Quick Hits: Malik, Aisha. “Macbook Neo, iPhone 17e, and everything else Apple announced this week.” Techcrunch.com, Tech Crunch, https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/04/everything-apple-announced-macbook-neo-iphone-17e-ipad-air/. Fried, Ina. “Exclusive: Meta hires duo behind Moltbook.” Axios.com, Axios, 10 Mar. 2026, https://www.axios.com/2026/03/10/meta-facebook-moltbook-agent-social-network. Resources: CMS Crush Initiative How the BALANCE Model Will Help Medicare Part D & Medicaid Enrollees Access GLP-1s Medicare and Medicaid to Start Covering GLP-1 Drugs for Beneficiaries Using a SWOT Analysis to Review Your Insurance Business Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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    16 min
  • CMS Announces Part D Savings & 2027 Maximum Fair Prices for 15 New Medicare-Negotiated Drugs
    Mar 11 2026
    Don’t miss the 2nd round of Medicare Part D negotiated drug prices. Get the details on the prescriptions and savings for Medicare beneficiaries in 2027.

    Read the text version

    Get Connected:

    🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!

    📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!

    💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.

    Resources:

    CMS Announces Part D Savings & 2026 Maximum Fair Prices for First 10 Medicare-Negotiated Drugs

    What the Inflation Reduction Act Means for Your Medicare & ACA Clients

    References:

    “CMS Delivers Savings for Seniors on 15 Major Drugs for Cancer and Chronic Disease.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 25 Nov. 2025, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-delivers-savings-seniors-15-major-drugs-cancer-chronic-disease.

    “Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program: Final Guidance, Implementation of Sections 1191 – 1198 of the Social Security Act for Initial Price Applicability Year 2028 and Manufacturer Effectuation of the Maximum Fair Price in 2026, 2027, and 2028.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 30 Sep. 2025, https://www.cms.gov/files/document/ipay-2028-final-guidance.pdf.

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    Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance

    Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel

    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

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    15 min
  • 5 Strategies to Sell More ACA Products
    Mar 9 2026
    Do you know the strategies to meet your ambitious sales goals this OEP? We share the five tips that will have your clients trusting you with their insurance needs for years to come. Learn How to Survive OEP Join Ritter on HealthSherpa with Code FB05 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. Resources: 6 Ways to Generate ACA Leads ACA 101: Selling Under-65 Health Insurance Agent Registration Building Client Loyalty: More than Just a Plan FAQs About Selling On-Exchange & Off-Exchange Under-65 Plans How Insurance Agents Can Learn About Their Social Media Audience How to Ask Your Current Clients for Referrals Keys to Client Retention: Digital Communication References: “All Topics.” HealthCare.Gov, www.healthcare.gov/topics/. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026. Johnson, Jon. “Decision Fatigue: Effects, Causes, Signs, and How to Combat It.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 7 July 2020, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/decision-fatigue. “Fast, Easy ACA Enrollment.” HealthSherpa, www.healthsherpa.com/agents/features. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026. “In-Person Assistance in the Health Insurance Marketplaces.” CMS.Gov, 19 Sept. 2025, www.cms.gov/marketplace/in-person-assisters/programs-procedures/in-person-assistance. “Internet, Broadband Fact Sheet.” Pew Research Center, Pew Research Center, 20 Nov. 2025, www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/internet-broadband/. Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and YouTube Sarah on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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    9 min
  • CMS CRUSH Initiative
    Mar 6 2026
    The Friday Five for March 6, 2026: CMS Updates Deadline for GENEROUSCMS Makes Updates to Medicare.govCMS Deferment of Minnesota Federal Medicaid FundingCMS DMEPOS Enrollment MoratoriumCMS CRUSH Request for Information Get Connected: 🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! 📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You! 💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. CMS Updates Deadline for GENEROUS Participation: "CMS Announces New Drug Payment Model to Strengthen Medicaid and Better Serve Vulnerable Americans" cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 6 Nov. 2025, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-announces-new-drug-payment-model-strengthen-medicaid-better-serve-vulnerable-americans. "CMS to Lower Drug Costs and Improve Care by Extending Deadline for GENEROUS Model Application" cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2 Mar. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-lower-drug-costs-improve-care-extending-deadline-generous-model-application. "GENEROUS (GENErating cost Reductions fOr U.S. Medicaid) Model" cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/generous, Accessed 3 Mar. 2026. "GENErating cost Reductions fOr U.S. Medicaid (GENEROUS) Model" cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 27 Feb. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/files/generous-rfa.pdf. CMS Makes Updates to Medicare.gov: “Medicare.gov Enhanced Log In.” cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 3 Mar. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-gov-enhanced-log. “Official Website.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.medicare.gov/, Accessed 4 Mar. 2026. CMS CRUSH Initiative: Submit Your Comment “Request for Information (RFI) Related to Comprehensive Regulations To Uncover Suspicious Healthcare (CRUSH).” Federalregister.gov, Federal Register, 27 Feb. 2026, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/27/2026-03968/request-for-information-rfi-related-to-comprehensive-regulations-to-uncover-suspicious-healthcare#open-comment. “Trump Administration Prioritizes Affordability by Announcing Major Crackdown on Health Care Fraud.” Cms.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 25 Feb. 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trump-administration-prioritizes-affordability-announcing-major-crackdown-health-care-fraud. Resources: 2026 MA Enrollment, a NIPR Scam & Spring Coffee Menus Instagram Basics for Insurance Agents The Benefits of Selling Medicare Special Needs Plans Using a SWOT Analysis to Review Your Insurance Business Follow Us on Social! Ritter Insurance Marketing: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X: https://x.com/RitterIM YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance Sarah J. Rueppel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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    12 min