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CMS calls 2027 Medicare Advantage "stable," with the average premium dropping from $14.37 to $12.00. Yet beneficiaries average 35 plans, down from 39 (KFF), and out-of-pocket maximums rise 9.1% (Fierce Healthcare). Special Needs Plans drove 85% of MA growth (AmeriLife Insights). The max MA commission rises to $725, but Aetna pays $0 on 123 plans in 33 states (MedicalDaily). Here's how to review every client and pick the right plan, paid or not. 🔑 Key Topics Covered 2027 premiums, plan counts, and county cutsPPO to HMO shift and higher out-of-pocket maximumsSNP growth and shifting carrier share$725 max commissions and $0-commission plans🎯 What This Means for Agents Review doctors, drugs, and the out-of-pocket max, not just premiumKnow which plans pay before the appointmentLearn SNPs and diversify carrier contractsNever steer by commission. Recommend what fits and document why🔗 Sources CMS: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/medicare-advantage-medicare-prescription-drug-programs-expected-remain-stable-2027 Fierce Healthcare: https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/focus-hmos-c-snps-look-medicare-advantage-landscape-2027 KFF: https://www.kff.org/medicare/the-average-medicare-beneficiary-has-28-medicare-advantage-prescription-drug-plan-options-for-2027/ CMS: Contract Year 2027 Agent and Broker Compensation Rates (memo, June 1, 2026) https://advocacy.naifa.org/hubfs/CMS%20memo.6.5.pdf MedicalDaily: https://www.medicaldaily.com/aetna-medicare-advantage-broker-commission-freeze-2027-477523 AmeriLife Insights: https://amerilife.com/insights/medicare/rebuild-your-aep-playbook-for-the-new-ma-market 📌 GO-DO: Review Benefits, Know the Grid Call clients hit by county cuts, PPO exits, or higher out-of-pocket maximums first, and check their doctors, drugs, and max. Know every 2027 commission grid before appointments, recommend what fits, and document why. Contracting Support can help you add carriers. Infographic: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP28_Infographic.pdf Slides: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP28_Slides.pdf The Insurance Producers Guild Podcast delivers intelligence for insurance agents looking to stay ahead of industry trends. Follow the show and connect with PSM Brokerage to access tools, training, and support designed to help you grow your business. Learn more: https://www.psmbrokerage.com

Google's organic shelf is concentrating. In Kevin Indig's Growth Memo index (GIB #25, Oct 2, 2026), total visibility rose 1.8% over 12 months while the median company lost 17.2%. Own-domain sites fell 18.5%. Platforms like YouTube and Facebook gained. Zero-click searches hit 68.01% of US Google searches in early 2026 (SparkToro/Similarweb), so roughly 2 in 3 searches end without a visit. Click reports also undercount AI discovery. Growth Memo (Sep 28, 2026) shows the path is prompt, synthesize, direct visit, and Graphite finds last-touch can miss about 10x of that influence. Amanda Natividad of SparkToro says plan for mentions, citations, and community presence before the click. This episode covers why a traffic drop is not a lost book, the "How did you find me?" CRM ask, three Monday fixes, and a simple 2027 plan. 🔑 Key Topics Covered SEO shelf concentration and platform winnersZero-click search and AI underattributionCitations before the visit: mentions, communities, third-party signalsThree-layer scoreboard: exposure, discovery, appointments🎯 What This Means for Agents Do not panic-rebuild a website when sessions are down about 15 to 20%Ask every new appointment how they found you and tag it in the CRMFix Google reviews, named bio, and a date-stamped service page firstShow up surface by surface. AI citations rarely overlap across engines🔗 Sources Growth Memo by Kevin Indig: The usefulness of attribution for AI Search https://www.growth-memo.com/p/the-collapse-of-attribution Growth Memo by Kevin Indig: Growth Intelligence Brief #25 https://www.growth-memo.com/p/growth-intelligence-brief-25 Growth Memo by Kevin Indig: 2027 planning brief featuring Amanda Natividad, https://www.growth-memo.com/p/how-to-plan-2027-when-traffic-is 📌 GO-DO: Ask, Fix, Scoreboard Ask every new appointment: "How did you find me?" Options at minimum: Google, referral/friend, ChatGPT or other AI, Facebook or social, review site, other. Enter it the same day. Three fixes this week: Google Business Profile under 50 reviews or newest older than 60 days, text three happy clients the review link. About/bio has your real name, real photo, and LinkedIn. Main Medicare or Final Expense page gets a visible "Updated [month year]" and one honest paragraph refresh. Monthly 3-number scoreboard: (1) exposure, new reviews or named mentions, (2) CRM discovery tags, (3) booked appointments. If exposure is up but discovery is flat, you are showing up in the wrong places. If discovery is up but appointments are flat, fix the page or the offer. If both are down, audit who AI and review sites recommend in your market. For 2027, keep proven work, run one capped test with a kill date, and fund some unmeasurable bets without demanding a clean click report. If you need co-branded review-request or bio templates, use PSM Marketing Hub and send wording through the Compliance and Legal Department. Infographic: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP27_Infographic.png Slides: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP27_Slides.pdf The Insurance Producers Guild Podcast delivers intelligence for insurance agents looking to stay ahead of industry trends. Follow the show and connect with PSM Brokerage to access tools, training, and support designed to help you grow your business. Learn more: https://www.psmbrokerage.com

CMS has published negotiated maximum fair prices for 15 Medicare Part D drugs effective January 1, 2027. CMS says 5.3 million enrollees used these drugs in 2024 and projects $685 million in beneficiary out-of-pocket savings for 2027. Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy move from a $959 list price to a $274 negotiated price. For agents, the key distinction is that this is not automatically the member’s pharmacy copay. Formulary status, tier, deductible, and pharmacy still determine member cost. The Veteran and The Closer explain what not to quote and provide a client script for booking a formulary review before AEP. Produced by PSM Brokerage. 🔑 Key Topics Covered 15 negotiated Part D pricesOzempic and Wegovy price changesNegotiated price versus pharmacy copayPre-AEP formulary review script🎯 What This Means for Agents Never quote negotiated price as copayFlag affected clients before 2027 reviewsVerify formulary, tier, deductible, pharmacyBook drug reviews before AEP🔗 Sources CMS — Selected Drugs and Negotiated Prices  CMS source 📌 GO-DO: Build the 2027 Review Queue Export every MA-PD and standalone PDP client this week and build one 2027 formulary-review queue for anyone using a drug named in the episode. Use the counter-price warning, collect each client’s current drug list, and book the formulary review before AEP. Infographic: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP26_Infographic.png Slides: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP26_Slides.pdf The Insurance Producers Guild Podcast delivers intelligence for insurance agents looking to stay ahead of industry trends. Follow the show and connect with PSM Brokerage to access tools, training, and support designed to help you grow your business. Learn more: https://www.psmbrokerage.com

CSG Actuarial’s January through August 2026 review of about 780 Medicare Supplement filings, covering more than 100 carriers, found an average increase of about 15%, a median around 14.5%, and about one in five filings at 20% or higher. Plans G, F, and N sat in the 15 to 17% range. A national average is not that household’s premium. Medigap clients do not get an ANOC. They get a rate letter and a new draft. They pay, they like their doctors, and they rarely call. That quiet book is where silent attrition happens. This episode explains how to turn those rate letters into review appointments before the anniversary, without quoting 15% as the client’s new premium. 🔑 Key Topics Covered 2026 Medigap rate filingsWhy G, F, and N are taking the larger increasesRate letter versus ANOCRetention before the anniversary🎯 What This Means for Agents Pull every G, F, and N renewal in the next 90 daysDo not quote a national average as their premiumCompare same-letter options allowed in that stateCall before the draft hits, not after the complaint that never comes🔗 Sources CSG Actuarial https://www.csgactuarial.com/news/medicare-supplement-rate-increases-what-the-market-has-shown-throughout-2026 ValuePenguin https://www.valuepenguin.com/best-medicare-supplement-plans 📌 GO-DO: Book Medigap Reviews Identify every Medicare Supplement client with a renewal in the next 90 days, G, F, and N first. Send one compliant heads-up asking them to book a 20-minute review before the anniversary. Bring their rate letter. Put same-letter options on the table. Confirm state replacement and underwriting rules before you promise a move. Infographic: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP25_Infographic-1.png Slides: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP25_Slides-1.pdf Learn more: https://www.psmbrokerage.com The Insurance Producers Guild Podcast delivers intelligence for insurance agents looking to stay ahead of industry trends. Follow the show and connect with PSM Brokerage to access tools, training, and support designed to help you grow your business. Learn more: https://www.psmbrokerage.com

KFF’s August 3 analysis of 276 insurers found a median proposed 2027 ACA Marketplace premium increase of 15%, following a 20% median finalized increase for 2026. These rates are proposed and still require state approval. Clients already absorbed major changes in 2026 after enhanced premium tax credits expired: average enrollee premium payments increased 58%, deductibles rose, and Silver enrollment declined. CMS reported 23.1 million Marketplace plan selections for 2026. We break down what agents know now, what they should not quote yet, and how to book October reviews before November 1. 🔑 Key Topics Covered Proposed 2027 ACA rate increases2026 client cost changesMarketplace enrollment shiftsOctober review appointment strategy🎯 What This Means for Agents Expect rate concerns before Open EnrollmentReview subsidy and deductible changes earlyAvoid quoting unapproved 2027 premiumsPrioritize vulnerable Marketplace clients now🔗 Sources KFF 2027 ACA Marketplace Premium Analysis CMS 2026 Open Enrollment Report 📌 GO-DO: Build Your October Review List Export your ACA, Marketplace, and under-65 clients this week. Prioritize clients who moved to Bronze in 2026 or lost enhanced-credit protection. Call each one without quoting a 2027 premium and book a 20-minute October review covering their plan, subsidy, and deductible. Infographic: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP24_Infographic.png Slides: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP24_Slides.pdf The Insurance Producers Guild Podcast delivers intelligence for insurance agents looking to stay ahead of industry trends. Follow the show and connect with PSM Brokerage to access tools, training, and support designed to help you grow your business. Learn more: https://www.psmbrokerage.com

Humana said on its July 29, 2026 earnings call that 2027 Medicare Advantage plan exits will affect about 600,000 members. Humana expects to recapture just over 40 percent into other plans it continues offering, but every affected member still needs a 2027 coverage decision because their current plan is leaving. Most exits involve plans rated 3.5 stars or lower for the 2027 bonus year. Plan-level names were not released. In this episode we explain what agents should do now, why no 2027 plan should be quoted before it appears on the landscape, and how to schedule reviews around ANOC delivery before AEP. 🔑 Key Topics Covered Humana’s 600,000 affected members2027 Medicare Advantage plan exitsANOC timing before AEPRules for discussing 2027 plans 🎯 What This Means for Agents Identify Humana clients needing 2027 reviewsDo not quote unavailable 2027 plansPrepare clients for September ANOC lettersSchedule reviews before AEP begins 🔗 Sources Humana Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results: https://policy.humana.com/news-and-resources/news-press/2026/humana-reports-second-quarter-2026-financial-results--affirms?utm_source=chatgpt.com CMS 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2027-medicare-advantage-part-d-rate-announcement 📌 GO-DO: Book Your Humana 2027 Reviews Export every Humana Medicare Advantage client this week and tag the file “2027 review.” Call each client, explain that some Humana plans are leaving for 2027, and book a 20-minute review for the week their change letter arrives. Do not quote a 2027 plan before the landscape is available. Infographic: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP23_Infographic.png Slides: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP23_Slides.pdf The Insurance Producers Guild Podcast delivers intelligence for insurance agents looking to stay ahead of industry trends. Follow the show and connect with PSM Brokerage to access tools, training, and support designed to help you grow your business. Learn more: https://www.psmbrokerage.com

CMS set the 2027 Part D base beneficiary premium at $41.33, the maximum 6% annual increase, while ending the temporary Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration after 2026. The standard deductible rises to $700 and the out-of-pocket cap to $2,400. For agents, the biggest watchpoint is standalone PDP coverage. The demonstration reduced average PDP premiums, while MA-PD coverage was never included. In 2026, average monthly premiums were $36 for PDPs versus $8 for MA-PDs. This episode explains how to turn those changes into review appointments without quoting plan-specific 2027 prices before fall landscape data and September ANOCs arrive. 🔑 Key Topics Covered 2027 Part D premium changesEnd of PDP stabilizationPDP versus MA-PD premiumsTiming plan-specific conversations 🎯 What This Means for Agents Prioritize standalone PDP clients for reviewsAvoid quoting unavailable 2027 plan premiumsUse September ANOCs to verify changesBook review appointments before Open Enrollment🔗 Sources CMS https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-part-d-2027-national-average-monthly-bid-amount-information KFF https://www.kff.org/quick-insights/cmss-decision-to-end-temporary-subsidies-to-medicares-stand-alone-drug-plans-could-mean-larger-premium-increases-for-some-beneficiaries-next-year/ 📌 GO-DO: Book PDP Reviews Identify every client with a standalone Part D plan and send one compliant heads-up within 48 hours asking them to book a ten-minute September review after their Annual Notice of Change arrives. Prioritize Original Medicare clients paired with a Medicare Supplement and PDP, and reserve review slots now. Infographic: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP22_Infographic.png Slides: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP22_Slides.pdf The Insurance Producers Guild Podcast delivers intelligence for insurance agents looking to stay ahead of industry trends. Follow the show and connect with PSM Brokerage to access tools, training, and support designed to help you grow your business. Learn more: https://www.psmbrokerage.com

Life insurance demand is reaching record levels. Through mid-2026, U.S. life insurance application activity is up 15.4% year to date, with Term Life and Whole Life both posting strong year-over-year gains. At the same time, nearly half of American adults still lack enough coverage, largely because they overestimate the cost. In this episode, you’ll Learn why this creates a major opportunity for independent agents. We share a word-for-word response to the “life insurance is too expensive” objection, show how to turn one appointment into two policies, and discuss why independent agents are capturing a growing share of new business.  🔑 Key Topics Covered Record life application growthClosing affordability objectionsCoverage gap opportunityCross-selling life insurance🎯 What This Means for Agents More prospects are actively seeking coverage.Cost misconceptions create consultative sales opportunities.Independent agents continue gaining market share.Simple cross-sells increase policy count.🔗 Sources MIB Life Index: MIB Life Index Insurance news Net: https://insurancenewsnet.com/innarticle/life-insurance-premium-surges-but-coverage-is-still-falling-short-for-many Life Happens: https://lifehappens.org/research/they-dont-understand-life-insurance-and-overestimate-its-cost/ 📌 GO-DO: Cross-Sell Three Clients Pull your last 20 Medicare or annuity clients who do not have a life policy with you. Call three this week using: “While I have you, a lot of folks I work with assume life coverage costs way more than it does. Can I run one quick number for you?” Book everyone who says yes. Infographic: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP21_Infographic.png Slides: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP21_Slides.pdf The Insurance Producers Guild Podcast delivers intelligence for insurance agents looking to stay ahead of industry trends. Follow the show and connect with PSM Brokerage to access tools, training, and support designed to help you grow your business. Learn more: https://www.psmbrokerage.com

Medicare Advantage still covers 35.2 million people in 2026, but enrollment growth has slowed to 3 percent. Most remaining gains came from Special Needs Plans, signaling a flatter market for the general Medicare Advantage products independent agents traditionally sell. Meanwhile, 2025 annuity sales reached a record $464.1 billion as millions of Americans approach retirement without pensions. Carrier filings also show Medicare Supplement enrollment rising while some Medicare Advantage footprints contract. This episode explains how agents can follow that movement, introduce guaranteed-income conversations, identify Medicare Supplement opportunities, and use annual reviews to protect and expand existing client relationships. 🔑 Key Topics Covered Slowing Medicare Advantage enrollmentRecord-breaking annuity demandMedicare Supplement enrollment growthGuaranteed-income cross-sell conversations 🎯 What This Means for Agents Shift prospecting toward Supplements and annuitiesReview clients before plan changes occurIdentify guaranteed-issue opportunities earlyAdd retirement-income discussions to annual reviews 🔗 Sources KFF  https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-in-2026-enrollment-update-and-key-trends/ LIMRA  https://www.limra.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/2026/limra-final-u.s.-retail-annuity-sales-set-new-sales-high-totaling-%24464.1-billion-in-2025/ Retirement Income Institute  https://www.limraconsumer.com/peak65/ CSG Actuarial  https://www.csgactuarial.com/news/elevance-health-announces-2nd-quarter-2026-results 📌 GO-DO: Build Your Guarantee Gap List Review your book and create two columns: clients with guaranteed income and clients without it. Flag anyone facing Medicare Advantage termination or major plan changes. Contact the top ten flagged clients within 48 hours and offer one annual review covering Medicare Supplement eligibility and retirement-income needs.  Infographic: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP20_Infographic.png Slides: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_Ep20_Slides.pdf The Insurance Producers Guild Podcast delivers intelligence for insurance agents looking to stay ahead of industry trends. Follow the show and connect with PSM Brokerage to access tools, training, and support designed to help you grow your business. Learn more: https://www.psmbrokerage.com

CMS’s 2027 Medicare Final Rule removes the 48-hour Scope of Appointment waiting period and the 12-hour educational-to-sales gap beginning October 1, 2026. Updated TPMO disclaimer timing also gives agents more flexibility when opening conversations. Faster sales create greater individual accountability. Marketing and sales call retention drops to six years, while enrollment records remain subject to longer retention requirements. Agents must classify mixed calls correctly, document every lead source, and retain marketing created by vendors. In Episode 19 we explain the new workflow, client language, recordkeeping risks, and practical steps agents should complete before AEP. 🔑 Key Topics Covered Same-day Scope of Appointment workflowRevised TPMO disclaimer timingSplit call-retention requirementsVendor and lead-source accountability🎯 What This Means for Agents Faster appointments require disciplined documentationMixed calls need accurate retention classificationAgents remain responsible for purchased leadsVendor marketing belongs in your compliance file🔗 Sources Federal Register https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/06/2026-06600/ CMS https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/contract-year-2027-medicare-advantage-part-d-final-rule Electronic Code of Federal Regulations https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-B/part-155/subpart-C/section-155.220 📌 GO-DO: Build Your Compliance Defense File Create one retrievable compliance folder within 48 hours. Add current Scope of Appointment procedures, call-recording scripts, retention instructions, lead-source documentation, landing pages, forms, emails, and sales scripts. Label each item by owner, vendor, effective date, and required retention period, then submit questionable materials for compliance review. Infographic: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP19_Infographic.png Slides: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP19_Slides.pdf The Insurance Producers Guild Podcast delivers intelligence for insurance agents looking to stay ahead of industry trends. Follow the show and connect with PSM Brokerage to access tools, training, and support designed to help you grow your business. Learn more: https://www.psmbrokerage.com

📝 Episode Description Medicare Advantage contracts earning 4 or more Stars fell from 261 to 207 for 2026, while enrollment in bonus-qualifying plans dropped to 68 percent. Because CMS resets rating cut points annually, a plan can perform similarly and still receive a lower score. That matters because 4-Star bonuses help support dental, vision, givebacks, and low-premium benefits. Total bonus spending rose to $13.4 billion but is now concentrated across fewer contracts. The Veteran and The Closer explain the client impact, recent legal challenges involving Clover Health and Elevance, and how agents can review affected business before open enrollment.   🔑 Key Topics Covered Why Star ratings can fallAnnual CMS cut-point changesBonus dollars and plan benefitsClover and Elevance legal challenges  🎯 What This Means for Agents Lower ratings do not always mean worse performanceBonus changes may affect future benefitsClients need clear, compliant explanationsEarly outreach can protect retention  🔗 Sources Quality Bonus Program funding Medicare Will Spend More Than $13 Billion on the MA Quality Bonus Program in 2026 (KFF, via Medicare Report, July 1, 2026) Star ratings shift and strategy Medicare Advantage Star Ratings Are Changing: Is Your Strategy Ready? (mPulse, July 8, 2026) Elevance lawsuit over star ratings Elevance Sues CMS Over Star Ratings (MedCity News, Marissa Plescia, July 7, 2026)   📌 GO-DO: Audit Ten Clients Pull your Medicare Advantage book and flag clients whose plan or contract changed Star ratings for 2026. Schedule ten-minute annual reviews with the first ten clients, using the episode script. Use PSM’s outreach materials and submit your message to Compliance before sending. Tags: Medicare, Medicare Advantage, star ratings, insurance agents, PSM Brokerage, CMS, enrollment, compliance, quality bonus, retention Infographic: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP18_Infographic.png Slides: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP18_Slides.pdf The Insurance Producers Guild Podcast delivers intelligence for insurance agents looking to stay ahead of industry trends. Follow the show and connect with PSM Brokerage to access tools, training, and support designed to help you grow your business. Learn more: https://www.psmbrokerage.com

📝 Episode Description In this episode of The Insurance Producers Guild, we break down a major 2026 growth opportunity for Medicare agents: the book of business they already own. With lead costs rising and acquisition economics getting tighter, buying more leads is not always the best path to profitable growth. Meanwhile, LIMRA reports continued strength in life insurance, annuities, IUL, and RILAs, while Corebridge Financial and Greenwald Research show growing consumer interest in guaranteed retirement income. This episode shows agents how to audit their existing CRM, identify cross-sell opportunities, and turn annual reviews into practical conversations.   🔑 Key Topics Covered Rising lead costs and acquisition pressure Why your existing book may be the better growth play 2026 life insurance and annuity trends Retirement-income demand from today’s clients How to segment your book for cross-sell opportunities A simple annual-review outreach script   🎯 What This Means for Agents Existing clients may be your strongest 2026 growth asset Rising acquisition costs make reviews more important Clients are already asking about income and protection Annual reviews create natural cross-sell conversations CRM audits can uncover faster, more profitable growth   📌 GO-DO This Week: 24–48 Hours Export your Medicare client list from your CRM and tag every client with one of three flags: Over 62 with retirement assets Annuity or RILA conversation prospectStill working, pre-Medicare IUL or needs-analysis prospectMedicare client with adult children Life insurance referral prospect  Infographic: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP17_Infographic.png Slides: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP17_Slides.pdf   🔗 Sources LIMRA — U.S. Annuity Sales Notch Tenth Consecutive $100 Billion Quarter https://www.limra.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/2026/limra-u.s.-annuity-sales-notch-tenth-consecutive-%24100-billion-quarter/ LIMRA — U.S. Individual Life Insurance Sales Show Strong First Quarter Growth https://www.limra.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/2026/limra-u.s.-individual-life-insurance-sales-show-strong-first-quarter-growth/ Corebridge Financial / Greenwald Research — Decumulation Study https://www.corebridgefinancial.com/insights-education/decumulation-study Corebridge Financial — Only 28% of Pre-retirees and Retirees Are Comfortable Drawing Down Savings in Retirement https://investors.corebridgefinancial.com/news/news-details/2026/Only-28-of-Pre-retirees-and-Retirees-are-Comfortable-Drawing-Down-Savings-in-Retirement-But-Having-a-Plan-for-Decumulation-Boosts-Confidence/default.aspx PSM Brokerage — Medicare Lead Generation and Agent Marketing Resources https://www.psmbrokerage.com/14-ways-to-generate-medicare-leads Kadence 2026 Report  The Insurance Producers Guild Podcast delivers intelligence for insurance agents looking to stay ahead of industry trends. Follow the show and connect with PSM Brokerage to access tools, training, and support designed to help you grow your business. Learn more: https://www.psmbrokerage.com

📝 Episode Description In this episode of The Insurance Producers Guild, we explain how AI search is changing the way prospects find Medicare, Final Expense, ACA, and annuity agents. As consumers turn to ChatGPT, Google AI, and review platforms for recommendations, agents need stronger digital trust signals. This episode breaks down what changed and gives agents a simple three-step audit to improve visibility, credibility, and lead flow. 🔑 Key Topics Covered AI search and its impact on agent discovery Google Business Profile reviews and online trust signals Why agent bios, photos, LinkedIn links, and updated service pages matter How PSM Brokerage resources help agents execute the fixes 🎯 What This Means for Agents AI search is becoming part of the prospect journey Reviews and recent activity can influence credibility Clear agent identity and updated website content matter more than ever Small digital fixes can help agents stay visible and competitive 📌 GO-DO: Three-Fix Audit This week: Check your Google Business Profile. If you have fewer than 50 reviews or no review in the last 60 days, ask three happy clients for a review. Update your About or Agent Bio page with your real name, photo, and LinkedIn link. Add “Updated June 2026” to your main service page and refresh one paragraph. Use PSM Brokerage Marketing Hub templates, Compliance review, and Business Coaching to get it done. Infographic: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP16_Infographic.png Slides: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP16_Slides.pdf 🔗 Sources Growth Memo by Kevin Indig — Reasoning Lift: What Happens to AI Visibility When AI Thinks Harder  https://www.growth-memo.com/p/reasoning-lift-what-happens-to-ai Growth Memo by Kevin Indig — Growth Intelligence Brief #19  https://www.growth-memo.com/p/growth-intelligence-brief-19 Growth Memo by Kevin Indig — What to Do Now That AIOs Turned Search Into Reading Sessions  https://www.growth-memo.com/p/traditional-intents-can-no-longer The Insurance Producers Guild Podcast delivers intelligence for insurance agents looking to stay ahead of industry trends. Follow the show and connect with PSM Brokerage to access tools, training, and support designed to help you grow your business. Learn more: https://www.psmbrokerage.com

📝 Episode Description (Buzzsprout) In this episode of The Insurance Producers Guild, we break down the major 2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D updates agents need to know. CMS has finalized payment increases for Medicare Advantage plans while also introducing new operational guardrails affecting plan management, supplemental benefits, and prescription drug processes. We also review early 2026 plan design trends, including $0 premium availability and benefit changes that may shape client conversations heading into the next enrollment cycle. 🔑 Key Topics Covered  2026 Medicare Advantage payment increases and CMS rate updates  New operational rules impacting plans, providers, and compliance  Changes to supplemental benefits and Part D processes  2026 premium trends, $0 plans, and plan availability  🎯 What This Means for Agents  Payment increases may support continued plan stability in many markets  Compliance, documentation, and client education remain critical  Benefit changes require clearer conversations around value and fit  Agents who understand policy and product shifts can better guide clients  Infographic: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP15_Infographic.png Slides: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/IPG_EP15_Slides.pdf ✅ Go-Do Within the next 48 hours, pull two CRM lists and schedule follow-ups for next week: ACA clients above 300% FPL Call to review their 2026 premium and deductible, then discuss Hospital Indemnity or Accident coverage as a gap-filling option. Prospects turning 65 in the next 6–9 months Build a 3-touch sequence: personal call, aging-in mailer, and Medicare planning follow-up. Run new messaging through compliance before sending. The agents who start these conversations now will be best positioned to keep those households long term. 🔗 Sources CMS 2026 Rate Announcement:  https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-finalizes-2026-payment-policy-updates-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-programs CMS Contract Year 2026 Final Rule:  https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-medicare-advantage-program-medicare-prescription-final KFF Medicare Advantage 2026 Spotlight:  https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-2026-spotlight-a-first-look-at-plan-premiums-and-benefits/ The Insurance Producers Guild Podcast delivers intelligence for insurance agents looking to stay ahead of industry trends. Follow the show and connect with PSM Brokerage to access tools, training, and support designed to help you grow your business. Learn more: https://www.psmbrokerage.com

📝 Episode Description In Episode 14, we explore one of the most overlooked drivers of Medicare agency growth: service. With Medicare Advantage enrollment continuing to grow and CMS pushing for more efficient processes, agencies that are responsive, organized, and easy to work with have a clear advantage in retention and referrals. This episode covers practical strategies for improving intake, setting callback expectations, documenting client interactions, and communicating confidently with beneficiaries who need guidance. We also discuss how strong service can uncover additional client needs and create opportunities for ethical growth. Learn how a consistent service process can strengthen client relationships and help your agency grow. 🔑 Key Topics Covered • Medicare Advantage growth and the expansion of Special Needs Plans • CMS efforts to improve prior authorization and information sharing • Building a service process that improves retention and referrals • Using client service conversations to identify additional needs ethically 🎯 What This Means for Agents • Strong service can become a key driver of growth and retention • Clear communication builds trust and generates more referrals • Consistent processes create a better client experience • Service-focused agencies are better positioned for long-term success Infographic: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/EP14_Infographic.png Slides: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/The%20Insurance%20Producers%20Guild/EP14_Slides.pdf ✅ Go-Do This week, create a simple service response standard for your agency and test it on your next five service calls. • Define your intake process • Set a clear callback commitment • Document every client interaction • Follow up after the issue is resolved 🔗 Sources Medicare Advantage enrollment grew by about 1 million people in 2026, mainly due to Special Needs Plans — KFF https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-enrollment-grew-by-about-1-million-people-mainly-due-to-special-needs-plans/CMS Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs (2026 Proposed Rule) — CMS.gov https://www.cms.gov/priorities/burden-reduction/overview/interoperability/policies-regulations/cms-interoperability-standards-prior-authorization-drugsMedicare Advantage Out-of-Pocket Limits: Variation and Trends (2026) — KFF https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-out-of-pocket-limits-variation-and-trends/The Insurance Producers Guild Podcast delivers intelligence for insurance agents looking to stay ahead of industry trends. Follow the show and connect with PSM Brokerage to access tools, training, and support designed to help you grow your business. Learn more: https://www.psmbrokerage.com