The Broker Link

Health insurance premiums are rising, deductibles remain high, and many consumers are searching for a more affordable way to protect themselves from major medical expenses. On this episode of The Broker Link Podcast, host Mike Papuc sits down with Sergio Archuleta of Presidio to discuss today's health insurance affordability challenges and where alternative coverage options may fit into the conversation. Sergio shares how changes in cost and affordability are affecting ACA enrollment and explains how Presidio is positioning its plans as an alternative for certain consumers. He walks Mike through Presidio's zero-deductible plan design, network-negotiated rates, maximum out-of-pocket protection, and rollover benefit. The two also look at the potential cost difference. Sergio provides the example of a 44-year-old male in Texas who could enroll in Presidio for approximately $313 per month, compared with approximately $490 per month for an ACA plan, depending on the individual's circumstances and available coverage. But price is only part of the conversation. Mike and Sergio discuss what Presidio plans are designed to cover, important limitations—including the exclusion of mental health coverage—and why agents need to understand the differences between Presidio and ACA-compliant major medical insurance before recommending an option to a client. They also explore who may be a good fit for Presidio, including healthy individuals looking for lower-cost coverage, consumers currently using healthcare-sharing programs, and small groups searching for additional options. For agents navigating a market where affordability is becoming an increasingly important part of the health insurance conversation, this episode offers a closer look at another solution to consider for clients who may be struggling with the cost of traditional coverage. 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/   

On this episode of The Broker Link, host David Ireland sits down with The Brokerage Inc.'s Compliance Director, Diana McElroy, for an important AEP compliance update. Diana breaks down several key rule changes and reminders for agents, including the elimination of the 48-hour waiting period for collecting a Scope of Appointment for 2027 plans, while clarifying that the requirement still applies to 2026 plans. They also discuss updated guidelines for educational and sales events, including how to schedule the two types of events back-to-back. The conversation also covers the TPMO disclaimer and the October 1 deadline for updating the required disclaimer language, along with common compliance complaints involving incorrect benefit explanations and provider network issues. Diana also explains the requirements surrounding SSBCI benefits for chronically ill individuals, including the need to verify that consumers meet the necessary health qualifications before benefits are available. David and Diana discuss tighter Special Enrollment Period requirements and why agents must confirm consumers meet the appropriate criteria before completing an enrollment. With AEP approaching, this episode provides agents with important compliance reminders and practical guidance to help them stay informed and prepared. 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/ 

On this episode of The Broker Link, National Health Sales Director Mike Papuc introduces The Brokerage Inc.'s new partnership with Aflac, highlighting the importance of diversification for today's insurance agents. Mike is joined by Bradley Cross and Craig Andrews of Aflac, who discuss the companies' shared commitment to mutual growth and protecting policyholders. As a Fortune 500 company with a long-standing reputation in supplemental insurance, Aflac offers products designed to help individuals and seniors address gaps left by major medical coverage. The conversation explores Aflac's supplemental product portfolio, including dental, accident, critical illness, and cancer insurance, and how these solutions can give agents more opportunities to meet their clients' individual needs. Bradley and Craig also emphasize the importance of conducting a thorough needs analysis and taking advantage of Aflac's training and educational resources. With strong brand recognition and a focus on policyholder protection, the partnership gives agents another tool to diversify their business while helping clients prepare for the unexpected. Listen to the latest episode of The Broker Link to learn more about the Aflac partnership and the opportunities it brings to The Brokerage Inc. agents. 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/   

On this episode of The Broker Link, host Mike Smith sits down with Jonas Roeser, CEO of AgentReview.net, to discuss why building a trusted and verified online identity is becoming increasingly important for insurance agents. As consumers turn to AI and online search to find insurance professionals, Jonas explains how agents can establish their digital presence and protect their professional identity. He describes AgentReview.net as a trusted platform designed specifically for insurance agents—helping consumers find and verify agents, much like other industries have platforms such as Zillow and Avvo. Jonas also breaks down the platform's different options, from a free agent listing to paid tiers and the verified agent program, which includes ongoing third-party verification. The conversation highlights the growing importance of protecting agents from identity fraud while making it easier for consumers—and increasingly, AI—to recognize legitimate professionals. Mike and Jonas also discuss the Brokerage Bucks program, which reimburses eligible agents who join AgentReview.net. 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/       

On this episode of The Broker Link, National Health Sales Director Mike Papuc sits down with Kyle Rogers of MedMutual Protect to discuss why diversification is becoming increasingly important for health insurance agents. With changes impacting the ACA marketplace, Medicare commissions, and carrier participation, Mike and Kyle explore how agents can expand their portfolios with supplemental health insurance solutions. Kyle highlights Med Mutual Protect's à la carte product offerings, including specified disease, accident, and fixed indemnity coverage, designed to help provide affordable protection while addressing gaps in traditional health plans. The conversation also covers simplified medical underwriting, nationwide coverage, and options that can help clients manage deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. With Med Mutual Protect celebrating 70 years in the industry, Kyle emphasizes the company's focus on stability, affordability, and accessible coverage. For agents, the message is clear: diversification can create new opportunities, provide more solutions for clients, and open the door to additional revenue streams. 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/