AMG Academy

At AmeriLife Marketing Group, our mission is to empower, inform, and support insurance professionals as they work to protect the health and financial security of individuals and families nationwide. Our podcast, AMG Academy, is dedicated to sharing informative content for our affiliated agents. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, we aim to provide the resources you need to succeed. Don't forget to subscribe to this show so you can stay updated with our latest content. Your success is our success, and we're committed to providing you with the tools and knowledge to make a real difference in the lives of the clients you serve.

Hospital Indemnity Select & the Power of Bundling with Manhattan Life

In this episode of AMG Academy, host Matt McClure sits down with Todd Tippets from Manhattan Life to explore their innovative Hospital Indemnity Select product and the tools that make selling and bundling easier than ever for agents.  From filling Medicare Advantage gaps to simplifying quoting and enrollment, Manhattan Life offers agents powerful resources to better serve their clients. Todd explains: What makes Hospital Indemnity Select different from competitors How the Medicare Gap Filler Tool automatically designs coverage to match client needs The ease of bundling products like hospital indemnity, home healthcare, and cancer plans Agent-friendly resources like training libraries, videos, PowerPoints, and a streamlined portal If you’re an insurance professional looking to expand your offerings and simplify your process, this episode is packed with practical insights.   -- Connect with us: Visit our AMG Academy Facebook Group Reach out to Amber or Devin for personalized mentorship Learn more at AmeriLifeMarketingGroup.com  Watch Full Episodes on our YouTube Channel 

08-29
28:17

Inside Mutual of Omaha’s New Hospital Protection Plan with Alicia Hanson

In this episode of AMG Academy, host Matt McClure is joined by Alicia Hanson from Mutual of Omaha to explore the brand-new Hospital Protection Plan. Alicia shares why Mutual of Omaha decided to roll out this innovative product, what makes it unique, and how agents can use it to better serve seniors, Medicare Advantage clients, and even ACA plan holders. From customizable daily or lump-sum benefits to optional riders—including cancer, skilled nursing, and even pet boarding—this product is designed to fill real-world gaps. If you’re an agent looking to expand your portfolio before AEP, build stronger client relationships, and keep more business in-house, this episode is for you. -- Connect with us: Visit our AMG Academy Facebook Group Reach out to Amber or Devin for personalized mentorship Learn more at AmeriLifeMarketingGroup.com  Watch Full Episodes on our YouTube Channel 

08-22
25:00

Boosting Medicare Sales with Cigna’s Choice Hospital Indemnity Plan

As AEP approaches, it’s “go time” for Medicare agents — and Cigna is ready. In this episode of AMG Academy, Matt McClure sits down with Jason Weber, Regional Vice President for Cigna Supplemental Benefits, to discuss how the company is helping agents compete, close, and keep business in the Medicare market. From competitive Medicare Supplement rates and stable year-over-year increases, to valuable perks like Healthy Rewards and household discounts, Jason breaks down why Cigna stands out in a crowded space. The conversation covers: National rate competitiveness and predictable rate stability for clients Household discount flexibility and Healthy Rewards value-adds Market trends shifting from Plan G toward Plan N Cross-selling strategies that improve persistency and client protection The new Choice Hospital Indemnity Plan and how it outshines its predecessor How Cigna’s Express App streamlines multi-product sales  If you’re an insurance professional looking to grow Medicare sales, boost retention, and cross-sell effectively this AEP, this episode is packed with actionable insights. -- Connect with us: Visit our AMG Academy Facebook Group Reach out to Amber or Devin for personalized mentorship Learn more at AmeriLifeMarketingGroup.com  Watch Full Episodes on our YouTube Channel 

08-09
27:46

A Critical Upgrade: Wellabe’s New CI Product Deep Dive with Sean Niebuhr

In this episode of AMG Academy, host Matt McClure is joined by industry expert Sean Niebuhr for an in-depth look at Wellabe’s newly revamped Critical Illness (CI) product. Designed to offer enhanced protection for heart attack, stroke, and cancer diagnoses, this flexible plan includes customizable riders, a powerful quoting tool, and strong producer incentives. Sean shares personal insights from his 16+ years in the business and even highlights a real-world story of how this coverage made a life-changing difference for one family. From quoting flexibility (even before being appointed!) to product features, incentives, and sales strategies that work—this episode is packed with actionable tips for agents and advisors. Plus, hear how Wellabe is making it easier for agents to succeed with fast processing, flexible household discounts, and strong renewal commissions. Interested in contracting with Wellabe? Call 1-800-531-1411 ext. 72448 -- Connect with us: Visit our AMG Academy Facebook Group Reach out to Amber or Devin for personalized mentorship Learn more at AmeriLifeMarketingGroup.com  Watch Full Episodes on our YouTube Channel 

08-01
25:49

Cross-Sell Champions: Wellabe’s New Tools to Grow Your Book of Business

Looking to boost your cross-selling game and offer more value to your clients this AEP season? In this episode of AMG Academy, Matt McClure hands the mic to Amber Allen, Devon Williams, and special guest Mary Anna Jones from Wellabe to explore innovative new products and platforms designed to make selling easier and more rewarding. Discover how Wellabe’s new Critical Illness plan—combining cancer, heart attack, and stroke coverage—gives agents flexible options with robust benefits. Learn about the game-changing MyEnroller platform, hospital indemnity plan match tools, rewards programs for both clients and agents, and incentive opportunities you don’t want to miss. Plus, hear about rate stability strategies and what’s coming down the pipeline before AEP. If you're an insurance agent looking for smart ways to increase your value and your commissions, this episode is a must-listen. -- Connect with us: Visit our AMG Academy Facebook Group Reach out to Amber or Devin for personalized mentorship Learn more at AmeriLifeMarketingGroup.com  Watch Full Episodes on our YouTube Channel   

07-25
12:36

Scale Without Burnout: Automation for Agents That Actually Works

Feeling like your business is running you instead of the other way around? In this episode of AMG Academy, Devon Williams joins Matt McClure to discuss how agents can embrace automation to save time, reduce burnout, and boost production. Learn how to simplify your follow-up, streamline lead engagement, cross-sell with confidence, and avoid common mistakes like rebuilding the same email over and over again. Whether you're new to the industry or looking to get to the next level, this episode offers actionable advice on creating a sustainable, scalable insurance practice. -- Connect with us: Visit our AMG Academy Facebook Group Reach out to Amber or Devin for personalized mentorship Learn more at AmeriLifeMarketingGroup.com  Watch Full Episodes on our YouTube Channel   

07-18
25:46

Independent, Not Alone: Finding Mentors and Building Strategic Partnerships

On this episode of AMG Academy, host Matt McClure is joined by marketers Amber Allen and Devon Williams to explore a powerful message for every independent insurance agent: you don’t have to go it alone. They dive deep into the importance of finding a mentor, how to form strategic partnerships, and why independence doesn't have to mean isolation. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned producer looking to scale, this episode is packed with practical insights about collaboration, community, and growth.  ✅ How to find the right mentor ✅ What to look for (and avoid) in a partner ✅ Why you don’t have to build everything from scratch ✅ Ways to grow faster with proven systems ✅ How to protect your commissions and maintain independence Plus: Real stories from the field, and how AMG helps agents get the support they need without giving up control. Listen, learn, and grow your business—without going it alone. Connect with us: Visit our AMG Academy Facebook Group Reach out to Amber or Devin for personalized mentorship Learn more at AmeriLifeMarketingGroup.com  Watch Full Episodes on our YouTube Channel       

07-03
26:23

Medicare Mayhem? Here’s How Agents Can Pivot & Profit

In this action-packed episode of AMG Academy, host Matt McClure sits down with Sean Niebuhr, veteran marketer with AmeriLife, to talk candidly about the rapidly evolving Medicare space. From disappearing PDP commissions to changes in Med Supp plans and the rise of ancillary products, Sean shares what every insurance agent needs to know right now to stay competitive. They also dive into: Why diversification is key to long-term broker success How to effectively cross-sell (without being pushy) The client retention power of being a one-stop shop The outdated tactics agents still use—and what to do instead Creative, low-cost ways to grow your book of business year-round Why alignment with the right marketer or FMO can make or break your career Whether you're a seasoned agent or just getting started, this episode is full of practical, street-smart advice that will help you level up in today’s dynamic insurance market. Reach out to Sean Niebuhr directly: (727) 466-4985 Watch more episodes or get in touch at AmeriLifeMarketingGroup.com   -- To Learn More and Contact Us: AmeriLifeMarketingGroup.com Watch Full Episodes on our YouTube Channel  Follow Us on Facebook  

06-13
32:55

Build a Referral-Based Business: Proven Strategies for Insurance Agents

In this episode of AMG Academy, host Matt McClure welcomes back Devon Williams, Senior Marketing Manager at AmeriLife Marketing Group, to dive into one of the most powerful growth strategies in the business: building a referral-based insurance practice. Whether you’re a brand-new agent or an industry veteran, this episode will help you: ✅ Shift from lead-dependence to client-driven referrals ✅ Build lasting trust and credibility from the first appointment ✅ Ask for referrals without sounding pushy ✅ Keep client relationships alive—even after the sale ✅ Stay organized without complicated CRMs ✅ Leverage personal branding and social media for growth ✅ Create repeatable systems that generate new business year-round Devon also shares a powerful real-life example of an agent who built an entire business and nonprofit ecosystem around referrals—and how you can start doing the same today.   Agents: What’s working for your referral strategy? Join the conversation and let us know!   -- To Learn More and Contact Us: AmeriLifeMarketingGroup.com Watch Full Episodes on our YouTube Channel  Follow Us on Facebook  

06-06
25:47

Navigating Medicare Changes: What Every Agent Needs to Know in 2025

In this episode of AMG Academy, Matt McClure is joined by AMG marketers Jonathon Higgins and Tyler Heckman to unpack the biggest trends reshaping the landscape for independent agents—from carrier exits to rising claims, birthday rule state expansions, and the explosive growth of C-SNP and D-SNP plans. Listen in to discover: What Allstate’s exit means for the future of Med Supp Why birthday rule states are changing how agents retain clients The rise of chronic condition plans and how to capitalize on it Smart cross-selling strategies using hospital indemnity Why staying connected to your marketing partner is a must If you're an agent wondering how to stay profitable and proactive in this shifting environment, this episode gives you the clarity and tools to stay ahead.   -- To Learn More and Contact Us: AmeriLifeMarketingGroup.com Watch Full Episodes on our YouTube Channel  Follow Us on Facebook  

05-16
28:32

From Overlooked to In-Demand: Marketing Strategies for Insurance Agents

Discover how to build a powerful personal brand as an independent insurance agent in 2025. In this episode of AMG Academy, host Matt McClure welcomes AmeriLife's Devon Williams and Amber Allen (Bubp) for a deep dive into cost-effective marketing strategies, customer retention tools like hospital indemnity and living benefits, and why authenticity and consistency matter more than carrier logos. Whether you specialize in Medicare, life, or ACA, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you attract more clients and grow faster.   -- To Learn More and Contact Us: AmeriLifeMarketingGroup.com Watch Full Episodes on our YouTube Channel  Follow Us on Facebook

05-09
34:48

The Secret to Year-Round Sales: Ancillary Insurance Essentials

Many agents focus solely on Medicare Advantage or life insurance, but they’re missing out on a key opportunity: ancillary products. In this episode, Matt McClure and Barry Hensley dive into the power of hospital indemnity, final expense, and Medicare supplements. Learn how these products fill crucial gaps in coverage, why they’re an easy add-on for clients, and how they can provide agents with year-round income.   -- To Learn More and Contact Us: AmeriLifeMarketingGroup.com Watch Full Episodes on our YouTube Channel  Follow Us on Facebook

02-21
42:32

Next-Level Growth: Proven Strategies for Insurance Agents

Thinking bigger? In this episode, Matt McClure and AmeriLife Marketing Group’s Kyle England share expert insights on how to expand your book of business, build strong client relationships, and use marketing to accelerate your growth as a life and health insurance agent.   -- To Learn More and Contact Us: AmeriLifeMarketingGroup.com Watch Full Episodes on our YouTube Channel  Follow Us on Facebook

02-07
23:23

Mastering Medicare: A Deep Dive into Plan G and Plan N for Agents

Whether your clients value lower premiums or fewer out-of-pocket costs, knowing the difference between Plan G and Plan N is essential. On this episode, Matt is joined by Senior Marketer Shelby Vail. Shelby breaks it all down, giving you the knowledge you need to confidently help clients make informed Medicare decisions. -- To Learn More and Contact Us: AmeriLifeMarketingGroup.com Watch Full Episodes on our YouTube Channel  Follow Us on Facebook

01-31
22:16

The Power of Cross-Selling

In this episode, host Matt McClure speaks with AMG Senior Marketing Director Melissa Figueroa about how cross-selling can help take your practice to the next level. Discover why offering a comprehensive range of solutions not only increases retention and referrals but also ensures you're addressing your clients' full spectrum of needs. From identifying cross-selling opportunities to building trust and delivering value, we share actionable tips and strategies to help you stand out in a competitive market while prioritizing what's best for your clients. -- To Learn More and Contact Us: AmeriLifeMarketingGroup.com Watch Full Episodes on our YouTube Channel  Follow Us on Facebook

01-17
29:18

Support, Benefits and Resources: What it’s Like Working with AmeriLife Marketing Group

On this week’s episode, Matt McClure speaks with Devon Williams. He’s been a marketer with AmeriLife Marketing Group for more than 10 years and has seen first-hand how AMG helps agents grow their business. The two discuss some of the resources AMG provides to agents and the support that is available to help them thrive in the insurance world. -- To Learn More and Contact Us: AmeriLifeMarketingGroup.com Watch Full Episodes on our YouTube Channel  Follow Us on Facebook

11-22
32:34

Bonus Episode: November is National Palliative Care Month! w/ Dr. William Logan, National Medical Director, Carelon Health Palliative Care

Guest: Dr. William Logan, National Medical Director, Carelon Health Palliative Care   November is National Palliative Care Month. Seriously ill patients often juggle many doctor visits, complicated medication schedules, and care instructions. They also experience a range of emotions that comes with navigating complex condition management. Serious illness can also affect patients financially because it's common for people with these conditions to end up in the hospital or emergency room on multiple occasions. The goal of palliative care is to improve patient well-being and provide comprehensive, wrap-around support throughout their treatment journey. And when loved ones choose palliative care, caregivers also get the help they need to take better care of themselves.   -- To Learn More and Contact Us: AmeriLifeMarketingGroup.com Watch Full Episodes on our YouTube Channel  Follow Us on Facebook

11-19
06:19

How the Inflation Reduction Act is Affecting Medicare Sales

On a new edition of AMG Academy, host Matt McClure speaks with Senior Marketing Director Joe Brandau of AmeriLife Marketing Group. The two discuss the Inflation Reduction Act and how it is impacting Medicare sales this year. There’s a lot of good in the bill, but perhaps some unintended consequences are making things more difficult for producers and marketers. -- To Learn More and Contact Us: AmeriLifeMarketingGroup.com Watch Full Episodes on our YouTube Channel  Follow Us on Facebook

11-08
28:57

Social Security Announces Lowest Cost of Living Adjustment in Four Years

GUEST: Jenn Jones, VP of Government Affairs, AARP   TOPIC: Each year the Social Security Administration announces the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for the upcoming year. Last week, leaders announced a 2.5% COLA for 2025. That is smaller than recent years – attributable to slowing inflation.   COLA increases are meant to offset rising prices including food, gas and living expenses. This year, retirees on a fixed income have struggled to keep up with inflation and the 2025 COLA is expected to provide some relief.   To Learn More and Contact Us: AmeriLifeMarketingGroup.com Watch Full Episodes on our YouTube Channel  Follow Us on Facebook

10-16
06:50

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