The Broker Link

On this episode of The Broker Link Podcast, The Brokerage Inc.'s Executive Vice President, Josh Slattery, welcomes Frankie Satterfield-Vaughn, Executive Director of National Field Distribution for Aetna, for an inside look at Aetna's strategy heading into the upcoming Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). With more than 150 years of experience, Aetna continues to focus on stability, sustainable growth, and its commitment to the agents who serve Medicare beneficiaries every day. Frankie shares why field agents remain essential to Aetna's success, accounting for 63% of its business, and reinforces the company's commitment to external distribution despite ongoing changes in the Medicare market. Josh and Frankie also explore growth opportunities in markets like Minnesota, Dallas, and Pennsylvania, Aetna's focus on quality over rapid expansion, and its plans to maintain full fair market value (FMV) payments to agents. The conversation also highlights the importance of diversifying into ancillary products to strengthen client relationships and create additional business opportunities. As agents prepare for AEP, this episode offers valuable insight into Aetna's long-term vision, commitment to agent partnerships, and opportunities to build a stronger, more sustainable 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 week. 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 Podcast, host Mike Papuc, National Health Sales Director at The Brokerage Inc., welcomes Claudia Amaya, Regional Vice President, and Sonia Porras, Agency Manager, with UnitedHealthcare to discuss what's ahead for the 2027 ACA market. Claudia and Sonia share UnitedHealthcare's vision for the coming year, highlighting new opportunities for agents, the importance of compliance and ethical business practices, and the company's continued focus on improving the member experience. The conversation explores UnitedHealthcare's expansion of value-based care through Sanitas plans, member reward opportunities of up to $275 for qualifying activities, and the introduction of Avery, a proactive AI tool designed to enhance member engagement. They also discuss the importance of language preferences, particularly when serving Hispanic communities, and how digital engagement can help improve member retention. Mike, Claudia, and Sonia also highlight the Complete Choice network, dental rollover benefits, and additional opportunities for agents to grow their business while helping clients better understand and utilize their coverage. With Open Enrollment approaching, this episode offers agents a closer look at UnitedHealthcare's 2027 updates, innovative tools, and strategies for building stronger relationships with members. 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 Podcast, host Mike Papuc, National Health Sales Director at The Brokerage Inc., sits down with Jason Madrak of Antidote Health to explore how virtual healthcare is changing how consumers access care and manage healthcare costs. Jason shares what makes Antidote Health's approach different, including a virtual primary care physician (PCP) and unlimited telehealth visits at no additional cost. With about 40% of members actively using the virtual care component, Antidote shows how convenient access to care can help members avoid traditional office visit copays. The conversation also highlights Antidote Health's expansion into Texas and Georgia, its growing provider network, and the company's focus on member satisfaction and operational excellence. Mike and Jason discuss how Antidote's pricing compares with more established carriers and why looking beyond the monthly premium is important. While some plans may have higher premiums, the potential savings through virtual care can provide additional value for consumers. For agents navigating today's competitive ACA marketplace, this episode offers a closer look at Antidote Health's virtual-first approach, its potential benefits for clients, and another coverage option to consider when helping consumers find a plan that fits their needs. 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 week. 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/

Changes are coming to the ACA marketplace, and preparation will be key for agents heading into Open Enrollment. On this episode of The Broker Link Podcast, host Mike Papuc, National Health Sales Director at The Brokerage Inc., welcomes Jordyne Cerullo of HealthSherpa for an important conversation about upcoming CMS changes, what agents need to know, and how HealthSherpa is preparing for the selling season ahead. One of the biggest changes they discuss is agent authorization. Beginning October 12, the new process will replace the familiar "Invalid Action" error and require agents to obtain annual client authorization. Jordyne explains how the change is designed to help reduce fraud while providing greater protection for both agents and their clients. Mike and Jordyne also dive into identity verification for high-risk members and why educating clients about these additional safeguards before enrollment can help agents avoid confusion and create a smoother experience. The conversation also looks beyond this Open Enrollment. With passive renewal changes coming in 2027, agents need to understand what's ahead and begin preparing their books of business now. Jordyne also shares how HealthSherpa continues to listen to agent feedback and improve its platform as CMS requirements evolve. Her message to agents: keep providing feedback. Understanding the challenges agents encounter in the field helps HealthSherpa develop better solutions and improve the enrollment experience. With Open Enrollment approaching, this episode is packed with timely information to help agents prepare, educate their clients, and navigate the changes ahead with confidence. 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/

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/