What is the new First Looks process?

We are changing the way we deliver and provide access to First Looks leading up to AEP. Before, you have to request a First Look from one of our team members. Now, you can access it entirely on your own via the Ritter Platform.

Why is the First Looks process changing?

By making First Looks available on the Platform, it eases the process so you do not have to make a request and then wait for a delivery. We have First Looks on demand, whenever you want access.

How will Ritter agents access First Looks?

We have created a Carrier First Looks panel in the Ritter Platform, right on the front page. When a First Look becomes available from any carrier you’re contracted with, you will see it in a list on the Platform overview page, the agent dashboard.

What is the value of a First Look?

First Looks allow you to get a feel for potential expansion areas or plan enhancements for the upcoming year. They also help you determine before AEP what plans are most competitive in your area so you can complete contracting and certifications.

How to Check for Your First Looks

Published by Lauren Hayden,

Lauren Hayden | Copywriter

Lauren Hayden was a copywriter with Ritter Insurance Marketing. She graduated magna cum laude from Misericordia University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in communications. Some of Lauren’s loves include theatre, the beach, and her adorable kitten, Mango! When not at work, she enjoys seeing Broadway shows, going to concerts, and spending time with her family and friends.

Emily Markovic,

Emily Markovic | Editor

Emily Markovic is the editor at Ritter Insurance Marketing and has been with the company since 2018. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a writing concentration from Messiah University. When she is not writing for the Ritter blog and Ritter, she enjoys spending time with her adorable nephews, walking around Hobby Lobby, trying new coffee shops, and baking!

& Ashley Toomey • June 3, 2025

The moment when carrier First Looks become available is an incredibly exciting time for insurance agents! It can put a spring in your step and help you get in the mood for the upcoming Medicare Annual Enrollment Period!

To get what you need on time, you can find Medicare Advantage 2026 First Looks from our carrier partners via the Ritter Platform.

What Are Medicare Advantage First Looks?

Medicare Advantage (MA) First Looks are just that — a first look at carriers’ MA plans for the upcoming Annual Enrollment Period. This year marks the Medicare Advantage 2026 First Look. These resources are vital to getting prepared to sell during the busy season. First Looks can include:

MA plan expansion areas
New supplemental benefits
Expanded plan benefits
Carrier sales incentive & new processes
Carrier news such as acquisitions & rebrands

First Looks hold confidential information and generally have been submitted to, but not approved by, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) at the time of release. It’s important that you do not share any First Look details with consumers before October 1, 2025.

Where Can You Find First Looks?

We’ve made it simple for you to access First Looks as soon as they’re available via the Ritter Platform. Remember, you must register with Ritter and log in to RitterIM.com to use the Platform.

By offering First Looks availability on the Platform, we have First Looks on demand, whenever you want access.

How Can You Access First Looks?

We’ve created a Carrier First Looks tile on the Ritter Platform, right on the front page. When a First Look becomes available from any one of our carriers, you’ll see it in a list on the Platform’s overview page — the agent dashboard.*

We’ll send you an email when the carrier’s 2026 Medicare First Look is available on the Platform.

*Some carriers may require you to be contracted to view the First Look.

What’s the Value of a First Look?

First Looks allow you to get a feel for potential expansion areas or plan enhancements for the upcoming year. They help you determine before AEP what plans are most competitive in your area so you can complete contracting and certifications. That way, you’ll be ready to sell them again in 2026. You can also consider if your clients would benefit from a plan change, such as if they have anew qualifying event.

First Look Dissemination Notice

Please remember, any dissemination of 2026 Annual Enrollment Period plan benefits prior to October 1, 2025, is strictly prohibited. Additionally, all plan details are subject to CMS approval.

Check out this step-by-step tutorial to see how you can access your First Looks on the Platform.

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We wish you the best as you eagerly prepare for the upcoming selling season. The team at Ritter Insurance Marketing is always available for agent support!