{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Healthcare Redefined: Advocating for Aging Adults and Their Families","title":"Medicare Changes for 2027","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3731,"description":"In this episode of Healthcare Redefined: Advocating for Aging Adults and Their Families, Pam Dunwald and Linda Kritikos welcome Medicare advisors Wendi Schoonover, owner of Integrity Insurance Group, and Kevin McGuire, owner of Tailored Health Designs, to help families prepare for the 2027 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. Medicare plans and costs can change from year to year, and choosing coverage based only on last year’s experience, a friend’s recommendation, or the monthly premium can lead to surprises. Wendi and Kevin explain Medicare enrollment periods, Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap supplements, Part D prescription drug coverage, provider networks, and the questions you should ask when reviewing your Medicare options.\n\nThe conversation also explores what Medicare beneficiaries and family caregivers should watch for as 2027 approaches, including prescription drug formularies, premiums, deductibles, copays, prior authorizations, provider networks, and changes to plan benefits. Pam and Linda discuss why you should compare your total yearly healthcare costs instead of focusing only on the monthly premium, review your medications and doctors every year, and consider travel or living in more than one state when choosing coverage. Wendi and Kevin also explain why you should read your Annual Notice of Change and how a Medicare advisor or broker can help you understand your options. The goal is to choose Medicare coverage based on your own healthcare needs, medications, doctors, budget, travel, and lifestyle—not someone else’s experience.\n\nKey Moments:\n\n00:00 — Why You Should Prepare for Medicare Enrollment Early\nWaiting until Medicare Annual Enrollment to start thinking about your coverage can make it harder to carefully compare your 2027 Medicare options.\n03:31 — What to Know Before Choosing a Medicare Plan\nWendi and Kevin explain why reviewing your coverage and seeking qualified Medicare guidance is important instead of relying on advice from...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/x2SdStrZc-Lc8b5VHryIyVuuOtQk_lihBYBBgketnRs/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS82YmY0/ODI1MDhmYjE0NDQ3/MDgxMjhiZmJhNzll/ZTcxNS5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}