Medicare Advantage is changing in 2027, and understanding what is happening before the Annual Enrollment Period could affect your coverage, costs, and care.

In this episode of "Medicare for the Record," hosts Patrice King Brown and Stacy Smith are joined by UPMC Health Plan expert Emily Saunders to break down the most important 2027 Medicare Advantage changes, including updates to star ratings, electronic prior authorizations, and prescription drug coverage under the Inflation Reduction Act. Emily also explains why some plans are exiting markets or cutting benefits, and what those changes could mean for current members.

The episode also covers how to use your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and how the Annual Enrollment Period, running October 15 through December 7, gives you the opportunity to review and switch plans.

To learn more, visit https://upmchp.us/ftr-2026ep1.

In the final episode of “Medicare for the Record,” hosts Patrice King Brown and Stacy Smith sit down with Katie Rombach, Director of Program Management for Medicare at UPMC Health Plan, to unpack the extra benefits that many Medicare Advantage plans offer. From dental and vision to gym memberships, allowances for over-the-counter products, caregiver support, and even healthy food and utility help—these benefits can make a real difference for members’ health and budgets. Katie also shares how to compare plans and what to consider before enrolling.

Find more information at upmchp.us/ftr-2025ep8

In this special edition of “Medicare for the Record,” hosts Patrice King Brown and Stacy Smith speak with Chris Preffer, Director of Program Innovation and Improvement at UPMC Health Plan and a 22-year Air Force veteran. Chris breaks down how Medicare Advantage plans work alongside VA benefits, TRICARE For Life, and CHAMPVA to offer veterans more flexibility, extra benefits, and reduced out-of-pocket costs. He also clears up common misunderstandings about eligibility and coverage and offers practical advice for veterans considering a Medicare Advantage plan.

Find more information at upmchp.us/ftr-2025ep7

In this episode, hosts Patrice King Brown and Stacy Smith talk with Cynthia Lentz, AVP of Care Management and Clinical Business Operations at UPMC Health Plan, about what it means to receive whole-person care through a Medicare Advantage plan. Cynthia explains how UPMC for Life supports members beyond basic medical needs—helping them access care coordination, extra benefits, and services that promote emotional, social, and physical well-being. You’ll learn how Medicare Advantage plans help members live healthier, more supported lives through personalized care and a wide range of wellness programs.

Find more information at upmchp.us/ftr-2025ep6

In this episode, hosts Patrice King Brown and Stacy Smith are joined by Ally Thomas, AVP of Quality Improvement at UPMC Health Plan, to explain how Medicare uses a five-star rating system to measure the quality of Medicare Advantage plans. Listeners will learn how ratings are determined, why they matter, and how preventive care plays a vital role in both plan quality and long-term health. Plus, Ally shares how members can earn rewards for completing important screenings—and why an annual wellness visit is one of the best things you can do for your health.

Find more information at upmchp.us/ftr-2025ep5

In this episode, Patrice King Brown and Stacy Smith chat with Kendra White, Director of Community Engagement for Medicare at UPMC Health Plan, to break down the most common out-of-pocket costs Medicare Advantage members might face. From monthly premiums and deductibles to copays and coinsurance, Kendra walks listeners through what to expect – and how to plan ahead. She also shares practical tips for managing and lowering your costs, just in time for the Annual Enrollment Period.

Find more information at upmchp.us/ftr-2025ep4

In episode 3, hosts Stacy Smith and Patrice King Brown sit down with Lance O’Brien, CEO of MediConnect, to discuss what to look for when shopping for a Medicare Advantage plan. Lance shares expert advice on how to compare plans, coverage, provider networks, and prescription drug benefits—plus common questions people ask when evaluating their options. Whether you’re new to Medicare or looking to change plans during the Annual Enrollment Period, this episode breaks down the process into easy steps so that you can feel comfortable with your decision.

Find more information at upmchp.us/ftr-2025ep3

In this episode, Patrice and Stacy welcome Lauren Zandier, Director of Clinical Pharmacy at UPMC Health Plan, to explain recent and upcoming changes to Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Lauren walks listeners through the three stages of Part D coverage, the $2,000 annual cap introduced in 2025, and how the Inflation Reduction Act is shaping affordability for Medicare members. This episode also previews new policies for 2026, including negotiated drug prices and an updated annual cap.

Find more information at upmchp.us/ftr-2025ep2

In the first episode of “Medicare for the Record,” hosts Patrice King Brown and Stacy Smith are joined by Angie Moczan, Chief Operations Officer for UPMC Medicare Products, to break down key changes coming to Medicare Advantage plans for the 2026 Annual Enrollment Period. They discuss what members can expect, including changes in plan benefits, updates to prescription drug coverage, and why it’s so important to review your Annual Notice of Change.

Find more information at upmchp.us/ftr-2025ep1

Welcome to Medicare for the Record, brought to you by UPMC for Life!

Join Stacy Smith and Patrice King Brown, your trusted guides to all things Medicare. As former newscasters, they’ve spent years bringing you the facts—now, they’re here to break down Medicare with the same clarity, insight, and the touch of personality you know and love. Whether you're enrolling for the first time, exploring new coverage options, or just want the latest Medicare news, we’ve got you covered.

Watch episodes and find more information at upmchealthplan.com/fortherecord