Countdown to Coverage:Navigating Medicare's annual enrollment

Host: Lance O’Brien (CEO, MediConnect)
Guest: Alexie Auth (CMO, Andocia)

Episode summary 
AEP is here—and this year brings more changes than most. Lance and Alexie break down why so many Medicare beneficiaries are seeing plan changes (including Service Area Reductions), what the Inflation Reduction Act means for drug costs in 2026, and how to approach your annual review so you don’t lose coverage or overpay.

What you’ll learn
AEP, simplified: What the Annual Enrollment Period is (Oct 15–Dec 7) and when changes take effect (Jan 1).
Why plans are changing: A convergence of higher utilization, rising prescription demand, and lower-than-expected reimbursements has led to larger-than-usual service area reductions (SARs) in many regions.
2026 drug-price shifts: Part D price negotiations begin with high-impact meds (e.g., common blood thinners and diabetes/heart failure drugs), which can significantly lower member out-of-pocket costs next year.

Takeaway
This AEP is a reset. With bigger-than-usual adjustments across plans, a guided review can protect your doctors, trim drug costs, and keep your coverage seamless into the new year. 

Learn how MediConnect helps you:
Understand AEP (Oct 15–Dec 7) and avoid coverage lapses if your plan is ending
Review your medications, doctors, and benefits so you’re comparing true information
Navigate premium and deductible changes (especially on standalone drug plans)
Prepare for 2026 Part D drug negotiations that may lower costs for common high-cost meds
Get unbiased guidance across multiple carriers - in person, by phone, or online

You don’t have to do this alone — and you shouldn’t. A one-hour review can protect your doctors, rein in drug costs, and keep your coverage seamless into the new year.

Website: 
Call Us: 888-818-MEDI (6334)
Social Networks:
 LinkedIn: / mediconnect-insurance
 Facebook: / mediconnectpgh
 Instagram: / mediconnect-insurance

🎙️ Medicare Storm Clouds or Clear Skies? Preparing for AEP

In this episode of Medicare Made Simple, Lance O’Brien and Lauren Uran dig into the questions, confusion, and anxiety swirling around Medicare as we head into Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). From rumors about Medicare “going away” to the reality of rising costs and shifting benefits, they break down what’s really happening — and how you can prepare with confidence.

💡 Learn how MediConnect helps you:
- Understand what’s changing in Medicare (and what’s not)
- Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) so you know how YOUR plan is affected
- Compare options across carriers, not just one company’s portfolio
- Get help from licensed experts — by phone, in-person, or online — in as little as 20 minutes
- Rely on year-round client support, not just at enrollment time

The sky isn’t falling — but there are storm clouds ahead. Let MediConnect be your shelter.

Website: https://mediconnectinsurance.com/
Call Us: 888-818-MEDI (6334)

Social Networks:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mediconnect-insurance/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mediconnectpgh
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mediconnectinsurance/

🎙️ Medicare Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All — Let’s Build Your Perfect Plan

In this episode of Medicare Made Simple, Lance O’Brien and Sean Horne break down Medicare in a way that finally makes sense. From that red, white, and blue card to the often-overlooked costs that can catch retirees off guard, this conversation walks you through building your Medicare “house” — foundation, walls, and roof included.

💡 Learn how MediConnect helps you:
- Understand your Medicare Parts A & B
- Choose between Advantage and Supplement plans
- Protect yourself with optional coverage like cancer or hospital indemnity plans
- Feel confident and covered no matter what the headlines say
You don’t have to do this alone — and you shouldn’t.

Website: https://mediconnectinsurance.com/
Call Us: 888-818-MEDI (6334)

Social Networks:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mediconnect-insurance/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mediconnectpgh
Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mediconnect-insurance/

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 3 of the Medicare Made Simple Podcast! In this episode, hosts Lance O’Brien and Sean Horne dive into the complexities of Medicare during the Annual Enrollment Period. With only a limited amount of time to navigate a mountain of options, they share how MediConnect simplifies Medicare education through in-person seminars and on-demand webinars. From understanding Medicare Parts A and B to evaluating Advantage Plans, Medigap options, and prescription drug plans, they provide expert guidance tailored to individual needs. Whether you’re turning 65 or helping a loved one, MediConnect ensures you’re informed, confident, and prepared. Don't miss out on the tips that can help you avoid costly mistakes!

In Season 2, Episode 2 of The Inside Connection podcast, hosts Lance O’Brien and Mark Clark discuss significant changes coming to Medicare, particularly regarding prescription drug coverage in 2025. The episode dives into the impact of the elimination of the Medicare “donut hole” and how this will affect premiums, plan options, and co-pay structures. While some changes are beneficial, such as capping out-of-pocket drug costs, there are concerns about higher premiums and fewer plan choices. The hosts emphasize the importance of reviewing Medicare coverage during the annual enrollment period to avoid unexpected costs and ensure optimal coverage for prescriptions.

In season 2, episode 1 of The Inside Connection, hosts Lance O’Brien and Sean Horn return to discuss key updates in MediConnect’s ongoing mission to provide accessible Medicare education. They highlight the expansion of their educational resources, including the introduction of webinars to complement their successful seminars, making Medicare information more available to clients online. The episode also emphasizes the growth of their “Community Connect” initiative, which brings vital Medicare information to underserved communities. Finally, they delve into how partnerships with other professionals like tax and financial advisors enhance the client experience, ensuring comprehensive support for retirees.

On this episode of The Inside Connection Podcast, Lance and Sean go in-depth with the benefits that are available for Southwestern PA #medicare beneficiaries in 2024. Find out more about $0.50/month drug plans for Medigap plans, copay debit cards, flex spend amounts up to $750, dental allowances of $20,000/year, and so much more! Connect with MediConnect today to see how you can get more benefits at less cost, 888-818-6334.

Lauren Yuran joins Sean Horn to discuss a lot of the competitive benefits available in the Pittsburgh region for #medicare beneficiaries, available now! Call 888-818-6334 to find out more from the top-rated experts in Pennsylvania. Medicare Made Simple.

Hang out with Sean Horn and Lance O'Brien on this edition of The Inside Connection Podcast as they discuss everything you need to know ahead of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period!

MediConnect is blessed to have the legendary and incomparable Rob Pratte as not only a guest on the couch, but also as a longstanding partner. Nobody has been a bigger advocate for our mission of #medicare Made Simple, as we've connected with thousands of clients with his help. Learn more in this formatted and edited version of our previous airing of The Inside Connection!