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.
The 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.
Key Moments:
00:00 — Why You Should Prepare for Medicare Enrollment Early
Waiting until Medicare Annual Enrollment to start thinking about your coverage can make it harder to carefully compare your 2027 Medicare options.
03:31 — What to Know Before Choosing a Medicare Plan
Wendi and Kevin explain why reviewing your coverage and seeking qualified Medicare guidance is important instead of relying on advice from friends, family, or social media.
06:25 — Medicare Annual Enrollment vs. Open Enrollment
Kevin explains the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 through December 7 and how it differs from the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January through March.
08:13 — Turning 65 and Enrolling in Medicare
Wendi explains the Initial Enrollment Period, Social Security enrollment, employer coverage, Part B, and the six-month Medigap open enrollment period.
14:28 — A Common Medicare Annual Enrollment Mistake
Why deciding not to review your Medicare coverage can leave you unaware of changes to premiums, deductibles, drug coverage, and other costs.
21:07 — Comparing Your Medicare Coverage Options
The conversation breaks down Original Medicare with Part D, Original Medicare with a Medigap supplement and Part D, and Medicare Advantage.
23:59 — Understanding Prescription Drug Formularies
How Medicare drug plans determine covered medications and how deductibles, copays, drug tiers, and formularies can affect prescription costs.
27:04 — Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage
Kevin and Wendi discuss differences in premiums, out-of-pocket costs, provider networks, prior authorization, flexibility, and how you use healthcare.
30:19 — What a $0 Premium Medicare Advantage Plan Means
A zero-dollar premium means you do not pay an additional premium for that Medicare Advantage plan on top of your Part B premium; it does not mean all healthcare is free.
32:12 — Medicare Coverage for Snowbirds and Travelers
What to consider about provider networks, routine medical care, emergencies, prescriptions, and coverage if you travel or spend part of the year in another state.
34:48 — What to Watch for in Medicare Plans for 2027
Medication coverage, formularies, premiums, deductibles, copays, prior authorizations, provider networks, and extra benefits are all areas to review.
37:04 — How to Review Your Prescription Drug Coverage
Bring an accurate medication list that includes the drug name, dosage, and form, and check whether your pharmacy is in-network or preferred by the plan.
41:01 — Don’t Throw Away Your Annual Notice of Change
Wendi explains why you should read the Annual Notice of Change you receive from your Medicare Advantage or standalone Part D plan before Annual Enrollment.
42:22 — Look Beyond the Monthly Medicare Premium
Consider how often you expect to use healthcare, along with planned procedures, dental needs, medications, copays, and other costs when estimating your yearly expenses.
46:08 — Helping an Aging Parent Choose Medicare Coverage
Adult children can help an aging parent understand Medicare choices while making sure the parent has space to be heard and stay involved in the decision.
About Wendi Schoonover
Wendi Schoonover is the owner of Integrity Insurance Group and an Air Force veteran who began her healthcare career as a medic. After leaving active duty, she worked in home health and as a medical assistant before entering the insurance industry. Wendi has worked in insurance since approximately 2002 and has focused specifically on Medicare for nearly 13 years. She helps clients understand their Medicare choices and emphasizes education, careful plan review, and choosing coverage based on each person’s individual circumstances.
- Website: Integrity Insurance Group
- LinkedIn: Wendi Schoonover
About Kevin McGuire
Kevin McGuire is the owner of Tailored Health Designs. He began his healthcare-related career working with electronic health record software specializing in dialysis clinics, which introduced him to Medicare. He later worked in the call center of a national insurance carrier before starting his own business approximately six and a half years ago. Kevin helps clients evaluate Medicare options by considering their healthcare use, medications, providers, costs, and personal preferences.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
- Medicare Annual Notice of Change
- 1-800-MEDICARE
- Social Security for Medicare enrollment
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