Aging gracefully: Supporting the mental health of older adults
As we age, mental and physical changes can leave some people feeling left behind—perhaps even more isolated as a result of the pandemic, and other life changes. It doesn’t have to be that way.
Listen in for a discussion about special considerations affecting the mental health of older adults, and how to recognize signs of depression.
In this episode we hear from Angela Perri, vice president and chief Medicare officer for UPMC’s Insurance Services Division and Dr. Shannah Tharp-Gilliam, deputy director for the Area Agency on Aging within the Allegheny County Department of Human Services in Western Pennsylvania.
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Chief Medicare Officer, UPMC Health Plan
Adjunct Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health
Angela L. Perri leads the Health Plan’s Medicare Products division, which includes the Medicare Advantage and Special Needs Plans (SNP) known as UPMC for Life. She provides strategic direction for the Medicare-SNP products focused on serving all seniors, persons with disabilities, and those who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
Angela has nearly 25 years of experience in managed health care and managed behavioral health care. Prior to joining UPMC Health Plan, she served in executive leadership roles for several Fortune 100 organizations including UnitedHealth Group (Optum), Centene Corporation, and Amerigroup (an Anthem Company).
She is recognized as an expert on population health program designs such as models of care for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Foster Care (children), Managed Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) and integrated behavioral health, digital and technology solutions supporting strategies for value-based care and other innovations. She is passionately committed to serving the underserved in health care and education.
