The ANOC for Medicare Advantage Enrollees: Why It’s Important

The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) is a letter your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan sends each year to explain what’s changing in your plan for the next calendar year — usually things like:

• Monthly premiums
  
• Deductibles and copays
  
• Prescription drug coverage
  
• Network providers
  
• New extra benefits (vision, dental, hearing, etc.)
  
• Reduced or eliminated benefits
   

Even if you’re happy with your current plan, these changes can impact your care or costs — so it’s worth the few minutes to take a look.

When should I expect it?

Your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan must send your ANOC by September 30 each year. This gives you time to review changes before the Medicare Open Enrollment Period starts on October 15.

How do I read it?

Most ANOCs include a side-by-side comparison showing “This Year” vs. “Next Year.” Use it to quickly spot increases in your:

• Monthly premium 
• Annual deductible 
• Copay or coinsurance amounts
  
• Drug coverage tiers
   

Also, check to see if your doctors and pharmacies are still in-network, and whether any extra benefits have been added or removed.

We also suggest reviewing the plan’s formulary (list of covered drugs) for next year to see if your drugs will continue to be covered, and in which tier they are covered.  You can see a copy of the 2026 formulary on the Medicare Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov, or the plan’s website.

What should I look for?

Ask yourself:

• Are your prescriptions still covered and affordable?
• Are your doctors still in the network?
• Are your benefits changing, like dental, vision, or fitness perks?
• Are your out-of-pocket costs going up?

If the answer to any of those is “yes,” you may want to compare plans during the Open Enrollment Period: October 15 – December 7 (in most states). 

Final Tip

Even if you don’t plan to change plans, the ANOC is your early warning system. It tells you if your coverage is still a good fit before the new year begins.

You don’t have to re-enroll in your current plan— but this is your chance to shop for a different plan if your needs (or your plan) have changed.

If you would like help understanding your options, we are always here to help!