What Is the Annual Notice of Change — and Why You Need to Read It
Every fall, Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D prescription drug plan members receive an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). This document, mailed by your insurance carrier, details how your plan will change for the upcoming year.
Most people glance at it — or worse, toss it aside — but this year it’s more important than ever.
What is the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)?
The ANOC is a summary of your plan’s changes, mailed by September 30 each year. It outlines:
- Premium changes (how much you’ll pay each month)
- Copay and deductible changes (what you’ll pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions)
- Coverage changes (which benefits are added, reduced, or removed)
- Network changes (which doctors, hospitals, or pharmacies may no longer be covered)
Why is reading your ANOC especially critical this year?
Some Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are being discontinued for the upcoming year. If your plan is going away:
- You may NOT be “crosswalked” into a new plan automatically.
- This means you could lose coverage on January 1 if you don’t actively choose a new plan. Or you‘ll be enrolled in a Part D plan with just Medicare Parts A and B.
- Even if you are moved into a different plan, it may not have the same costs, network, or benefits you’re used to.
What happens if you ignore your ANOC?
- You could end up paying higher premiums or copays than expected.
- Your prescriptions may no longer be covered — or may cost more.
- You could lose access to your preferred doctors or hospitals.
- In some cases, you could be left without coverage altogether if your plan is terminated.
What should you do now?
- Open and review your ANOC carefully.
- Compare your current plan to your options for next year.
- Work with a licensed Medicare advisor to make sure you stay covered and avoid surprise costs.
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) — October 15 to December 7 — is your time to make changes for January 1. But don’t wait until the last minute; get your questions answered early.
Bottom line: This year, your ANOC isn’t just a routine letter — it’s your guide to making sure your Medicare coverage stays exactly where you need it to be. Don’t leave it unread in the pile of mail.