Understanding Your Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) Letter

As fall arrives, your mailbox starts filling up again, and one piece of mail is more important than the rest. Each September, if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, you’ll receive something called an Annual Notice of Change, or ANOC.

It might not look exciting, but reading it carefully could save you from higher costs or unexpected changes in coverage for the coming year.

What the ANOC Letter Is and Why You Receive It

The ANOC is a yearly update sent by your Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan. It explains what’s changing in your plan starting January 1 of the next year. These changes might include:

• Updated monthly premiums or deductibles
• Adjustments to drug coverage (your plan’s formulary)
• Provider network changes
• New rules for copays, coinsurance, or maximum out-of-pocket costs
• Updates to extra benefits like dental, vision, or fitness programs

You should receive your ANOC by September 30 each year. If it hasn’t arrived by early October, call your plan or contact 1-800-MEDICARE to request a copy.

Note: Only private Medicare Advantage and Part D plans send ANOC letters. If you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B only), you will not receive one.

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Why the ANOC Letter Matters

Even if you’re happy with your plan now, it could change in ways that affect your coverage next year. Reviewing your ANOC helps you decide whether to stay with your current plan or explore other Medicare Advantage plans during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7).

Pay close attention to:

• Premiums and Deductibles: Are they increasing?
• Copays or Coinsurance: Will your costs for doctor visits or medications rise?
• Provider Network: Are your preferred doctors and hospitals still covered?
• Prescription Coverage: Did any of your medications move to a different tier or drop from the list?
• Supplemental Benefits: Are dental, vision, or over-the-counter allowances changing?

How to Review Your ANOC Step by Step

Reading the ANOC doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a simple way to go through it:

1. Start with the “Summary of Changes” page. Highlight anything that increases your costs or limits your benefits.
2. Check your doctors and pharmacies. Call their offices to confirm they’ll remain in-network next year.
3. Review your prescriptions. See whether your medications are still covered and at what cost tier.
4. Compare plans. Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool or your insurer’s website to see how your current plan stacks up against others in your area.
5. Seek help if needed. Free counseling is available through your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

If everything in your ANOC looks good, you don’t need to take action—your plan will automatically renew for the next year. But it’s still smart to check whether a different plan might offer better value or benefits.

Key Enrollment Windows After You Get Your ANOC

Once you’ve reviewed your ANOC, you have specific times when you can make changes to your coverage:

• Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7): Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Changes take effect January 1.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan. 1 – Mar. 31): If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make one change or return to Original Medicare.
• Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Certain life events—like moving, losing coverage, or qualifying for Medicaid—may let you make changes outside of regular windows.

Common Issues the ANOC Can Reveal

Some plan changes might seem small, but can make a big difference once the new year starts. Watch for:

• Drug tier changes: Your medication might move to a higher cost tier.
• Provider removals: Your doctor or hospital could leave the network.
• Reduced benefits: Some plans lower allowances for dental or over-the-counter items.
• Higher out-of-pocket maximums: This could increase your yearly spending limit for care.

If you notice major changes, compare other plans or explore Medicare Supplement (Medigap) options to help cover costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay.

Takeaway: Don’t Ignore Your ANOC

Your Annual Notice of Change is your early alert about next year’s coverage. Reading it carefully gives you time to act before the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period ends on December 7.

Whether you decide to stay with your current Medicare Advantage plan or explore other options, reviewing your ANOC ensures that your doctors, prescriptions, and benefits continue to fit your needs for the year ahead.

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