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Dear Connie,
Last week I got an envelope from my Medicare Advantage plan marked “Annual Notice of Change.” I almost tossed it with my junk mail. Do I need to read it? What should I look for?
Almost tossed it in the trash,
Carol from San Diego, California
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Local, licensed insurance agents with 25+ years of combined experienceDear Carol,
I’m glad you asked before tossing it. Every fall, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans mail an important packet about next year’s coverage. Most people set it aside with their junk mail—a mistake worth avoiding.
Below, you’ll learn what these documents mean and what to check before the Annual Enrollment Period ends.
Private insurance companies that contract with Medicare run these plans, and ANOC stands for Annual Notice of Change—a short summary of everything about your plan that’s changing next year.
According to Medicare.gov, your plan sends this notice each fall. It may include changes to your:
These changes aren’t optional—they take effect automatically on January 1, so the letter is worth a few minutes of your time.
Use this checklist to confirm the plan selected for you:
A plan rated below 3 stars deserves a closer look. A 5-star plan offered in your local service area, on the other hand, may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period to switch almost any time of year.
The Medicare Evidence of Coverage, or EOC, is different. Instead of a short summary, the EOC is the complete guide to your plan’s terms and conditions, including covered services, costs, plan rules, appeal rights, and your responsibilities as a member. Think of it as your full health insurance handbook.
Rule of thumb: Start with the ANOC. Only turn to the EOC for more detail on one specific benefit or rule.
CMS requires plans to ensure you receive your ANOC by September 30 each year, either on paper or digitally if you chose electronic delivery. Prefer a printed copy? Call your plan and ask them to mail one.
If your ANOC hasn’t arrived by early October, contact your plan and request a copy. If you still don’t receive it, call 1-800-MEDICARE for assistance. Plans send the ANOC in September, so you have time to review any changes before deciding whether to keep or switch your coverage.
Agent tip:
Many people only look at their monthly premium, but changes to your drug coverage, provider network, or copays can have a much bigger impact on your health care costs. Review the entire ANOC before deciding to keep your current plan.
Sometimes an insurance company stops offering Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage in your area. If that happens, you’ll usually get a Notice of Termination instead of an ANOC. It tells you your plan is ending and lists other plans available in your area.
Many people in this situation qualify for a Special Enrollment Period and may have Guaranteed Issue Rights to choose new coverage, including a Medigap policy (also called Medicare Supplement plans), without waiting for the Annual Enrollment Period. A licensed insurance agent can walk you through your options.
Here’s some reassurance, Carol. If your plan continues next year and you’re happy with the changes, you don’t need to do anything—your coverage renews automatically on January 1.
Make this decision after reading your ANOC, not before. Staying enrolled is fine, as long as it’s informed. Still weighing your options? See our guide on whether you need to switch plans.
Don’t ignore that envelope this fall. Check your plan every year by reviewing your ANOC, even if you plan to stay put. Compare what matters most—premium, drug coverage, network, and extra benefits. Staying in your current plan is fine, as long as you know what you’re staying in.
Call (623) 223-8884 to speak with a licensed insurance agent for a no-cost plan review.
No-cost, unbiased serviceCompare all major plans and carriers Local, licensed insurance agents with 25+ years of combined experience
The Medicare ANOC, or Annual Notice of Change, is a letter your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan sends each fall. It explains changes to your premium, costs, and coverage that start on January 1.
No. The ANOC is a short summary of changes. The Evidence of Coverage explains everything your plan covers, including services, costs, and appeal rights.
Contact your plan right away if you haven’t received your ANOC by early October. If you can’t reach your plan, call 1-800-MEDICARE for help understanding next year’s coverage.
No. If you’re happy with the changes and your plan continues, you can stay enrolled without taking any action. Review the ANOC first, then decide if switching makes sense.
You’ll likely get a Notice of Termination instead of an ANOC. You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period and Guaranteed Issue Rights to choose new coverage, including a Medigap policy.
Read more by Renee van Staveren
Since 2009, I've been writing about complicated, technical issues, with the goal of making topics like Medicare and healthcare easier to understand. I've been writing about Medicare since 2021 and healthcare since 2019. I am an AmeriCorps alumni. I enjoy gardening, reading, and DIYing.
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