Definition. A yearly notice every Medicare Advantage and Part D plan must send its members before the Annual Enrollment Period, describing the plan's changes for the next year.
What it means
Your plan can change every January 1. The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) tells you how, including changes to:
- The monthly premium, deductible, copays and coinsurance.
- The drug list (formulary): drugs added, removed or moved to a different tier, and new rules such as prior authorization.
- The provider and pharmacy networks.
- Extra benefits, if the plan has them.
You should get it by September 30. Compare it with your doctors and prescriptions. If the plan still fits, you don't have to do anything. If it doesn't, you can change plans during the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 to December 7.
In Oregon
If your plan is leaving your Oregon county or ending for 2027, you get a non-renewal letter instead of a normal ANOC. You then have a special enrollment period through February 28, 2027 (choose by December 31, 2026 to avoid a gap) and a Medigap guaranteed issue right for 63 days after the plan ends. See plans ending in 2027.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Your yearly Medicare review (PDF)
- eCFR — 42 CFR 422.111, disclosure requirements (Annual Notice of Change)
- Medicare.gov — Joining a health or drug plan
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I ignore my ANOC?
Nothing is required of you. If you don't change plans during the Annual Enrollment Period, you usually stay in the same plan with its new premium, drug list and network on January 1.
What if I didn't get an ANOC?
Call the member services number on your plan card and ask for it. Plans also post the ANOC and Evidence of Coverage on their websites.
Medicare in your Oregon county
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