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Understanding Medicare > Medicare Beneficiary Guide

Your Annual Notice of Change Helps Eliminate Medicare Guess Work

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Written by:
Andrew Hall
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Reviewed by:
Brett Braithwaite

Key Takeaways

  • The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) is a letter that you will receive by mail that outlines changes to your Medicare plan for the following year
  • Coverage changes outlined in your ANOC can include prescription drug coverage, copaymentA copayment is the fixed amount you pay directly to your provider for medical services or prescription drugs covered in your plan. For example: If your plan includes a copayment of $20 for office visits, you’ll pay $20 to your doctor whenever you have an appointment. amounts, and other important Medicare updates
  • GoHealth licensed insurance agents can help you review your ANOC and compare possible benefit changes before or during the Medicare Annual Enrollment PeriodThe Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), also known as the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, allows you can enroll, change or drop Medicare coverage. The period takes place from October 15 through December 7 each year; changes take effect January 1.

 

What Is the Annual Notice of Change?

The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) is a letter or brochure that informs you of changes to your Medicare Advantage plan for the following year. The message can include updates like changes in pricing, provider networks, and medications that will no longer be covered.

All plans are required to send this document to beneficiaries by mail no later than September 30, ahead of the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which begins on October 15. The ANOC allows members to evaluate any changes to their plan and then decide if they should make coverage changes during AEP.

Discover how GoHealth can help you.

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What Should I Do with My Annual Notice of Change?

Read your ANOC carefully when you receive it. It’s essential to know if coverage changes will affect your access to medications or other benefits.

Write down lists of your preferred healthcare providers, any prescriptions you are currently taking, and any medical care you expect to need. When your lists are complete, compare them with your ANOC to ensure you’re on the right plan. Otherwise, you may prefer to choose a different plan during AEP (Annual Enrollment Period).

A GoHealth licensed insurance agent can help you compare plans free of charge with no obligation to enroll.

What Kind of Changes Can I Expect To See?

Plan changes may affect your:

  • Premiums and deductibles
  • Coverage for specific prescription drugs
  • Costs and management restrictions for prescriptions
  • Pharmacy and provider networks
  • Copayments and coinsurance for office visits, treatments, and equipment

What Medicare coverage is right for my specific situation?

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I Did Not Receive My ANOC. What Do I Do?

Beneficiaries do not have to request the ANOC and should receive it by mail automatically every year. Some plans use postal mail and email if they have both addresses on file.

If you do not receive your ANOC by the beginning of October, check with your carrier to make sure they have the correct address. Check your mail carefully at that time of year. Some ANOCs can end up in the trash if mistaken for brochures or promotional mail.

If necessary, you can contact your Medicare Advantage plan for a copy of your ANOC.

For other questions about your ANOC, give GoHealth a call. One of our licensed insurance agents will check your plan and make sure you have the right coverage for your needs.

 

When Can I Change My Plan Based on What’s in the ANOC?

Even though you can expect your ANOC by the beginning of October, plans cannot be changed until October 15, the start of AEP. Changes made during AEP will take effect on January 1 of the following year.

FAQs

Medicare Advantage plans can frequently change, so it is beneficial to review the ANOC with a licensed GoHealth licensed insurance agent every year.

The ANOC is sent to you from your specific plan, so it has details about your benefits only.

It’s important to understand the benefits you’ll need in the upcoming year. If your ANOC reveals changes to your plan that don’t fit your needs, it’s a good idea to start comparing other plans that include the coverage you need. A GoHealth licensed insurance agent can make comparing plans easy.

My Medicare coverage doesn’t address all of my needs.

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