Your Annual Notice of Change Helps Eliminate Medicare Guess Work
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, copayment 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 Period
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. [i] The message can include updates like changes in pricing, provider networks, medications that will no longer be covered, etc.
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.
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 medications or other parts of your health plan. Make a list of the providers you are seeing and the ones you would like to be able to see. Likewise, make a list of any prescriptions you are currently taking and any medical care you may need. When your lists are complete, compare them with your ANOC to ensure your plan covers your needs, or if you may need 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?
Changes can vary from year to year, but the most common changes include:
- Monthly plan premiums and deductibles (increasing or decreasing)
- Prescription drugs that are covered, costs and management restrictions
- Pharmacy and provider networks
- Co-payments for medical treatment and doctors’ visits
I did not receive my ANOC. What do I do?
Beneficiaries do not have to request the ANOC and 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 the address they have is correct. Be sure to check your mail carefully at that time of year. Some ANOCs can end up in the trash if mistaken for brochures or promotional mail. You can contact your Medicare Advantage plan for a copy of your ANOC.
If you’re a GoHealth member and have questions about your ANOC, give us a call. One of our licensed insurance agents will check your plan and make sure you have the most current info.
I want to change my plan based on what is in the ANOC. When can I do that?
Even though you can expect your ANOC at 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.
