Annual Notice of Change
Use the ANOC to identify changes in premium, benefits, networks, formulary, and costs.
What the notice does
A Medicare plan sends an Annual Notice of Change each fall to identify changes taking effect in January. Medicare lists changes in coverage, costs and service area among its contents. The notice highlights differences; the Evidence of Coverage contains detailed next-year benefit and payment rules. Read both for the same year and exact plan rather than relying on the prior year’s brochure.
Official source: Medicare: Annual Notice of Change ↗ · Medicare: Evidence of Coverage ↗
Check the money lines
Mark changes in the plan premium, medical deductible, physician copays, hospital charges, covered medical maximum and drug tiers. Continue accounting for the Part B premium and any SSA income adjustment. A lower premium can be offset by an increased hospital copay or by a drug moving to a more costly tier. Calculate total expected annual cost for your services.
Official source: Medicare: Annual Notice of Change ↗ · Medicare: Medicare Advantage guide ↗ · Medicare: 2026 costs ↗
Networks and drug access need direct confirmation
The notice may flag changes, but you should confirm each physician and hospital in the coming year’s directory and with the office. Re-enter exact medicines and pharmacies into the new plan-year comparison. Medicare says Advantage networks can change within the year as well, so a fall check does not guarantee a provider will participate forever.
Official source: Medicare: Annual Notice of Change ↗ · Medicare: Provider network fact sheet ↗ · Medicare: Compare plans ↗
Decide before December 7
Fall Open Enrollment ends December 7 for changes generally beginning January 1. Review alternatives available at your ZIP and keep the exact plan ID, application date and confirmation if you switch. If you keep existing coverage, its published next-year changes generally apply automatically. A nonrenewal or move may create other rights that require separate examination.
Official source: Medicare: Open Enrollment ↗ · Medicare: Joining a plan ↗ · Medicare: Special election situations ↗
Store the notice with your plan record
Keep the Annual Notice of Change and Evidence of Coverage as dated PDFs or paper copies, along with provider and drug confirmations. When a bill or denial arises, the applicable coverage-year document and formal plan determination matter more than an old advertisement. Medicare provides paths to request a coverage determination and appeal an adverse decision.
Official source: Medicare: Medicare Advantage guide ↗ · Medicare: Evidence of Coverage ↗