ANOC stands for Annual Notice of Change. Medicare sends it each September to tell you how your plan’s costs and benefits are changing next year. You should read it carefully before AEP opens October 15.
Want help reading yours? Book a free ANOC review with a licensed agent.
What Is an ANOC Letter?
Every Medicare Advantage and Part D plan is required to mail its members an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) by September 30 each year. It spells out exactly what’s different about your plan for the coming year — premium, deductible, copays, drug formulary, and provider network changes — compared to what you have right now. It arrives before AEP (October 15 – December 7) specifically so you have time to review it and decide whether to keep your plan or switch.
What to Look for in Your ANOC
Your ANOC letter is usually several pages, but a few sections matter most:
- Premium changes — is your monthly premium going up, down, or staying the same?
- Deductible and maximum out-of-pocket — has either limit increased?
- Drug formulary and tiers — has your medication moved to a higher-cost tier, or dropped from the formulary entirely?
- Provider network — are your doctors and preferred hospital still listed as in-network?
- Extra benefits — has your plan changed or removed dental, vision, hearing, or OTC allowances?
If your drug list has changed, it’s worth checking that against the 2026 $2,100 Part D out-of-pocket cap to understand how the cap and your plan’s cost-sharing structure interact.
What to Do If Your Plan Is Changing Significantly
If your ANOC shows a meaningful premium increase, a key medication moving to a higher tier, or your doctor dropping out of network, it’s worth comparing your plan against others available in your area during AEP. Start by checking:
- Whether your current doctors are in-network under other plans you’re considering
- Whether your medications are covered at a lower tier elsewhere
- What your total estimated annual cost looks like — not just the premium — under each option
Our Turning 65 guide and Medicare Advantage guide walk through how plan types differ if you’re considering a bigger change, like switching between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare.
When to Consider Switching Plans
Not every ANOC change means you should switch. A small premium increase or a minor network adjustment may not be worth the disruption of moving to a new plan. But if your ANOC shows your specific medications losing coverage, your regular doctor leaving the network, or a large jump in your maximum out-of-pocket, it’s worth a real comparison before December 7. A licensed agent can walk through your ANOC with you and compare it against every plan available in your county.
Book a free ANOC review before AEP ends, or explore our free Medicare resources hub for guides and calculators you can use first.
When does my ANOC letter arrive?
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are required to mail Annual Notice of Change letters to members by September 30 each year, ahead of AEP opening October 15.
What’s the difference between an ANOC and an EOC (Evidence of Coverage)?
The ANOC summarizes what’s changing about your plan for the coming year. The Evidence of Coverage (EOC) is the full, detailed description of your plan’s benefits, rules, and costs — the ANOC tells you what changed; the EOC is the complete reference document.
Do I have to do anything if I get an ANOC and I’m happy with my plan?
No action is required if you’re satisfied with the changes described — your plan will simply continue into the new year. Reading it is still worthwhile so you aren’t surprised by a cost or network change partway through the year.
What if I lose my ANOC letter?
You can typically view your plan’s ANOC and Evidence of Coverage documents online through your plan’s member portal, or you can call your plan directly to request a copy.
Informational purposes only. This article is for general education and reflects 2026 Medicare figures; it is not insurance, legal, or financial advice. Kayla Price is a licensed insurance agent (NPN 18530055) with Price Services Group, LLC, an independent agency not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for a complete view of all your options.