Yearly plan changes • 2026 educational resource
Annual Notice of Change guide
If you are enrolled in a Medicare health or drug plan, your plan sends an Annual Notice of Change—often called an ANOC—each fall. It explains coverage, cost, and other changes that take effect in January.
When it arrives
Medicare says plans generally provide the ANOC in September. If you do not receive it, contact your plan. Keep it with the plan’s Evidence of Coverage and other documents for the coming year.
What to compare
- Monthly premium and medical or drug deductibles
- Copayments and coinsurance and, for Medicare Advantage coverage, the plan’s maximum out-of-pocket amount for covered Part A and Part B services
- Covered services and benefit limits
- Provider and facility network changes
- Drug formulary, tier, pharmacy, and utilization-rule changes
- Prior authorization and referral requirements
What the ANOC cannot answer by itself
The ANOC summarizes changes; it does not replace the full Evidence of Coverage, provider directory, formulary, or an individualized cost comparison. Verify important doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, and pharmacies using current plan sources.
After reviewing it
You may decide your current coverage still fits. If you consider a change, compare current official plan information and understand the enrollment period and effective date before submitting a request.
Official sources
Related resources
Important information
Wise Owl Insurance Group is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Plan availability and details vary by location, eligibility, and plan year. This staging page is educational and must receive final compliance review before production launch.