Quick Answer
The Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter is an important document you receive each September. The ANOC outlines any changes to your Medicare plan that will go into effect the following year. It’s important to review your ANOC so that you can determine if you want to make changes to your Medicare plan to ensure you’re getting the right coverage for your needs.
Coverage Comparison by Plan Type
| Plan Type | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Original Medicare | Varies | Coverage depends on specific services |
| Medicare Advantage | Varies | Additional benefits may be available |
| Medigap | Supplements | Helps cover out-of-pocket costs |
Understanding Your Coverage Options
Who Will Receive the Medicare ANOC Letter?
You can expect to receive a Medicare Annual Notice of Change letter if you are a beneficiary with Medicare Advantage or a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
However, you should not expect to receive an Annual Notice of Change for a Medicare Supplement plan. That is because Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans do not incur annual changes to benefits. So, the letter is not necessary.
What is Medicare Annual Notice of Change?
The Medicare Annual Notice of Change letter is something you receive every year from your Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Part D plan. The ANOC provides all of the information you need on any changes to your plan’s cost and coverage that will take place on January 1st of the following year.
It’s a good idea to thoroughly review your Annual Notice of Change Medicare updates to see if your current plan will still meet your healthcare needs and budget in the new year.
You should contact your plan’s insurance company if you do not receive your ANOC.
Changes to Medicare Plans You Can You Anticipate
The ANOC letter will include any changes to your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan. It will outline cost changes and, if applicable, benefit and service area changes.
Those on Medicare Advantage will receive a letter from their private insurance company providing their coverage. The correspondence will include changes in costs, benefits, and any adjustments to the service area.
Private insurers offering Medicare Part D plans must also send their beneficiaries an ANOC letter. For Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, the ANOC will outline any cost, service area, and formulary changes.
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
David Haass
AuthorDavid Haass is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Elite Insurance Partners and MedicareFAQ.com.
Ashlee Zareczny
ReviewerAshlee Zareczny is the Director of Operations for MedicareFAQ. As a licensed Medicare agent in all 50 states, she is dedicated to educating those eligible for Medicare.