What the ANOC is
The Annual Notice of Change is the document that tells you what will be different in your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan for the coming year. Plans generally must send it so you have it by September 30. Annual Enrollment then runs October 15 – December 7. Changes in the ANOC usually take effect January 1. The Evidence of Coverage (EOC) is the longer rulebook. Start with the ANOC; use the EOC if you need the fine print.
Why “I’m happy with my plan” is not enough
A plan can keep the same name and still change. Networks, drug lists, copays, premiums, and extra benefits can all move. A doctor who was in-network this year may not be next year. A drug that was on a low tier can move to a higher one — or off the list. The ANOC is how you find that out before January, not after a claim is denied.
What to check, in order
Read it against the care you actually use — not against a friend’s plan or a TV ad.
- Monthly premium and any Part B giveback (those can change)
- Your doctors, specialists, and the hospital you already use
- Your prescriptions: formulary, tiers, prior authorization, preferred pharmacy
- Medical copays, the yearly maximum out-of-pocket, and skilled-nursing rules
- Dental, vision, hearing, OTC, and transportation extras — if you rely on them
If you have Original Medicare and Medigap
You may not get a Medicare Advantage ANOC. You still get notices that matter: a Part D ANOC if you have a drug plan, Social Security notices about the Part B premium and IRMAA, and — in California — a chance to review Medigap around your birthday. Original Medicare cost-sharing also updates each year. “I have Medigap” is not a reason to skip the mail in the fall.
Reading it is not the same as changing
Annual Enrollment is a window to review, not an obligation to switch. Many people stay after they check the ANOC. Some people need to change because a doctor, drug, or cost moved. The annual review checklist on this site is a print list for that reading — it does not enroll you or pick a plan.
If you never got the packet
Call the number on your member ID card and ask them to send the ANOC and EOC. You can also review plan materials on Medicare.gov. Do not wait until January and assume nothing changed.
Common questions
- When should the ANOC arrive?
- Medicare Advantage and Part D plans generally must make sure you have the Annual Notice of Change by September 30 for the following year. Confirm with your plan if you do not see it.
- Does reading the ANOC mean I have to change plans?
- No. It tells you what will change on January 1. You can stay or use Annual Enrollment (October 15–December 7) if something important moved. This website does not enroll you.
- I have Original Medicare. Do I get an ANOC?
- You will not get a Medicare Advantage ANOC. If you have a standalone Part D plan, that plan sends its own ANOC. Watch Social Security mail for Part B premium and IRMAA notices.
Worksheet
Annual review checklist
Doctors, drugs, hospitals, and suppliers to gather before October 15. Print and keep.
Use this before October 15. It does not enroll you or pick a plan.
Worksheet
Which enrollment window am I in?
IEP, AEP, Medicare Advantage OEP, Birthday Rule, and employer SEPs — which one may apply today.