How to review your Annual Notice of Change
Fifteen minutes in September can save you a year of surprises.
If you're in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, your plan must send you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) by September 30. It lists what's changing on January 1: premiums, deductibles, copays, drug coverage and more.
Plans change every year. Reading the ANOC before Open Enrollment starts on October 15 is the simplest way to catch a change that affects you.
Reviewed by Joshua H. Pannell, Licensed Insurance Agent (SC license #400481) ·
What to check in your Annual Notice of Change
- Premium and deductible: what you'll pay before the plan starts paying.
- Your drugs: are they still covered, on what tier, and are there new prior authorization, step therapy or quantity limits?
- Pharmacies: is your pharmacy still in network, and still preferred?
- Doctors and hospitals (Medicare Advantage): are they still in network?
- Copays and coinsurance for services you use often.
- The out-of-pocket limit for the year.
- Extra benefits: were any dropped or reduced?
Then compare
Even if nothing in the ANOC worries you, compare your plan with others in the Medicare Plan Finder using your actual drug list. Total yearly cost, not premium, is the number to compare. Plans' star ratings for the coming year are published in October.
If you want to change
Make your change between October 15 and December 7. The last change you make by December 7 takes effect January 1. If you don't act, you'll usually stay in your current plan with its new terms.
Common questions
Call your plan and ask for it, or look for it on the plan's website. You can also compare the plan's new costs in the Medicare Plan Finder.
No. The ANOC comes from Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Medicare announces Original Medicare's new premiums and deductibles each fall.
Want help comparing your options?
Currently we represent 41 organizations which offer 397 products in your area. You can always contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for help with plan choices.
Sources
- Joining a health or drug plan, Medicare.gov. Checked September 29, 2026.
- Costs for Medicare drug coverage, Medicare.gov. Checked September 29, 2026.
General information about the federal Medicare program, not advice about your situation. Figures are for 2026 unless stated and change every year; last reviewed September 29, 2026. Quote My Policy is a private company. Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
Currently we represent 41 organizations which offer 397 products in your area. You can always contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for help with plan choices.