Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)
The Annual Notice of Change is a document your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan sends each fall describing changes to costs, benefits, and coverage for the coming year. Review it before the Annual Enrollment Period to decide whether to keep or change your plan.
Understanding Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)
The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) is a document your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan must send you each fall — generally by September 30 — describing exactly how your plan will change in the coming year. It spells out changes to premiums, deductibles, copays, the provider network, and the drug formulary.
For beneficiaries, the ANOC is the single most important piece of mail to read before the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7). Plans change every year, and the coverage that fit you this year may cost more or drop a key drug or doctor next year. Reviewing the ANOC tells you whether to keep your plan or shop for a better one.
For example, your ANOC might reveal that your $0 premium is rising to $29 a month, your preferred pharmacy is leaving the network, and one of your medications is moving from Tier 2 to Tier 4 — all reasons to compare alternatives during AEP.
Have questions about your Annual Notice of Change? Get a free Medicare review and we will go through your ANOC and compare your options.
Related Terms
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch to Original Medicare, or change Part D plans.
Part D
Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. You can get it through a standalone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) or through a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D coverage in one plan.
Need Help Understanding Your Options?
A licensed Medicare advisor can explain how annual notice of change (anoc) applies to your specific situation.
Get a Free Medicare Review