Every September, millions of older adults receive an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter from their Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug providers. The purpose of the ANOC is to spell out any changes to health care costs and coverage for the following year, whether it’s a shift in premiums or co-pays or changes to provider networks or prescription drug benefits.

The information you’ll find in the ANOC can help you determine whether your Medicare Advantage and/or Medicare Part D plan will still meet your health and financial needs come Jan. 1. Learn what changes you need to consider for the upcoming coverage year. And pay special attention to any notice

Can my Medicare Advantage benefits change every year?

Yes. While original Medicare (Parts A and B) coverages are set by the federal government and don't typically change much from year to year, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are different.

“Since these plans are offered by private insurance companies, those companies are free to make annual changes to premiums, copays, deductibles, provider networks, and other plan terms,” said Ryan Ramsey, a Medicare expert and NCOA Associate Director of Health Coverage and Benefits. “That's why you’ll want to carefully review your ANOC each fall. You should know exactly what's changing, so you can decide if your current plan is still the best fit.”

When will I receive my Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)?

You should get your Medicare ANOC by Sept. 30. Your Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug coverage provider will send it by mail or email, depending on which option you chose. It should also be available on their website.

"The ANOC outlines exactly how your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan will change effective January 1, 2027,” NCOA's Ramsey told U.S. News & World Report. 

Don't assume a plan that worked well in 2026 will remain your best option. Even modest changes to costs, drug coverage or provider networks can significantly affect both access and affordability,” he said.

If you don’t receive it, contact your provider right away.

What information will I find in the ANOC?

The ANOC includes important updates about your Medicare Advantage plan. Here’s an overview of what you may find:  

• Monthly premium: Your premium may go up, stay the same, or even decrease.  

✅ Ask yourself: Can I comfortably afford this premium next year?

• Maximum out-of-pocket amount: This is the most you’ll have to pay for Medicare-covered services in the upcoming year.

✅ Ask yourself: If I have a serious illness or hospitalization, could I afford this amount?

• Doctor office visits: You’ll see the co-pay amount for visits to primary care physicians and specialists.

✅ Ask yourself: Do I see my doctors often enough that higher co-pays could affect my costs?

• Inpatient hospital stays: Your plan might not have a co-pay for hospital stays, but if it does, that amount may change. Some plans have a fixed co-pay for the entire stay (for example, $300 per stay), while others might charge a daily co-pay for the first few days (for example, $250 per day for the first five days). Be sure to check for updates to these costs.

✅ Ask yourself: If I needed to stay in the hospital, how much would I pay?

• Part D prescription drug coverage: There could be a few changes to your Medicare Part D plan. If your plan has a deductible, it might be different next year. You could also see changes to the co-pays for medication in Tiers 1 through 5. It’s a good idea to check your plan’s drug list to see if any of the medications you take have been moved to a different tier.

✅ Ask yourself: Are all of my prescriptions still covered, and will they cost more next year?

• Provider and pharmacy networks: The ANOC will tell you if any of your doctors, hospitals, or pharmacies are leaving the network. You can check for an updated list of providers on your plan’s website. You can also ask for a printed copy to be mailed to you. All of this information is also included in your ANOC.

✅ Ask yourself: Will I still be able to see my preferred doctors and specialists and use my favorite pharmacy?

• Benefits and costs for medical services: This section highlights any changes to co-pays and coverage for things like emergency care, outpatient surgery, or care in a skilled nursing facility.

✅ Ask yourself: Have any of my most-used health care services become more expensive or changed in coverage?

• Extra benefits: The benefits that come with many Medicare Advantage plans can change from year to year. This includes dental, vision, and hearing care; wellness programs; transportation; and over the counter (OTC) allowances.

✅ Ask yourself: Will I still have access to the benefits I use most? Have any of my extra benefits changed or been removed?

What should I do when I get my ANOC letter?

When your Medicare ANOC arrives, generally by Sept. 30, open and read it as soon as possible. This gives you enough time to review any changes and decide if you need to make adjustments to your Medicare plans during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (Oct.15-Dec. 7).

Here is a helpful action plan you’ll find in more detail in your ANOC letter:  

1. Ask: What changes affect you?

• Check if changes in benefits, premiums, or drug coverage impact you.
• Review costs for medical care and ensure your drugs are still covered.
• Verify your doctors and pharmacies remain in-network.

2. Compare: Explore other plans

• Use the Medicare Plan Finder or the Medicare & You handbook to check coverage and costs for other plans in your area.

3. Choose: Decide to switch or stay

• If you're happy with your current plan, you'll stay enrolled unless you switch plans during open enrollment.

I received an Evidence of Coverage (EOC). What is the difference between an ANOC and an EOC?

The ANOC gives you an overview of changes to your plan for the coming year, but if you want more detailed information, you should check your plan’s Evidence of Coverage (EOC). The EOC explains your legal rights and outlines what your plan covers. Some providers send the EOC along with the ANOC but if not, you can find it on your plan’s website or ask customer service to mail you a copy.

Who can I talk to if I have questions about my ANOC and Medicare coverage?

If you have any questions, contact your plan’s customer service department. They can help you understand the details of your coverage.

To get information from Medicare, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Help is available 24/7, except for on federal holidays, when the offices are closed. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. Or, visit Medicare.gov.

You can also reach out your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Federally funded SHIPs provides free, unbiased help to people with Medicare and their families.