Why the Medicare ANOC Packet Is Your Most Important Mail of the Year

Each year, one piece of mail could have a bigger impact on your health coverage and your wallet than anything else you receive. It’s called the ANOC, or Annual Notice of Change, and in 2026, it’s more important than ever.

Let me explain why this one document could mean the difference between peace of mind and expensive surprises.

What Is the ANOC and Why Does It Matter?

The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) is a document your Medicare insurance company is required to send you by September 30th each year. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan or a standalone prescription drug plan (Part D), this packet outlines every change your plan will make for the upcoming year.

That includes:

• Premiums
• Co-pays and deductibles
• Drug coverage (formulary)
• In-network providers
• Pharmacy networks

Since Medicare plans are renewed annually, these changes can be significant. If you don’t review your ANOC, you risk being automatically re-enrolled into a plan that no longer meets your needs.

Who Gets an ANOC and Who Doesn’t?

Not everyone receives an ANOC. Here’s how it breaks down:

• You WILL receive an ANOC if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan or a standalone Part D drug plan.
• You WON’T receive an ANOC if you have Original Medicare only (Parts A & B) or a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan, because those plans don’t change annually. However, Medigap premiums may still increase.

If you’re in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, the ANOC is your first signal that it’s time to start evaluating whether your current plan still works for you.

What’s Different in 2026?

This year’s ANOC is especially important because 2026 will bring major Medicare changes, largely due to the Inflation Reduction Act. Here’s what you can expect:

• Higher drug deductibles: The Part D deductible increases from $590 in 2025 to $615 in 2026.
• New out-of-pocket limits: The drug cost cap rises to $2,100, up from $2,000.
• Fewer plan choices: With insurance companies taking on more financial risk, we expect fewer Part D plans and shrinking service areas.
• Formulary changes: Many medications may move to higher tiers or be dropped altogether.
• Reduced networks: Fewer doctors and pharmacies may be “in-network.”

This means your 2025 plan could look very different in 2026 and you won’t know unless you read your ANOC.

What to Look for in the ANOC

Don’t just glance at your ANOC and toss it aside. Here’s what I recommend you review carefully:

• Plan availability: Make sure your current plan is still being offered.
• Formulary changes: Are your medications still covered? Have their tiers changed?
• Pharmacy network: Are your preferred pharmacies still “preferred”?
• Premiums and co-pays: Look for changes in monthly costs, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums.
• Doctor and hospital networks: Confirm that your providers are still in-network.

Think of your ANOC as a stoplight: green means stay the course, yellow means proceed with caution, and red means it’s time to stop and switch.

What If You Don’t Like the Changes?

If your ANOC reveals changes that don’t work for you, you have options:

• October 15 – December 7: The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) lets you:
  • Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
  • Return to Original Medicare (and possibly add a Medigap plan and drug coverage).
  • Join or change standalone drug plans.
• January 1 – March 31: The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) gives those already in Medicare Advantage one more chance to switch plans or go back to Original Medicare.

Note: Switching from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare and adding a Medigap plan may require medical underwriting unless you qualify for guaranteed issue rights.

Get Help Before Making Changes

Medicare is complex and changes like the ones coming in 2026 make it even more important to seek guidance. Don’t go it alone. Reviewing your ANOC with a Medicare expert can help ensure you’re not stuck in a plan that:

• No longer covers your medications
• Removes your preferred doctors
• Becomes too expensive for your budget

We’re here to help you compare plans and make informed decisions.

Bottom Line:
Your ANOC isn’t just another piece of junk mail. It’s your first look at how your Medicare plan is changing and your best chance to make the right move during the enrollment window. Mark September 30th on your calendar, and don’t ignore that envelope when it arrives.