How to read your Annual Notice of Change

If you have a Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plan, your plan sends an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) each fall, usually by September 30. It lists what changes in your plan on January 1. Annual Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, and that is your main chance each year to act on it.

Start here: is a Medicare Supplement a better fit?

Many people read the ANOC and only compare it with other Advantage plans. It is also a good time to ask whether Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and a Part D plan would suit you better.

• A Medicare Supplement helps pay costs Original Medicare doesn't, such as coinsurance.
• You can see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. There are no plan networks.
• Supplement plans are standardized by letter, so Plan G has the same benefits from every company that sells it. Premiums differ.
• Outside of guaranteed-issue situations, a supplement application may include health questions. Ask before you drop any coverage.

What to check in your ANOC

1. Premium. Is the monthly plan premium changing?
2. Maximum out-of-pocket. For Advantage plans, check the yearly limit on what you could pay for covered services.
3. Doctors and hospitals. The ANOC may not list network changes. Check that your doctors and hospitals are still in network for next year.
4. Copays and coinsurance. Compare office visits, specialists, hospital stays and outpatient care.
5. Drugs. Check that each of your prescriptions is still on the drug list (formulary), and its tier and cost.
6. Plan ending. If the notice says your plan won't be offered next year, see Medicare Advantage plan ending. You may have a time-limited right to buy a supplement without health questions.

What if you already have a Medicare Supplement?

Supplement plans don't send an ANOC, and Annual Enrollment doesn't change your supplement. Your benefits stay the same, but your premium can change. Oklahoma's birthday rule gives you a yearly 60-day window to move to equal or lesser benefits without health questions. Annual Enrollment is still the time to review your separate Part D drug plan.

Your choices during Annual Enrollment

• Keep your plan. If it is still offered, you don't need to do anything.
• Switch to another Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
• Leave Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare, with a Part D plan and, if you qualify, a Medicare Supplement.

Changes made by December 7 generally start January 1.

Want a second set of eyes?

Bring your ANOC and your list of doctors and prescriptions. I'll walk through it with you, starting with Medicare Supplement options, at no cost to you.

Sources: Medicare.gov Plan Finder; Medicare.gov, Joining a plan; Medicare & You 2027 handbook. The OID Medicare Assistance Program (800-763-2828) can also help.