Like the first tree to turn color in the fall, the Annual Notice of Changes, also known as the ANOC, is the first sign of the season – Annual Enrollment season, that is. Reviewing and understanding this important document is the first step in making sure you get the coverage you need from your Medicare plan next year.
If you have a Medicare Advantage, Cost or Drug plan, the Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC) tells you about Medicare changes that will take effect Jan. 1, impacting your current plan benefits and costs.
The ANOC makes reviewing your plan simple so you can determine if it’s still meeting your needs. This will help you decide if you want to stick with your current plan, make changes to your coverage or switch between plans during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period.
This announcement can also include new services that will be covered, services that will no longer be covered and changes to coverage of existing benefits.
If you have Medicare Part D (prescription drug) coverage, your plan’s drug list (formulary) will most likely change as new medicines are added and certain medicines are moved to a different cost tier or removed from the list. Stay up to date on drug formulary changes so you know what your plan covers and how much you’ll pay for medicines.
You’ll want to make sure your doctor, hospital, pharmacy and other health care providers are still on the list of providers your Medicare plan will help pay for (network). Your ANOC will most likely say that there are changes, but you’ll have to check your plan’s provider and pharmacy directories to find out exactly what changed. Your ANOC packet will include information on how to access the directories online or how to order a paper copy.
You should receive your ANOC from your plan in the mail, via email or however else a plan chooses to make this information available by Sept. 30. Key dates include:
| Sept. 30 | Your Annual Notice of Changes arrives |
| Oct. 1 | You can begin shopping for a new plan, if needed |
| Oct. 15 – Dec. 7 | Annual Enrollment begins, giving you the opportunity to join, switch or drop health and drug plans for the coming year |
| Jan. 1 | Your new plan or any changes with your existing plan take effect |
To prevent surprises in January, you should review your ANOC and understand the changes being made to your plan. If you have a friend or family member who’s had problems with their current plan, check with them to see if they need help understanding the changes.
We’re here to support you along the way so you can continue to live a better, healthier life. Learn all about your HealthPartners Medicare plan options.
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