Every August/September, your Medicare Advantage (MA) or Part D drug plan drops a thick envelope in your mailbox titled “Plan Annual Notice of Change (ANOC).” It’s the plan’s yearly “heads-up” on what will look different starting January 1, and by rule it has to reach you no later than September 30.
Why the deadline? CMS wants to give you at least two weeks to digest any surprises before the Annual Election Period (AEP) opens Oct 15 – Dec 7—your window to switch if the new deal doesn’t work for you.
Below is a quick, no-jargon checklist to help you breeze through the packet in under 30 minutes.
1. Monthly Premium & Plan Type
- What to look for: Any bump in your MA or Part D premium, or a change from “$0-premium” to a dollar amount.
- Why it matters: Even a modest $10 increase is $120 a year back in your pocket—or not.
- Heads-up for 2026: Part D is getting a makeover under the Inflation Reduction Act; out-of-pocket drug costs will top out around $2,100 in 2026 (indexed from the $2,000 cap coming in 2025).
2. Copays, Coinsurance & Maximum-Out-Of-Pocket (MOOP)
- Check urgent-care, ER, specialist, and hospital copays.
- For MA plans, note the MOOP number—once you hit it, the plan pays 100 %.
- For Part D, scan the new “standard benefit” chart; tiers can shift even if premiums don’t.
3. Drug Formulary & Pharmacy Network
- Look for: Drugs added, dropped, or bumped to a higher tier.
- Tip: Highlight any med you fill regularly; if the tier changes, that usually means a higher copay.
- Also glance at the preferred-pharmacy list—your favorite store could slide out of network.
4. Provider & Service Area Changes
- Provider network: If your primary doctor or hospital is suddenly out, flag it.
- Service area: Moving? Some plans redraw county lines; you could lose coverage after a relocation and trigger a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
5. Extra Benefits & Star Rating
- MA plans often tweak extras—dental caps, vision allowances, OTC card amounts, gym memberships.
- Star rating: The ANOC shows the plan’s new CMS star score (1–5). Anything below 3 is your cue to shop; anything 5-Star gives you a year-round SEP to jump ship later if you miss AEP.
Quick Next Steps
- Circle anything that changed. Even “small” tweaks add up.
- Call or email your broker. We’ll price the alternatives and see if a switch makes sense.
- Mark the calendar: AEP starts October 15—after December 7 you’re locked in until 2026 unless you get a SEP.
Need a Second Pair of Eyes?
That’s what we’re here for. Shoot your broker a quick message or set a 10-minute call. We’ll translate the fine print, compare 2026 options, and make sure your coverage—and your wallet—are ready for the year ahead.